In a groundbreaking study by the Kidney Research Center Cologne and others, scientists have discovered a potential new way to improve kidney function in people with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD).
This disease is the most common inherited kidney disorder and leads to kidney failure in about 10% of all cases.
ADPKD affects the kidneys’ nephrons, the units responsible for filtering and cleaning the blood. In this disease, cysts, or water-filled sacs, develop in the nephrons, gradually impairing kidney function. By the age of 50 to 60, more than half of those affected require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The researchers focused on ketosis, a metabolic state where the body uses dietary fats for energy instead of carbohydrates. They conducted a study with 63 patients, dividing them into three groups.
The first group followed a ketogenic diet, low in carbs and sugar but high in fats, for three months. The second group did water fasting for three days each month, which also induces ketosis.
The third, a control group, followed standard dietary advice for ADPKD: reducing salt intake and drinking more than 2-3 liters of water daily.
The study aimed to assess the feasibility of these dietary changes through a combination of questionnaires and metabolic tests.
Impressively, about 91% of the patients on the ketogenic diet and 89% in the water fasting group found the diets manageable.
After just three months, the results were promising. The kidney size decreased in those on the ketogenic diet, while it increased in the control group.
Moreover, the keto diet group showed significantly better kidney function development compared to the control group.
However, the researchers caution that more extensive and longer studies are needed before a keto diet can be widely recommended for ADPKD patients.
They plan to conduct larger, multi-site studies with more extended follow-up periods to confirm these results and ensure safety.
This study, led by Dr. Roman-Ulrich Müller, presented at the Kidney Week of the American Society of Nephrology, opens a new avenue in managing ADPKD.
It emphasizes the potential role of diet in managing kidney diseases and underscores the importance of personalized medical approaches.
For those interested in kidney health, this study adds to a growing body of research on how lifestyle and dietary choices can impact kidney function.
It also aligns with other studies that look into the role of hydration and lifestyle factors in preventing kidney injury and managing kidney-related conditions.
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