Hello Jordan and Austin
I have a client who has been diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and has recently begun a workout routine. Her current goal is to both lose weight and build muscle. I’m facing some difficulty in determining an appropriate protein intake recommendation, as her doctor hasn’t specified any dietary restrictions, and there isn’t a nutritionist who can give a clear answer or anything based on evidence. Could you please provide some guidance on the best course of action in this case?
There is some controversy surrounding this, as data regarding outcomes of modest protein restriction in kidney disease is mixed. I am unable to provide a specific recommendation for your client via the internet, as this would be inappropriate without direct contact, follow up, etc.
That said, I think the current guidelines for someone like this recommend a protein intake of ~ 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram body weight per day, stipulating that the majority of this protein should come from high quality sources (e.g. those that are animal-derived). If we contrast that to the data we have on protein intake levels and performance outcomes, which seem to indicate that ~ 1.4 to 1.6 g/kg/d as the appropriate protein dose, we can see there is a considerable gap. I do not think a lower protein intake will completely eliminate someone’s gainzZz™, but they may be compromised. I think the risk/benefit needs to be sussed out with her physician based on her specific case. It may be that there’s no reason for protein restriction in her case at this time. Alternatively, it may have been an oversight by her provider. In either case, it’s not for you or I to decide, you know?