Nutritional Status and Dietary Assessment in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in post-kidney transplantation care, influencing graft function, body composition, and the risk of metabolic complications. Protein intake is of particular importance due to its role in preserving muscle mass and preventing protein energy wasting. Objective: This study aimed to assess dietary intake, with emphasis on protein consumption, and to analyze its associations with nutritional status, anthropometric indices, and metabolic complications in kidney transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 71 adult kidney transplant recipients. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h dietary recall and the FFQ-6 questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and multiple indices of body composition and central obesity were calculated. Associations between dietary intake, anthropometric parameters, age, and kidney graft function were analyzed. Results: Mean BMI was within the upper normal range; however, a high prevalence of central adiposity was observed. Age was positively correlated with indices of visceral obesity (ABSI, AVI, WHtR, and CI). Protein intake was positively associated with calf circumference, indicating a relationship with muscle mass preservation. Dietary analysis revealed excessive sodium intake and insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and unsaturated fatty acids. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus was present in 25.35% of participants. Conclusions: Kidney transplant recipients frequently present with unfavorable body composition and dietary imbalances that are not adequately reflected by BMI alone. Comprehensive nutritional assessment and individualized dietary counseling are important strategies that may help reduce the risk of metabolic complications and support long-term transplant outcomes.