Dietary Potassium Liberalization for Chronic Kidney Disease
(DK-LIB Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The study will look at the impact of the potassium content in fruits and vegetables, on serum potassium concentrations in people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) using a randomized crossover design. Participants will receive home delivery of fruit and vegetables with either higher or lower potassium content in a random order. Clinical chemistry markers from blood and urine samples, blood pressure, physical functioning and health related quality of life will be assessed throughout the duration of the trial. This study will also measure their physical functioning, using a chair stand test. The results of this study could change the dietary recommendations for people with CKD related to potassium.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently on potassium binding therapy, you cannot participate in the trial.
Is a potassium-rich diet safe for people with chronic kidney disease?
A potassium-rich diet can be beneficial for overall health, but for people with chronic kidney disease, there is a risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood), which can be dangerous. However, new treatments and careful dietary management may allow for a more liberal intake of potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, while minimizing risks.12345
How does the treatment of liberalized dietary potassium via fruits and vegetables differ from other treatments for chronic kidney disease?
This treatment is unique because it allows patients with chronic kidney disease to consume more potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, which are generally restricted due to the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood). Unlike traditional potassium-restricted diets, this approach may use new potassium-binding agents to safely manage potassium levels while providing the health benefits of a plant-rich diet.12346
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment 'Liberalized dietary potassium via fruits and vegetables' for chronic kidney disease?
Research suggests that a more liberalized diet, including more fruits and vegetables, can provide health benefits for people with chronic kidney disease without significantly increasing the risk of high potassium levels in the blood. This is because the fiber in plant foods may help manage potassium absorption, and the alkalinizing effect of these foods can benefit kidney health.12457
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dylan Mackay, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Manitoba
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 with Chronic Kidney Disease, who are not on dialysis but have a certain level of kidney function and controlled blood sugar. They should have slightly elevated potassium levels but not be in advanced heart failure, recently had a heart attack or stroke, or have severe lung disease requiring oxygen.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Run-in
Participants receive weekly supplementation of higher potassium fruit and vegetables during a 2-week run-in period
Treatment
Participants receive either liberalized or restricted dietary potassium via fruit and vegetables for 6 weeks, followed by a crossover to the alternate treatment for another 6 weeks
Washout
A 2-week washout period between the two treatment phases
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Liberalized dietary potassium via fruits and vegetables
- Standard dietary potassium restriction
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Manitoba
Lead Sponsor
Dalhousie University
Collaborator