Relationship between proteinuria and response to low protein diets early in chronic renal failure

In a prospective, randomized trial on the use of protein-restricted diets in chronic renal failure the impact of the protein intake on proteinuria was investigated. Furthermore, the effect on the progression rate of renal disease in patients with low versus high proteinuria was assessed. It is concluded, firstly, that protein restriction reduces protein excretion substantially. Secondly, over 18 months follow-up, especially patients with low protein excretion appeared to respond to the diet. In patients with heavy proteinuria the diet might have beneficial effects in the long term.