Kidney Disease and Protein - How Much?

[dtarrence]

We all know that protein doesn't harm the kidney's unless there is a pre-existing pathology in the kidneys themselves. But when there is, What is the recommended amount of protein for a person to have compared to 1g/lb BW for the healthy person?

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

We all know that protein doesn't harm the kidney's unless there is a pre-existing pathology in the kidneys themselves. But when there is, What is the recommended amount of protein for a person to have compared to 1g/lb BW for the healthy person?

Depends on the actual kidney issue, the clinician, and the patient.

[dtarrence]

Depends on the actual kidney issue, the clinician, and the patient.

Say you have a 70-something yo male with diabetes whose kidneys only function at 50%. 6'0", 230lb, 30%bf. The goal of course is to get enough protein to allow recovery from barbell training and increase lean body mass.

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Say you have a 70-something yo male with diabetes whose kidneys only function at 50%. 6'0", 230lb, 30%bf. The goal of course is to get enough protein to allow recovery from barbell training and increase lean body mass.

That's a complicated case and more information is necessary. I think he/she may be a candidate for essential amino acid (EAA) , BCAA, or whey supplementation regularly since total protein allotment for the day would be lower. Without knowing more (and while making sure everyone understands this isn't medical advice) I'd suggest ~100-140g protein per day (3-4 meals, 3+g leucine per meal). The issue is, this person has diabetes, is obese, and has evidence of disease sequelae secondary to diabetes. I typically don't like older folks losing weight when training, but this is a more complicated case. There's likely benefit in disease management with losing body fat through diet and training, increasing lean body mass through training, and a protein supplement with meals would be reasonable.