The Effects of Fiber Fortified Foods to the Diets of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

An Investigation Into Pulse Fiber Fermentation and Nitrogen Excretion in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure

A single blind, six week dietary intervention will be conducted in order to evaluate the impact of fiber fortified foods on blood urea nitrogen, kidney function and quality of life in patients presenting with a moderate to severe decline in kidney function.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients may consume lower than recommended amounts of dietary fiber due to typical dietary habits, dietary restrictions, and uremic symptoms. A progressive decline in kidney function causes an accumulation of uremic molecules that contribute to further progression of the disease and reduced quality of life. In an effort to evaluate the impact of added fiber on blood urea nitrogen, kidney function and quality of life in patients presenting with a moderate to severe decline in kidney function (eGFR ≤ 50 mL/min/1.73 m2), a single blind, six week dietary intervention, clinical trial will be conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) of less than 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 (stage 3,4 and 5 but who are not on dialysis)

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants must not:

• Have been diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI)
• Have been diagnosed with glumerulonephritis (GN)
• Have been on immunosuppressant/steroid medications
• Be taking a probiotic supplement and refuse to discontinue it
• Be scheduled for dialysis within 3 months of study initiation
• Have a history of liver disease
• Be on dialysis
• Have undergone renal transplantation
• Be breastfeeding
• Have active gastrointestinal bleeding
• Have a change in medications over the past 4 weeks