The international guidelines (KDIGO 2012[1]) now recommend protein intakes of about 0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day for CKD stages 3–5. However, these recommendations are similar to the recommended daily intake (RDA) values for the general population. Contrary to the international guidelines, the use of low protein diets as a dietary intervention in CKD management varies between countries and even within countries. In the U.S. and Canada, nutritional therapies are less often prescribed, probably due to the negative results of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study.[2] In contrast, low protein diets are more commonly prescribed in Europe.[3]
Why are low protein diets not recommended in my country as an intervention for CKD?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
International guidelines recommend a protein intake of approximately 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5, which aligns with the general population's RDA. The prescription of low-protein diets for CKD management varies by region; it is less common in the U.S. and Canada, due to negative study results, but more prevalent in Europe.