Revista Medica de Chile · Aug 2026

Impact of Nutrition Education and Low-Protein Dietary Interventions on the Incidence and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

By Cerón-Meza R, Méndez-Hernández P, Briones-Tapia AR et al.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a multifactorial disease characterized by a progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Nutritional counseling, dietary therapy, and motivational strategies can help increase GFR. A diet rich in animal protein has been reported to decrease kidney function and increase the progression of CKD; conversely, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and dietary fiber has been associated with a lower risk of developing CKD or delaying its progression. This review offers an in-depth look at the impact of nutrition education and low-protein dietary interventions on the incidence and progression of CKD. An exhaustive review was conducted using the English-language databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane, from 2015 to 2026. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews of educational interventions to encourage low-protein diets in patients with CKD at any stage without replacement therapy were included; additionally, prospective, retrospective trials and cohort studies were incorporated. This review highlights that promotion interventions on a low-protein diet could delay the progression of CKD, especially in early stages, reducing the production of nitrogenous waste products. In contrast, a high-protein diet promotes glomerular hyperfiltration, worsening kidney function over the long term. Each additional gram of protein in the diet was related to an annual decrease of GFR. This review shows the benefits of diet and promotion of low protein intake on the incidence and/or progression of CKD. The findings reinforce the need to implement personalized nutritional strategies that integrate dietary education and continuous monitoring to optimize the multidisciplinary management of CKD, confirming that structured nutritional guidance provides significant benefits, including the partial preservation of residual renal function in patients with advanced CKD. Future research must explore the substantial impact of educational interventions and their application at all stages.

doi.org/10.4067/s0034-98872026000801244 Open access PubMed 42899611 Interventions