Phosphorus and Kidney Disease
Phosphorus is a BIG deal for anyone with kidney disease. Before blood serum levels become elevated in later stages of kidney disease, experts believe that phosphates in the food supply are impacting bone health and calcification processes. The pictures below have been submitted by renal dietitians across the United States and Canada. These show both foods with phosphate additives and substitutes.
One of the easiest things to do to make the renal diet more livable, and lovable, is just make a substitute. Often people don’t have to give up what they love, they just need to find a similar product.
Important Note: Products are constantly being updated. Always read the ingredients on products prior to consuming to double-check for phosphate additives.
Good News! This is a living database! That means new pictures of foods with and without phosphate additives will be added as frequently as they can!
Thank you to all the amazing renal dietitians that contribute to this database! Also, BIG thanks to Alexa Faris, Texas A&M University nutrition student for helping compile this database and create the graphics.
Does Coffeemate original contain phosphate additives? I have been using that I am on a Kidney diet and need to know what coffee creamer is okay to use. I use Almond Breeze unsweetened milk would that be better.
Hi Cathy, great question!
Coffeemate Original does in fact contain a phosphorus additive (dipotassium phosphate). You can check the smart label here.
Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond milk does not contain any phosphorus additives so would be a better choice.
There are a number of plant-based coffee creamers available, but it is always best to check the label for those pesky phosphorus additives!
We have been using Silk Almond Milk, regular 60 cal., for over a year. It’s label lists there is no potassium. I don’t see any phosphate additives in the ingredients, but I would like your opinion if this is a good choice for my husband, who just started on dialysis. Thanks!
Hi Pat,
The Regular Silk Almond Milk is a great choice, keep checking for those pesky phosphorus additives!
This informational handout on phosphorus additives is excellent!
Respectfully,
Belle, RD`
Hi Belle,
So glad that you found this handout helpful!
What low-fat margarines are low in phosphates
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for your question!
We reviewed quite a few labels for low-fat margarines and did not see any phosphorus additives in any of the major brands and are all naturally low in phosphorus.
We always recommend using heart healthy sources of fat such as olive oil as much as possible.
Hope this helps!
Is plant based dairy free Califia almond milk creamer safe to use in my coffee. Phos is not on the label.
Hi Cathy, great job checking the label for phosphorus additives! We just checked the label and don’t see any concerns with this product. It’s a good idea to check the label every so often to make sure that the ingredients haven’t changed.
This is not just about kidney disease. Out-of-balance Phosphate to calcium ratios can cause bone loss. One of the first signs of bone loss is usually first experienced in the jaw, causing dental issues. I have had 2 bone density scans; and afterward looking to my doctors for advice, I got nothing until I read the following book; which got me pointed in a good direction. “Cure Gum Disease Naturally : Heal Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease with Whole Foods”
by Ramiel Nagel. However, since I am generally healthy; it wasn’t until I noticed bubbles in my urine, that I was able figure out I was eating too many phosphates. After changing my diet to exclude Added Phosphates, the inflammation in my gums is slowly going away.
This is such a great point, too much phosphorus can impact the skeletal and cardiovascular system. We’re so glad that you the inflammation in your gums is improving since you’ve been excluding added phosphorus.