QUALITY OF PROTEIN IN DIFFERENT FOOD SOURCES IN THE CONTEXT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Plant-based diets have gained increasing attention in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet concerns persist regarding the quality of plant-derived proteins. Traditionally, animal-based proteins have been regarded as high biological value proteins, while plant proteins have been labeled as low biological value, contributing to misconceptions about their nutritional adequacy. In this narrative review, we challenge these assumptions by presenting emerging evidence on the nutritional quality of plant proteins, strategies to enhance their amino acid profiles, and their relevance in the context of CKD. Furthermore, we discuss the health effects of plant versus animal proteins on kidney function, muscle mass, and gut microbiota. Alternative protein sources such as edible insects and mushrooms are also examined for their potential nutritional and environmental contributions. Our findings highlight that well-planned, plant-predominant diets can meet protein and amino acid needs across all stages of CKD without compromising muscle or metabolic health.