Is It Safe To Have Protein Shakes With Excess Potassium And Phosphorus While Suffering From Chronic Kidney Disease?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Jan 2014 Answered on

Fri, 24 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Do the protein shakes on the Herbalife Diet contain too much potassium and phosphorus for someone with chronic kidney disease? Thank you. YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Ravi Bansal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Protein shakes Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Protein shakes are not recommended for CKD patients. They should be avoided until-unless the patient is severly malnurished. Normal protein requirement is 0.8gm/Kg/day of protein intake. So you will have to calculate protein intake from your diet. if still you are not able to meet the protein intake goal , then you can take supplements. All protein supplements are rich in Potassium and Phosphorus- Some less some more. Weather this will be more for you depends on- the extent of kidney damage you have as reflected by serum creatinine level; whether or not the patient is on dialysis; serum Potassium and phosphorus level by blood test; and the amount of protein powder you want to eat every day and its constituent chart. Just taking protein powder now and then without adequate planning should be discouraged. And detailed discussion with your nephrologist or dietitian will help you. Hope this helps. Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad