[Influence of chronic renal failure on nutritional status. Principles of nutrition]

Chronic renal failure influences the metabolism of nutrients. Low protein diet has been found very helpful in a longer survival of uremic patients, before they start some kind of dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis). Such a diet should be followed very carefully in order to avoid problems with patient's nutrition. The evaluation of nutritional status (history, body weight, anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters) is necessary. Moreover, the nephrology team should know the protein and potassium content of different nutrients for the purpose of a better nursing of chronic renal patients.