Are high-protein diets bad for your kidneys?

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1. 1

   Dietary patterns and physical activity in relation to renal and metabolic outcomes among older adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review.

   Frontiers in nutrition (Li et al.)Published Sep 16, 2026Checked Oct 4, 2026

   “Sodium restriction reduced blood pressure and albuminuria, while moderated protein intake was associated with favorable renal outcomes when nutritional status was carefully monitored. Physical activity interventions improved glycemic control, blood pressure, and functional capacity, with possible indirect benefits for renal function. Evidence regarding antioxidant supplementation and very low-carbohydrate diets remains limited and inconclusive.ConclusionDietary patterns and physical activity are associated with renal and metabolic outcomes among elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that nutrition-focused lifestyle interventions may be considered supportive components of routine care, although stronger evidence is required. However, further large-scale, high-quality, and long-term studies are needed to establish definitive recommendations and develop tailored intervention strategies for this high-risk population.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251087535, identifier PROSPERO (CRD420251087535).”

2. 2

   Associations of dietary macronutrients and energy intake with diabetic kidney disease and all-cause mortality in diabetes: evidence from NHANES.

   BMJ open diabetes research & care (Li et al.)Published Sep 30, 2026Checked Oct 4, 2026

   “Weighted logistic regression was used to assess the prevalence of DKD, while Cox regression was employed to evaluate associations with all-cause mortality, incorporating dose-response analyses and mediation testing.ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, higher protein and dietary fiber intake showed significant inverse linear associations with DKD (P-trend 74 g/day and fiber >14 g/day. Exploratory mediation analysis suggested that body mass index and hemoglobin partially explained the associations of proteins and fibers with DKD, respectively. Prospectively, after 48 months median follow-up (366 deaths, representing 3.36 million), only energy intake exhibited a significant U-shaped association with mortality risk (non-linear pConclusionsIn this observational analysis, higher protein (>74 g/day) and fiber intake (>14 g/day) were associated with lower DKD prevalence in diabetes, while maintaining daily energy within 1750-1810 kcal is associated with the lowest all-cause mortality risk. These findings suggest potential reference values for dietary patterns in diabetes management.”

3. 3

   Ten tips to reduce fracture risk by non-pharmacologic interventions in CKD-associated osteoporosis.

   Clinical kidney journal (Hansen et al.)Published Sep 1, 2026Checked Oct 4, 2026

   “Importantly, they are often applicable to patients with CKD without restrictions, with some specific considerations in end-stage kidney disease. Due to the increased prevalence of modifiable risk factors for fragility fractures in CKD, non-pharmacological interventions should be provided to all patients with CKD-associated osteoporosis. We review the current literature and describe 10 tips for non-pharmacological interventions with the potential to modify fracture risk in CKD patients: appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D, adequate nutrition and protein intake, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, medication review, reinforcement of exercise, reducing risk of home hazards, prevention of orthostatic hypotension, taking care of neuropathy and determining fall risk, as well as implementing fracture liaison services, are all actions of relevance to the patient with CKD-associated osteoporosis. As in the general population, non-pharmacological interventions should be the first option to consider when osteoporosis is diagnosed. With this paper, we suggest how this should be tailored to the patient with CKD.”

4. 4

   Renal physiology (Wikipedia)

   WikipediaPublished Sep 29, 2026Checked Oct 4, 2026

   “Renal physiology (Latin renes, "kidneys") is the study of the physiology of the kidney. This encompasses all functions of the kidney, including maintenance of acid-base balance; regulation of fluid balance; regulation of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes; clearance of toxins; absorption of glucose, amino acids, and other small molecules; regulation of blood pressure; production of various hormones, such as erythropoietin; and activation of vitamin D. Much of renal physiology is studied at the level of the nephron, the smallest functional unit of the kidney. Each nephron begins with a filtration component that filters the blood entering the kidney. This filtrate then flows along the length of the nephron, which is a tubular structure lined by a single layer of specialized cells and surrounded by capillaries. The major functions of these lining cells are the reabsorption of water and small molecules from the filtrate into the blood, and the secretion of wastes from the blood into the urine. Proper function of the kidney requires that it receives and adequately filters blood.”