Nutrition And Pharmacologic Approaches

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem and a progressive, debilitating condition. People with CKD are at high risk of malnutrition, and the first priority of nutrition therapy must focus on the prevention and/or treatment of protein energy malnutrition. Additional nutrition therapy goals include slowing the progression of CKD and its uremic complications and preventing renal osteodystrophy, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic complications. Nutrition and pharmaceutical therapies which address these issues are complex, but with appropriate intervention patients can maintain nutrition health, slow the progression to stage 5 CKD, stabilize cardiac status, and reduce diabetic complications. Successful nutrition therapy includes the active involvement of a qualified renal dietitian.