The Need For Protein Supplements in End Stage Kidney Disease
By Jim Duffy During the early stages of most kidney diseases, the patient will be advised to limit protein intake to some degree. Because protein is so vital to the entire body, this limitation should only be made under doctor's orders and with the guidance of a dietitian or nutritionist. The protein that is left in the diet at this point will be high-quality with certain additional restrictions as well. However, once the patient reaches end stage kidney disease, the restriction on protein will not only end but the patient will also need to increase intake. The level that is suggested at this stage is double that of the average diet and may be hard to achieve with a normal diet for a number of reasons. Protein supplements will be beneficial because they are high in protein and can be high in calories, helping to reach the right amount as suggested by the doctor, and they may be easier to tolerate than trying to eat large meals. In Stage I through IV, the protein