A study by scientists from Niigata University has found that a lower frequency of vegetable and fruit intake is linked to a higher risk of death, regardless of whether a person has chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The researchers observed that potassium levels remained similar across different CKD stages, irrespective of how often participants consumed vegetables and fruits.
This finding suggests that daily consumption of these foods does not necessarily lead to increased potassium levels, which is often a concern for those with CKD.
People with advanced CKD are typically advised to limit their intake of vegetables and fruits due to the risk of hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by high potassium levels in the blood. However, this study indicates that higher consumption of these foods might actually reduce the risk of death in both CKD and non-CKD populations.
Using data from a registry at the only major hospital on Sado Island, Japan, the researchers analyzed the relationship between vegetable and fruit intake frequency and all-cause mortality among 2,006 patients who completed a self-reported questionnaire.
They found that the frequency of vegetable and fruit intake decreased as CKD stages worsened. Over a follow-up period of about six years, 561 deaths were recorded.
The study revealed that participants who ate vegetables and fruits every day had a lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who consumed these foods less frequently.
Specifically, those who ate vegetables and fruits sometimes had a 25% higher risk of death, while those who rarely or never ate them had a 60% higher risk.
When the data was stratified by CKD status, the researchers found a similar dose-dependent relationship between the frequency of vegetable and fruit intake and the risk of death, regardless of CKD status.
This suggests that the benefits of eating vegetables and fruits are consistent across different populations, including those with CKD.
These findings align with previous research from non-Asian countries, indicating that a higher intake of vegetables and fruits is linked to a lower mortality risk in the general population. The study highlights the potential health benefits of daily vegetable and fruit consumption, even for individuals with CKD.
For those interested in nutrition, it’s worth noting that other studies have found that cranberries can help boost memory and that tea and coffee consumption may influence the risk of high blood pressure.
Additionally, plant nutrients and antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and dementia, respectively.
The study, conducted by Minako Wakasugi and colleagues, was published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition. These findings underscore the importance of including vegetables and fruits in daily diets to potentially enhance longevity and overall health, regardless of chronic kidney disease status.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the power of beetroot juice, and the risks of mixing medications with dietary supplements.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about how to boost iron intake: natural solutions for anemia, and results showing vitamin K may lower your heart disease risk by a third.
