Phosphate Additives and the Kidney Diet (2024)

FAQs

Is phosphate bad for the kidneys? ›

Over time this can cause an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, or death. Aside from these dangerous effects, studies have also shown that high phosphorus levels may directly harm the kidneys and cause a loss of kidney function. This loss of function increases the risk for kidney failure.

Common foods with phosphate additives include fast food, canned or bottled drinks, spreadable cheeses and processed foods. High phosphorus levels in your blood can lead to: Itching, red eyes2. Calcium-phosphorus deposits in the heart, skin, lungs, blood vessels and other organs2.

How much phosphorus you should get depends on your age, gender, and how much protein you need, but good ranges for people with kidney disease are between 800–1,000 mg/day.

The type of phosphorus in your blood is called phosphate. Your kidneys work to balance phosphate and other electrolytes in your blood, which help to balance the fluid levels in your body.

Limit the phosphorus-rich foods like dried beans, black-eyed peas and organ meats, such as chitterlings/chitlins. Use nondairy creamers and milk substitutes in place of milk in cereals, coffee, and many sauces. Serving size is very important because most foods have phosphorus.

Tricalcium phosphate is not a good option for people with kidney disease. When a person has kidney disease, their kidneys are unable to remove phosphorus effectively. This is important because high levels of phosphorus can affect the levels of calcium in the body, sometimes, making bones brittle and weak.

Because most of the phosphorus is contained in the yolk (586 mg/100 g), the phosphorus-to-protein ratio content of a whole egg is 13.4 mg/g compared to a more desirable ratio of 1.4 mg/g for an egg white [83].

How many eggs can a kidney patient eat per day? ›

Most people with chronic kidney disease need between 60-70 grams of protein a day, which is the amount in about 7 ounces of meat or 10 large eggs. Individual protein needs will vary based on overall calories needs, activity level, and kidney function.

Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

If you drink sodas, diet versions of Sprite®, 7UP®, ginger ale, orange soda, and root beer are phosphorus-free choices. Colas such as Diet co*ke® and Diet Pepsi® contain added phosphorus. Regular sugar-containing sodas are not recommended for a variety of health reasons (USDA and HHS 2015).

Limit intake of foods with high levels of phosphate or phosphate additives such as organ meats, whole grain breads, processed foods, cola beverages, cheese, dried beans, liver, peanut butter, dairy products and chocolate. 5. Monitor your potassium levels.

Too much phosphorus is generally caused by kidney disease or by consuming too much dietary phosphorus and not enough dietary calcium. Several studies suggest that higher intakes of phosphorus are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) the kidneys fail to excrete the phosphorus and the result is a positive phosphorus balance. However, the skeleton through the disorders of the bone that accompany CKD, contributes to this hyperphosphatemic state as it can not handle the phosphorus excess.

But if your phosphate levels are too high, it can remove calcium from your bones, which makes them brittle. It can also cause calcium deposits in your eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels, which increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and death over time.

For those with CKD and elevated serum phosphorus, usual intakes of phosphorus may be too high and dietary restriction may be needed. A common restriction is 800 mg/day. There also may be health benefits for healthy people to decrease phosphorus intake below their current intake.