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Are You Getting Enough Protein?
Use this information only under the advice of a physician
Protein
Protein provides the building blocks for muscle, bone, and other tissues. It also helps with wound healing and is necessary for building a strong immune system. A strong immune system will help your body fight off colds, viruses, and other infections. If protein stores get too low, you may become sick, weak, and /or may not heal well after surgery.
How is Protein Measured?
Protein stores can be measured by a blood test called Albumin. For good health, your albumin level should be over 3.5 gm/dl.
Are You Getting the Right Amount of Protein?
Patients with early kidney disease only need 50 to 60 grams of protein. Most people on hemodialysis need at least 70 to 80 grams of protein a day. Most people on peritoneal dialysis need at least 90 to 100 grams of protein a day. To see if you are getting enough protein, you may want to add up your total protein intake for one day. The following foods are good sources of protein:
| PROTEIN FOOD | AMOUNT | GRAMS/PROTEIN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat (beef, pork, fish, poultry) Tuna, salmon Egg/Egg Substitute Cottage Cheese Milk (Regular or Soy)* Peanut Butter * Cheese * (low salt cheddar) Nutritional supplements: |
3 ounces ¼ cup ¼ cup ¼ cup ½ cup 2 tbsp. 1 oz. |
21 grams 7 grams 8 grams 7 grams 4 grams 8 grams 8 grams |
|
| Reneph Ensure Boost Boost High Protein Boost Breeze Choice DM |
4 oz. 8 oz 8 oz. 8 oz. 8 oz. 8 oz. |
8 grams 9 grams 10 grams 15 grams 10 grams 9 grams |
|
Other foods have smaller amounts of protein. For example breads have 2 grams of protein. Check labels for amounts on other foods.
(* These foods are high in phosphorus – limit these foods if phosphorus levels are over 5.5.)
