Low-nitrogen starch can help kidney patients supplement calories without burdening kidneys, nutritionist says

Nutritionist Tseng Chien-ming warns kidney patients against drastic protein reduction, highlighting that insufficient calorie intake can lead to the body consuming its own muscle, causing further weakness.

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Don't be afraid of protein restriction, but don't starve yourself. The worst thing for kidney patients is to restrict protein and not eat enough calories, causing the body to consume its own precious muscle and become weaker and weaker.

Tseng suggests considering "low-nitrogen starch" as an alternative. These starches, such as glass noodles, tapioca pearls, and potato starch, are very low in protein and primarily provide calories. Replacing some staple foods with these can help meet energy needs without increasing the kidneys' detoxification burden.

However, Tseng cautions that not all starches are suitable. Red beans, green beans, and barley have significant protein content and should not be mistaken for low-nitrogen options. He also reminds diabetic kidney patients to monitor blood sugar closely, as even low-nitrogen starches are still carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar spikes.

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Low-nitrogen starch is starch that is extremely low in protein and specifically provides calories.

Crucially, Tseng states that individuals undergoing dialysis are not candidates for low-nitrogen starch. Dialysis patients lose nutrients during the process and require increased intake of high-quality protein. Consuming excessive low-nitrogen starch in this state can lead to severe malnutrition and muscle loss.

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Low-nitrogen does not equal low sugar. Glass noodles and tapioca pearls are still carbohydrates.

Low-nitrogen starch, Tseng clarifies, is not a food to be eaten without limit. It is a dietary adjustment tool to help preserve muscle mass and reduce kidney burden. He stresses that managing kidney disease requires strategic eating, not simply eating less, to maintain bodily strength.

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People who are already on dialysis are not suitable. Dialysis causes nutrient loss and requires more high-quality protein.