Recommended Protein Intake for Stage 3 CKD

A balanced diet plays a vital role in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD).In stage 3 CKD,the kidneys are impaired moderately.It is important for the patients to follow recommended diet.What is the recommended protein intake for stage 3 CKD?

Significance of protein in human body

Proteins have the following functions in human body.

-Important source of energy in body

-Repair body tissue

-Antibodies and enzymes

-Make hormones

-Balance acid-base, fluid and electrolytes

While protein has so many health benefits in human body,the patients with stage 3 CKD often have to limit protein intake.

Recommended protein intake for stage 3 CKD

The metabolic product of protein is urea. Healthy nephrons have millions of nephrons that can filter urea.Then the urea will be eliminated from body in the form of urine.

However,in stage 3 CKD,the nephrons become scarred and impaired.As a result,the kidneys become less capable in removing protein waste.As urea starts to build up in body,the patients will experience a host of discomforts such as nausea and vomiting,fatigue,taste changes and itching.

In stage 3 CKD, there is a moderate decrease in GFR to 30~59. When GFR decreases less than 50ml/min, the patients should start to restrict protein intake.The protein intake may be limited to 12~15% of the calorie intake each day and the daily recommended protein intake is 0.6g/kg per body weight.

In the protein consumed for patients with stage 3 CKD,about 50~60% of protein should come from the proteins rich in amino acid.

Most animal based protein foods such as eggs,meat,fish, poultry, cheese and milk are amino acid based proteins.Meanwhile,the animal based proteins produce less waste products. Therefore, the patients with stage 3 CKD are recommended to add more animal based protein in their diet.