Specific Nutrients

Potassium

Most patients on dialysis will have to limit their potassium intake, as kidneys are unable to remove the necessary amount of it. High levels of potassium can lead to complications such as heart attack.

• Foods high in Potassium: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, brown rice, bran cereals, dairy foods, whole wheat bread, pasta, beans, and nuts.
• Foods low in Potassium: Apples, peaches, carrots, green beans, white bread, pasta, white rice, cooked rice, wheat cereals, and grits.

Calcium

A person with kidney disease should not have more than 2,000mg of calcium a day. Balancing levels of calcium is important.

• Foods high in Calcium: Dairy products, fortified cereals, enriched bread, dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, bok choy), and almonds.
• Foods low in Calcium: Raspberries, kiwis, oranges, black beans, greek yogurt, egg whites, and goat cheese.

Iron

Low iron levels can lead to anemia, which is common in dialysis patients. This can be managed with supplements and proper nutrition. Iron-rich foods are liver, beef, pork, chicken, lima beans, kidney beans, iron-fortified cereals, and almonds.

Vitamin D

A water-soluble vitamin D supplementation is typically recommended for CKD patients. It is important for bone maintenance and also plays a role in phosphorus and calcium levels. Vitamin D-rich foods are salmon, mackerel, tuna, portabella mushrooms, and fortified cereals.

Folic acid/B Vitamins

These vitamins need to be replenished with supplements as they are important for cell reproduction and are lost during dialysis. Folic Acid/Vitamin B-rich foods are beef, turkey, la,b. trout, salmon, broccoli, asparagus, and peas.

Zinc/Copper

These nutrients need to be supplemented through vitamins for dialysis patients. Zinc is important for immune function, and copper helps the body absorb iron. Zinc/Copper-rich foods are beef, lamb, turkey, spinach, asparagus, peas, quinoa, sesame seeds, and cashews.