Vegan Diet Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Hyperuricemia

Abstract

Hyperuricemia is a well-known risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little is known about whether a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of CKD in patients with hyperuricemia. From 5 September 2005, to 31 December 2016, we retrospectively included clinically stable patients with hyperuricemia who received health check-ups at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital. All participants completed a dietary habits questionnaire to determine whether they were omnivorous, lacto-ovo vegetarian, or vegan. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or the presence of proteinuria. A total of 3618 patients with hyperuricemia were recruited for this cross-sectional study, consisting of 225 vegans, 509 lacto-ovo vegetarians, and 2884 omnivores. After adjusting for age and sex, vegans had a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) of CKD than omnivores (OR, 0.62; p = 0.006). The OR of CKD remained significantly lower in vegans after adjusting for additional confounders (OR, 0.69; p = 0.04). Additionally, age (per year OR, 1.06; p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.12; p < 0.001), hypertension (OR, 1.73; p < 0.001), obesity (OR, 1.24; p = 0.02), smoking (OR, 2.05; p < 0.001), and very high uric acid levels (OR, 2.08; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CKD in patients with hyperuricemia. Moreover, structural equation modeling revealed that a vegan diet was associated with a lower OR of CKD (OR, 0.69; p < 0.05). A vegan diet is associated with a 31% lower risk of CKD in patients with hyperuricemia. A vegan diet may be beneficial in reducing the occurrence of CKD in patients with hyperuricemia.

The Role of Plant-Based Diets in Preventing and Mitigating Chronic Kidney Disease: More Light than Shadows

“…In primary prevention of CKD, plant-based diets appear better than omnivorous diets because, as we have seen, they protect against the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidaemia [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33], which are well-known risk factors of kidney disease; some observational studies as well as a recent systematic review have also suggested a protective role against the development and progression of CKD [41][42][43][44][45][83][84][85]. Furthermore, as mentioned before, plant-based diets are more aligned with the nutritional indications of the WHO (Word Health Organization), while the usual western diet is too rich in proteins, sodium, and phosphorus [105].…”

“…Similarly, another study, involving a population of nearly 15,000 people enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Community Study (ARIC) group, showed that high adherence to a plant-based diet correlated with a decreased incidence of chronic kidney disease as well as a reduced decline in kidney function over time [29]. In a recent observational study in Taiwan, 3618 patients with hyperuricemia were recruited, and a vegan diet was associated with a 31% lower risk of CKD [42].…”

Association between dietary patterns and chronic kidney disease combined with hyperuricemia

“…3 CKD is related to an increase in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, 4 and patients who survived morbidities would still have to live for years with disability. 5 Instead of treating the illness, it is more crucial to stop CKD from developing.…”

From Prophecy to Plate: How to Actualize a Planetary Menu for Kidney Disease Nutrition

“… 28 , 34 - 36 Vegetarian and vegan diets have demonstrated reduced CKD prevalence in cross-sectional studies. 37 , 38 Plant-based diets are also associated with reduced risks of other noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, as well as all-cause mortality. 18 , 39 …”