Diverse diet protects kidneys while carb restriction raises risk
Genetically predicted unrestricted eating reduced renal failure risk (odds ratio 0.1269), while avoiding sugar and wheat increased susceptibility.
Medicine
In a human genetic study, researchers analyzed summary-level genome-wide association study data to assess whether dietary patterns causally influence nonspecific renal failure. The authors first used univariable Mendelian randomization to examine an unrestricted "Eat all" pattern covering eggs, dairy, wheat, and sugar. They then used multivariable Mendelian randomization to isolate the effects of specific dietary exclusions while adjusting for overlapping habits.
Genetically predicted unrestricted eating exerted a significant protective effect against renal failure (odds ratio 0.1269, 95% confidence interval: 0.038–0.424). Conversely, specific carbohydrate exclusions emerged as independent hazards. Both "never eat sugar" (estimate 0.624, P = .026) and "never eat wheat" (estimate 2.292, P = .038) were independently associated with higher susceptibility to renal failure. Exclusions of eggs and dairy showed no significant independent effects.
Why it matters
Kidney function often deteriorates with age, and these results suggest that eliminating major carbohydrate sources may disrupt renal metabolic homeostasis. The findings urge caution regarding untargeted elimination diets promoted for metabolic health.
Caveats
The investigation relied on genetically predicted dietary habits from summary-level association data rather than randomized feeding trials. In addition, the genetic instruments reflected broad self-reported avoidance categories rather than precise nutritional intakes.
The paper
The People's Hospital of LinXia · Linquan County People’s Hospital
Medicine · 2 Oct 2026