Diet Analysis Tools and Correct Totals for Potassium and Phosphorus

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on dialysis need to be aware of how much protein, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium they consume. Since phosphorus and potassium are not required on food labels, food manufacturers may not analyze and provide data on these nutrients. Many online diet analysis tools provide only the available nutrient data. When values are missing, these tools calculate a zero value. Consequently, a person using the tool may assume they are eating less potassium or phosphorus than they actually consume.

DaVita’s online meal planning tool for kidney diets, DaVita Diet Helper, includes a Nutrition Log where users can enter foods eaten and view nutrient values for calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, fiber, sugars, protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.

Each food in the database includes a complete nutrient profile, including potassium and phosphorus content. Users can be sure all the values are correct and potassium and phosphorus are not falsely low when using DaVita Diet Helper to analyze their daily food intake.

If you use another diet analysis tool be sure to check for accurate potassium and phosphorus values.