Summary
This cross-sectional study of 171 non-dialytic CKD patients in Brazil (stages 3–5) examined how ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption relates to dietary quality and mineral intake. Even at relatively low mean levels (6.7% of daily intake), higher UPF consumption was associated with significantly worse DASH diet quality scores, higher intakes of energy, saturated fat, sodium and phosphorus, and lower fibre intake. The findings suggest UPF restriction warrants inclusion in CKD-specific dietary guidance.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Brazil and is representative of non-dialytic CKD populations in middle-income settings with similar dietary patterns. Transferability to the United Kingdom would require consideration of differing food industry practices, UPF formulations, and existing CKD renal dietetic guidelines; however, the mechanistic relationship between UPF and poor micronutrient/mineral profile is likely generalisable.
Key measures
DASH diet quality score, dietary diversity (13 unprocessed food subgroups), UPF consumption tertiles, energy intake, macronutrient composition (saturated fat, carbohydrate, protein, total fat, fibre), mineral content (sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium), estimated glomerular filtration rate
Outcomes reported
The study assessed dietary quality (DASH score) and diversity in relation to ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption in non-dialytic CKD patients stages 3–5, with particular attention to mineral content and nutrient intake.
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