Dietary compliance to a low protein and phosphate diet in patients with chronic renal failure

In conclusion, the results of this study support the following findings: a) strict compliance to a low protein, low phosphate diet is difficult to obtain, and the probability that a CRF patient will be compliant to the diet at three years of follow-up is about 50%. b) Dietary compliance improves with time; this may be due to better understanding by the patient of the mechanics of dietary preparation, improved emotional acceptance of the dietary regimen, and progressive deterioration of renal function with appearance of symptoms that are better controlled by dietary therapy. c) The most common deviations from dietary prescription are higher protein intake, lower caloric intake, or a combination of both. Nevertheless, even the patients who were non-compliant to protein prescription showed some reduction in their protein intake. d) An aggressive approach of the dietitian is necessary to avoid a reduction in dietary caloric intake that may occur in association with protein restriction. d) Clinical studies in man concerning the effects of low protein diets should always include an assessment of the actual nutrient intake.