U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Improving the understanding, detection, and management of kidney disease.
Learn about the basics of kidney disease and how to keep the kidneys healthier longer.
Learn about the two recommended tests for kidney disease.
Learn MoreInformation for people living with kidney disease and their loved ones.
Learn about diet and lifestyle changes to help you live a healthier and longer life.
Learn MoreClinical information for health professionals on CKD evaluation, monitoring, management, and patient education.
Learn about laboratory measurement and reporting.
Information for family reunion planners, health educators, faith leaders and community organization leaders interested in sharing kidney health information in a variety of settings.
Learn how Federal agencies are leading the multi-faceted and interconnected response to CKD.
Explore and order NKDEP's free materials and tools for a variety of audiences on a variety of CKD-related topics.
The purpose of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for CKD is to maintain good nutritional status, slow progression, and to treat complications.
The key diet components to slowing progression of CKD are:
NKDEP has developed Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Management, a series of five training modules that use engaging activities and case studies to prepare registered dietitians (RDs) for counseling patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Each module focuses on a specific area of nutrition management for kidney disease patients, including background information on CKD, slowing the progression of CKD, CKD complications, the CKD "diet," and the transition from CKD to kidney failure. The modules also demonstrate how NKDEP's free resources can be used to counsel patients with CKD.
The modules are available for download in locked PowerPoint format. Contact NKDEP to request the password to unlock the PowerPoint files for editing. Please include with your request an explanation of how you plan to edit the PowerPoint files. Please note, the PowerPoint files are large and may take considerable time to download, particularly using a dial-up connection. If you have issues downloading the files, please contact NKDEP.
PowerPoint (2,854 KB)
This module provides a frame of reference for the entire program by reviewing kidney anatomy and functions; as well as the causes, burden, and cost of kidney failure in the U.S. Learn how to identify and monitor kidney disease using both the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Medicare's medical nutrition therapy benefit for CKD is briefly discussed.
An activity takes you to NKDEP's online eGFR calculator to see how serum creatinine, gender, age and ethnicity impact eGFR results.
When you finish this module, you should be able to use NKDEP's Explaining Your Kidney Test Results handout to discuss eGFR and UACR results with your clients.
PowerPoint (5,278 KB)
This module reviews how intake of certain nutrients is reflected in urinary excretion; which antihypertensive medications increase the risk for hyperkalemia in CKD; and how diabetes control impacts CKD and how CKD progression may impact diabetes control. Interventions to lower albuminuria and control lipids in CKD are discussed. Using a case study format, follow Frank's journey as he rapidly approaches kidney failure to see how the diet and medications may interact in hypertension and diabetes in CKD.
At the end, you will be introduced to two other educational resources from NKDEP, Eating Right for Kidney Health and Your Kidney Test Results, and see how to use them when counseling patients.
PowerPoint (3,971 KB)
Who would have thought that declining kidney function could result in anemia and bone disease? Another case study is used to follow Joseph's journey as he tries to lose weight for placement on the kidney transplant list. He experiences CKD complications along the way, including anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and bone disease. See how NKDEP's Your Kidney Test Results and individual nutrient handouts can be used as part of self-management education.
PowerPoint (5,285 KB)
Diet prescriptions in CKD must be individualized; one size does not fit all. This module briefly reviews weight and calorie needs in CKD. Dietary reference intakes; nutrient content of food groups; and sources of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein are reviewed. Population data is presented showing national trends in nutrient intakes and provides evidence that potassium should be restricted based on serum level, not eGFR.
Several activities take you to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Analysis Library website to identify and compare sources of added sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in certain foods and beverages. The individual nutrient handouts available from NKDEP are highlighted with patient counseling suggestions.
PowerPoint (8,934 KB)
Module 5 begins with a case study that shows how diet and medications impact Maria's journey to kidney failure and reviews how to modify meal plans to lower sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Simple graphics are provided to help clients learn how they can prepare for renal replacement therapy – Hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and kidney transplantation. Learn how HD and PD treatments differ and review why the diet requirements are not the same. The pros and cons of each option are included. Numerous patient resources are shown for use when discussing treatment options. The entire program content is briefly reviewed at the end.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) is offering continuing professional education credits for the five NKDEP modules. To receive credit for the Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Management training, participants must complete all five modules and pass a final exam.
NKDEP has developed a suite of materials to help general practice registered dietitians (RDs) provide effective medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to CKD patients who are not on dialysis. These free, downloadable, and reproducible materials are designed to distill key information about CKD and diet for RDs and patients.
Read about NKDEP's diet initiative in Addressing the Growing Need for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Medical Nutrition Therapy in Primary Care Settings. Original article was published in the Renal Nutrition Forum, Volume 29, No. 4 by the Renal Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association.
Adobe PDF (388 KB)
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An overview guide on treating CKD patients who are not on dialysis.
Adobe PDF (372 KB)
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A handout on the basics of nutrition and CKD.
Individual nutrient handouts on:
Adobe PDF (127 KB)
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A tool for assessment and education of test results with patients.
Earn continuing professional education credits through AND with NKDEP's five training modules on CKD nutrition management.
Earn continuing professional education credits through AAFP with NKDEP's Nutritional Management of Chronic Kidney Disease webinar.
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat
Page last updated: March 28, 2012
NKDEP is an initiative of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)
"NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health"
