A Mini Review of Plant-Based Diets in Hemodialysis

Year Published: 2021

Blood Purif

Dupuis L, Brown-Tortorici A, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Joshi S

This study reviewed the evidence on plant-based diets (including fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, oils, and beans) in hemodialysis.

Key Findings: Key findings from the paper: "Plant-based diets decrease inflammatory markers and have been associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality in patients on hemodialysis in observational studies. High fiber intake significantly reduces uremic toxins and increases fecal bulk, facilitating the excretion of potassium, which may be one of several mechanisms associated with plant-based foods in tempering the rise in serum potassium. Plant protein is of adequate quantity and quality in a diverse, well-planned plant-based diet. Lower intake of plant-based food, including less fruits and vegetables, in dialysis patients is associated with constipation, with one study identifying 71.7% of patients on dialysis with constipation. Constipation may be related to higher likelihood of hyperkalemia."