Solving the protein problem in the diet of patients with low phosphorus nephropathy
It is estimated that more than 850 million adults worldwide have chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1 , and this number is expected to rise. Chronic kidney disease causes a gradual decline in kidney function and may eventually lead to end-stage renal disease, requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Adults aged 60 and older with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are at greatest risk of developing CKD. Poor heart health, obesity, smoking and family history are other risk factors1 ( Figure 1). More than 80% of patients treated for end-stage renal disease come from wealthy, developed countries with universal access to health care and large elderly populations 2 .
Figure 1. Risk factors associated with CKD
As the disease progresses, the kidneys' ability to remove waste products from the bloodstream and maintain a healthy balance of water and minerals (such as phosphorus, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) decreases. People with CKD feel increasingly tired, lose their appetite, and suffer from a range of other symptoms.
Figure 2 shows the progression of the disease without better control.
Figure 2. Various stages of chronic kidney disease
Diet dilemma
A diet low in phosphorus and other minerals can help slow the progression of CKD. But it's not without its problems, because a low-phosphorus diet also means a low-protein diet. People on low-phosphorus diets may develop protein malnutrition, which can negatively impact their muscle mass and overall health.
How BLG is different
Beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) is a whey protein that is naturally different from other proteins. Containing high-quality protein and low levels of phosphorus, it has the ideal nutritional profile to address protein malnutrition commonly associated with CKD.
Lacprodan ® BLG-100 is produced through the crystallization method and has unprecedented purity. It contains 26% more essential amino acids than standard whey protein isolate , including 45 % more leucine than standard whey protein isolate, while the phosphorus content is only standard. 11% of whey protein isolate. As part of a CKD diet, BLG can help reduce harmful phosphorus accumulation while ensuring adequate protein intake.
We have initiated several clinical studies to document the nutritional effects of BLG on patients with CKD at different stages.
Inspiring Concept Applications
To support innovation in CKD nutrition, our application experts have developed two inspiring beverage concepts using Lacprodan ® BLG-100:
- A refreshing strawberry protein drink containing 7% protein, suitable for non-dialysis patients with CKD stages 1 to 5.
- A concentrated protein drink with blood orange flavor, containing 21% protein, suitable for CKD dialysis patients who need to limit their fluid intake.
Read more about Lacprodan ® BLG-100, a low-phosphorus whey protein suitable for use in kidney patient diets.
- Jager KJ et al. 2019. Kidney Int 96, pg. 1048–1050
- Adapted from the National kidney foundation.
- Compared to current commercially available whey protein isolates; Gorissen et al. 2018 Dec; 50(12):1685-1695. doi: 10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5. E pub 2018 Aug 30. PMID: 30167963; PMCID: PMC6245118