Learn about the
2008T Fresenius Hemodialysis

Interview with
Jeffrey H. Burbank
Founder& CEO of NxStage

Hemodialysis.com: What are the main findings of the study?

We found in this study that when foods with added fiber were provided to individuals with chronic kidney disease, lab values such as BUN (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and eGFR - an estimation of improved kidney function)  improved in most of the study participants.

We also found that the fiber slightly improved perceived physical function, which correlated with decreased BUN and enhanced kidney function. There was also significantly increased bowel movement frequency.

Hemodialysis.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?

We expected to see improved BUN as other studies with high levels of fiber supplementation have shown this effect, and as this was a fiber intervention, we expected to positively impact stool frequency.

However, the impact on creatinine and the suggested improvement in estimated kidney function was more than expected.

Hemodialysis.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report? 

Patients and clinicians typically think of fiber to manage constipation and treat high cholesterol.  However, our findings support an even greater role for fiber in CKD.

Fiber, in particular fermentable fiber, may not only help to lower blood nitrogen levels but may have additional effects on wellness and possibly impact kidney function.

Foods with added may be an option for CKD patients to improve fiber intakes and possibly wellness.

Hemodialysis.com : What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?  

The potential therapeutic roles of various added fiber sources in management of kidney disease and its symptoms over the long term need to be explored.

Further research is also needed to explore the effects of supplementing the diet with fiber on various uremic toxins – molecules that may contribute to uremic symptoms in CKD patients.

This is work we have already begun to undertake.

Reference:

Foods With Added Fiber Lower Serum Creatinine Levels in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Wendy J. Dahl, PhD, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, 359 FSHN Building, Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611.