Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients often are advised to restrict their dietary intake of phosphorus to slow disease progression and prevent complications. Following a low-phosphorus diet is particularly challenging, given that phosphorus content is not typically available on nutrition labels. The foods naturally highest in phosphorus are the high-protein foods such as meat, dairy products and legumes. The phosphorus in meat and dairy food is predominantly in the form of phosphate, and up to 70 percent may be absorbed by the body. Beef and chicken contain about 8 mg phosphorus per gram of protein, whereas low-fat milk has 28 mg phosphorus per gram of protein.

 

Balancing intake of high-quality protein while adhering to phosphorus limitations is difficult. Processed foods often contain phosphate additives, which must be listed on the label in the ingredient list. In particular, meat and cheese, which are already high in phosphorus, may be processed with additional phosphate salts. All soft drinks, not just colas, contain phosphates, and this information can be obtained from the label. Although the phosphorus amounts are not listed, you can learn to pick between similar foods with no phosphate additives.

 

For more information on phosphorus and kidney disease, download AAKP's Understanding High Phosphorus and Your Treatment Options brochure.