Malnutrition and Kidney Disease

When you think of malnutrition, you probably think of a condition caused by a lack of food…starvation. Malnutrition in this form does exist worldwide. However, malnutrition by definition can be considered as any disorder of nutrition including over-nutrition and under-nutrition. Malnutrition is a growing but under-recognized health concern in the United States.

Under-nutrition

Causes of under-nutrition include inadequate nutrient intake, increased nutrient needs, impaired nutrient absorption or utilization, and excessive nutrient losses (1). Under-nutrition may be the result of low socioeconomic status, hospitalization or chronic disease (2).

Disease-associated Malnutrition

Disease associated malnutrition can occur in patients who are underweight, overweight or obese. In the body, disease associated malnutrition triggers an inflammatory response (2). This response increases metabolic demand, can impact appetite, cause GI problems, or lead to difficulty chewing and swallowing. These issues can lead to decreased nutrient intake which decreases the immune response. The result is increased risk for illness and infection. Individuals become malnourished when they lack the nutrients needed to heal. Medical complications can occur.

Chronic Disease and Malnutrition

Patients living with chronic kidney disease are at an increased risk for malnutrition (3). They often experience decreased appetite, gastrointestinal (GI) problems or difficulty chewing and swallowing. Many patients find that the restrictive renal diet decreases appetite and enjoyment of food. Additionally, patients on dialysis have increased calorie and protein needs. It is important to eat enough protein and to take a renal vitamin as prescribed to replace losses from the dialysis treatment.

If individuals are not consuming adequate calories and protein the body tries to defend itself. The body defends itself by seeking nutrition inside and uses the muscle stores as a protein source. The body breaks down muscle for energy and nutrients. The result is muscle wasting and weight loss (3). Over time this loss of lean body mass impacts the ability to recover from illness. In addition, it can impact mobility and independence.

Correcting Malnutrition

Patients and family members are encouraged to work closely with their registered dietitian to help manage symptoms and help prevent or correct disease associated malnutrition. A dietitian can offer suggestions to increase calories and protein in addition to clearing up diet misunderstanding.

Planning meals ahead can help in the treatment or prevention of malnutrition. This season take advantage of extra holiday snacks and leftovers. For recipes and meal planning ideas check out “Make-Ahead Kidney Diet Meals for the Holidays“. Ask family and friends for help in preparing favorite meals and snacks.

For more information on Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for chronic kidney disease please see the following post: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Kidney Patients. For more information on calories and protein visit these links: Calories: A Guide to Adding or Limiting them on the Kidney Diet and Dietary Protein and Chronic Kidney Disease.

References:

1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. HOD Fall Meeting Backgrounder. https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/leadership/hod/hod-backgrounders/malnutrition.pdf?la=en&hash=13655FFBD0E1C5069B00D09AD64A4E31EED6030B. Accessed October 16, 2018.
2. Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative. Briefing: The Value of Quality Malnutrition Care. http://mqii.defeatmalnutrition.today/static/pdf/briefing-the-value-of-quality-malnutrition-care.pdf. Accessed October 15, 2018.
3. Byham-Gray, L., Stover, J., & Wiesen, K. (2013). A clinical guide to nutrition care in kidney disease. Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.