Renal diet for vegetarians: Which protein sources are best?
Because I have end-stage kidney failure, I must follow a special renal diet. However, I'm a vegetarian. What are the best sources of protein for someone like me who also needs to limit phosphorus and potassium?
- Ken / Arizona
Answer
The answer depends on what type of vegetarian you are.
A proper renal diet is an essential part of any treatment plan for chronic kidney failure. Although a renal diet restricts protein, you still need to eat some protein every day. The chart below lists various protein sources for specific types of vegetarian diets. If you're a lacto-vegetarian, you can also consider the vegan protein sources. If you're a lacto-ovo vegetarian, you can consider vegan and lacto-vegetarian protein sources, and so on.
| Type of vegetarian diet | Best protein sources for renal diet |
|---|---|
| Vegan — allows only plant-based foods |
|
| Lacto-vegetarian — allows plant-based foods, milk, dairy products |
|
| Pesco-vegetarian — allows plant-based foods, milk, dairy products, eggs, fish |
|
| Pollo-vegetarian — allows plant-based foods, milk, dairy products, eggs, poultry |
|
It's important to note that the protein sources listed above contain varying amounts of sodium, phosphorus and potassium, which may be limited on a renal diet. For help creating a renal diet that meets your individual needs, consult a registered dietitian who specializes in renal diets.
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