Chronic renal failure: replacing carbohydrates with proteins would reduce mortality

In case of renal insufficiency, it is generally advised to limit your protein intake (meat, egg, fish, legumes) because these are transformed into urea, which risks accumulating in the blood if the body has trouble eliminating it.

A new study, however, undermines this recommendation, given the results obtained. Published in the specialist journal Kidney Failure (Source 1), the study, conducted by a Chinese research team, showed that replacing carbohydrates with protein, and/or sugar with unsweetened carbohydrates (without sucrose) seems reduce mortality risk patients with chronic renal failure.

The research team here examined the diets and health data of 3,683 American patients with chronic kidney disease. She then found that participants had a lower mortality risk when they consumed 30-45% of their energy in the form of carbohydrates (compared to those whose energy intake was 60% from carbohydrates) and 5 to 20% of their energy in the form of sugar (compared to 40% of the total intake in the other participants). Researchers found that replacing energy intake from carbohydrates with protein (up to 30%) and/or replacing sugar with sugar-free carbohydrates (up to 55%) reduced the risk of death. all causes combined, and this with a total energy intake that remained constant.

“Our results suggest that dietary advice [donnés] to patients with chronic renal failure should be given based on their current food structure (especially the percentage of carbohydrate intake) and that sugary carbohydrates [versus] unsweetened should be considered when adjusting their carbohydrate intake”, commented Qidong Ren, first author of the study, in a communicated. The team of scientists remains cautious, however: there is no question of undertaking such a change in diet alone, without medical and dietary support, especially since more in-depth studies will have to confirm these trends.