Can Eating Plant-Based Proteins Improve Kidney Lab Test Results or Just Lower Creatinine Levels?

Question:
"I started eating more plant-based proteins after reading that red meat can raise creatinine. Could that actually improve my kidney numbers, or does it just make the labs look better without really helping my kidneys?"

Answer:
Yes, plant-based proteins can support and improve kidney health, particularly for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), by reducing the acid load on the kidneys, lowering uremic toxin production, decreasing proteinuria, and slowing disease progression. Sources like beans, nuts, lentils, and tofu are beneficial. https://www.kidneyfund.org/article/key-benefits-plant-proteins-your-kidney-friendly-food-plan

Red meat contains muscle. In muscle is a compound called creatine. During cooking the meat, creatine is converted to creatinine. When the meat is eaten, there is a temporary increase in the creatinine level in the bloodstream. Creatinine is removed from the blood by way of the kidneys. It is recommended that patients with chronic kidney disease consider limiting their consumption of red meat or perhaps avoiding. A resource on this recommendation is: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29290351/

Patients who have chronic kidney disease and consume red meat also run the risk of an increase in acidic waste products. This contributes to potential harm to the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation recommends eating more plant-based foods to support kidney health. The benefits include reduced acidic waste products and thus less stress on the kidneys. There is no creatine in plant-based food. Be careful of plant-based protein supplements, as they may have creatine added. Thus read labels. A resource that you may find helpful: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/plant-based-diet-and-kidney-health

How well it will help your overall kidney health is a topic of recent research. The study found that patients with the highest adherence to overall plant based diets and healthy eating saw lower risk. Source: https://www.kidney.org/press-room/new-study-finds-significant-impact-plant-based-diets-chronic-kidney-disease-patients

In summary, you are correct that eating red meat may lead to a temporary increase in the blood level of creatinine. Red meat diets place additional stress on the kidneys of patients with chronic kidney disease. Research has found that patients with chronic kidney disease who adhered to a plant-based diet saw lower risk.

Questions for your doctor:

• > I am thinking of going on a plant-based protein diet. What has your experience been with changes to kidney health once a patient adheres to this diet?
• > Do you have information or a dietitian I may consult on an optimal plant-based protein diet for a patient with chronic kidney disease? I want to be able to choose a healthy, whole-food plant-based diet and mineral intake.

Diagnostic Equity Resources

Decode your lab test results: Get lab test questions answered about your lab test report.