Improved Fruit and Vegetable Access to Reduce Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Kidney Health

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disproportionately impacts African American and Hispanic populations in the U.S.
• Existing pharmacologic treatments have not eliminated disparities in CKD progression, complications, and mortality.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for CKD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of community-level strategies in addressing racial/ethnic disparities in CKD.
• To highlight the underutilization of fruit and vegetable (F&V) rich diets in CKD management.
• To examine the potential of increased F&V consumption to improve CKD outcomes and reduce CVD risk.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on CKD, dietary interventions, and health disparities.
• Analysis of the link between F&V intake, CKD progression, and CVD risk.
• Examination of socioeconomic factors influencing F&V access in minoritized communities.

Main Results:

• Diets rich in F&V are associated with reduced CKD incidence, progression, mortality, and improved CVD risk.
• Interventional studies demonstrate that high F&V diets slow CKD progression and reduce CVD mortality when combined with standard care.
• Poverty, limited education, and low health literacy are barriers to F&V access, exacerbating CKD outcomes in underserved populations.

Conclusions:

• Expanding community-level access to F&V may increase dietary adherence among CKD patients.
• Increased F&V consumption holds promise for improving outcomes and reducing mortality in CKD and related conditions.
• Evidence-based, community-level F&V strategies are needed to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in kidney health across the U.S.