Dietary patterns among chronic kidney disease patients and their impact on their clinical course: A longitudinal study from rural Kanyakumari

Background: Nonpharmacological management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by dietary modifications is an integral part in preventing the disease progression into renal failure. Fish has been recommended as a substitute protein instead of meat in renal diets. However, sardines and dried fish which are a staple diet in coastal areas may cause more harm than benefit. Hence, this study was designed to analyze dietary patterns of sardines, dried fish, meat and salt consumption and its impact among CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal study was carried out among 100 CKD patients in Nephrology department, excluding seriously ill patients or those on hemodialysis. Dietary patterns were assessed using food frequency questionnaire. Renal parameters and clinical staging were estimated at the beginning of the study and after 2 months. Results: The mean age of the CKD patients was 55.29 years. The mean quantities of sardines, dried fish, meat, and salt consumed per week were 375 g, 70.1 g, 115.7 g, and 39.54 g, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean values of all renal parameters. Patients who had elevated creatinine and potassium levels had a statistically significant higher mean consumption of sardines and salt, respectively. Conclusion: The consumption of sardines, meat and salt was very high among the CKD patients. Worsening of disease was seen in almost half the study population. Culturally appropriate dietary guidelines are required for diet modifications in CKD patients.