Potassium Intake in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

In individuals without chronic kidney disease (CKD), potassium (K) lowers blood pressure (BP) and may help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. In animal models, K prevented kidney injury and decreased kidney inflammation. CKD patients may especially benefit from higher K intake, due to their high prevalence of hypertension, CVD, and stroke, and the possibility that K may retard CKD progression. Despite these potential benefits, there is great uncertainty about the optimal K intake in CKD patients. K is often restricted in these patients due to concerns about elevating serum K. However, renal K excretion does not appear to be substantially impaired until the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is severely decreased (< 10-20 mL/min/1.73 m2). In this randomized feeding study with a two-period crossover design, the benefits and safety of 4 weeks of 100 mmol versus 40 mmol K/day in 26 non-diabetic adults with stage 3 CKD (estimated GFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2) will be evaluated. After a one-week run-in period, all participants will be randomized to receive either a diet containing either 40 mmol K/day or 100 mmol K/day (within the current K/DOQI recommendations for K intake for stage 3 CKD) during period 1 (they will receive the other during period 2). The primary outcome variable is 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP. Secondary outcomes are other measures of peripheral BP, central BP, inflammatory markers, and serum K. We hope that this study will lead to a larger trial with sufficient power to examine the effects of increased K intake on clinical outcomes such as CKD progression. The ultimate goal of this effort is to develop the scientific basis for guidelines on K intake in CKD.

Inclusion criteria

• Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2 by the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study Equation
• Systolic blood pressure 120-159 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg
• Willingness to follow strict dietary rules for 9 weeks and to come to the clinical research unit at least 3 weekdays per week for one meal during the two study periods

Exclusion criteria

• Baseline serum potassium of at least 5.5 mEq/L
• Baseline serum potassium of less than 3.5 mEq/L
• Insulin-requiring or uncontrolled (HbA1C > 9 g/dL) diabetes mellitus
• Use of potassium supplements
• Use of digoxin
• Chronic disease(s) that may interfere with trial participation
• Pregnancy or lactation
• > 14 alcoholic drinks/week
• Major food allergies or intolerances