Disclaimer:This article isfor informational purposes only andisnot intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis from a physician.
Phosphorus, a mineral, may be in many foods you consume. Research shows that even in early kidney disease,limiting phosphoruscan changekidney disease progression, as well as make a difference in mineral and bone disordersand cardiovascular health. When you have kidney disease, it's important to keep levels under control and stay within a daily intake of 800 and 1,200 mg. Work with a renal dietitian to help you manage your phosphorus intake based on your needs.
To help guide you in knowing which foods are low in phosphorus, here are 7 lists of low-phosphorus food choices for akidney diet.
1. Low-phosphorus meat and poultry choices
Fresh or frozen red meats without breading, marinades or sauce are better choices for a kidney diet. On average, fresh meat contains 65 mg of phosphorus per ounce and 7 grams of protein per ounce.
Phosphorus content for a 3-ounce portion, cooked:
| Meat or Poultry | Phosphorus Content |
| Beef, pot roast | 155 mg |
| Beef, sirloin steak | 195 mg |
| Chicken breast,skinless | 190 mg |
| Chicken thigh,skinless | 150 mg |
| Hamburger patty, 90 percent lean | 170 mg |
| Lamb chop | 185 mg |
| Pork chop | 200 mg |
| Pork roast | 190 mg |
| Turkey breast meat, skinless | 185 mg |
| Turkey thigh meat, skinless | 170 mg |
| Veal chop | 200 mg |
2. Low-phosphorusseafood choices
Seafood is an excellent source of low-fat, high-quality protein.
Phosphorus content for a 3-ounce portion, cooked:
| Seafood | Phosphorus Content |
| Mahi Mahi | 155 mg |
| Salmon, Atlantic farmed | 215 mg |
| Yellowfin tuna | 210mg |
| Sea bass | 210mg |
| Tuna, canned | 130 mg |
| Rockfish | 195 mg |
| King crab | 192mg |
| Lobster | 160 mg |
| Oysters, Eastern | 120 mg |
| Shrimp | 120 mg |
| Snow crab | 120mg |
3. Low-phosphorus bread choices
Bread is a good source of carbohydratesand caloriesneeded for energyproduction. Although whole grain bread is a healthy source of fiber, it also has more phosphorus and potassiumthan white flour bread.
Phosphorus content for a 1-ounce portion unless stated otherwise:
| Bread | Phosphorus Content |
| Bagel: cinnamon raisin, blueberry, plain, onion | 53-70 mg |
| Corn tortilla, 6-inch | 75 mg |
| English muffin | 52-76 mg |
| Flat bread | 48 mg |
| Flour tortillas, made without baking powder | 20-37 mg |
| French or Italian bread or rolls | 28-29 mg |
| Light wheat bread | 38 mg |
| Pita bread, white | 58 mg |
| Sourdough bread | 30 mg |
| White bread | 25 mg |
4. Low-phosphorus pasta and rice choices
Pasta, rice and other grains are excellent sources of carbohydrates, calories and B vitamins, plus zinc, copper and iron. For a kidney diet, whole grains such as brown rice, oat bran and wild rice are limited due to the higher phosphorus content.
Phosphorus content for a 1/2 cup portion, cooked:
| Pasta or Rice | Phosphorus Content |
| Couscous | 20 mg |
| Egg noodles | 50-60 mg |
| Macaroni | 40 mg |
| Pearled barley | 43 mg |
| Plain white rice, short, medium or long grain | 35 mg |
| Rice noodles | 14-28 mg |
| Spaghetti | 42 mg |
5. Low-phosphorus dairy, dairy substitutes and egg whites
Milk and milk productsare high in calcium and phosphorus. A half cup of milk (4 ounces) contains 111-138 mg of phosphorus. Some liquid dairy substitutes can be used in cooking to replace milk. Read ingredient lists to look for phosphate additives, such as calcium-phosphate. Eggs are a great protein source but also contain 95 mg phosphorus in a large egg. Remove the yolk and phosphorus is only 5 mg for each egg white.
Phosphorus content for a 1/2 cup portion, unless stated otherwise:
| Dairy, Dairy Substitutes and Egg Whites | Phosphorus Content |
| Almond milk, Almond Breeze®, original | 50 mg |
| Nondairy creamer without phosphate additives | 40-53 mg |
| Nondairy whipped topping, 2 tablespoons | 0-10 mg |
| Sherbet | 38 mg |
| Sour cream, 2 tablespoons | 20-40 mg |
| Soy milk | 50-125 mg |
| Unenriched rice milk without calcium-phosphate | 29 mg |
| Egg whites, pasteurized | 15 mg |
6. Low-phosphorus snacks
| Snack Food (Plus Serving Size) | Phosphorus Content |
| Apple, 1 medium | 10 mg |
| Applesauce, 1/2 cup | 6 mg |
| Baby carrots, 9 pieces | 25 mg |
| Blueberries, 1/2 cup | 9 mg |
| Celery, 1 stalk | 10 mg |
| Cherries, 1/2 cup | 15 mg |
| Fig bar, 2 bars | 10-25 mg |
| Fruit candies: hard, chews or gummy | 0 mg |
| Fruit co*cktail, 1/2 cup | 17 mg |
| Low-sodium crackers, 1 ounce | 20-35 mg |
| Peach, 1 medium | 10 mg |
| Pineapple, fresh, 1/2 cup | 6 mg |
| Radishes, 1 | 9 mg |
| Strawberries, fresh, 1/2 cup | 18 mg |
| Unsalted popcorn, 1 cup | 8 mg |
| Unsalted pretzels, 1 ounce | 20-40 mg |
7. Lower phosphorus cheese choices
All cheese contains phosphorus with most having 120-250 mg per ounce; some contain more than 300 mg per ounce. The suggested portion for a dialysis dietis usually one ounce of cheese, one to two times a week if phosphorus is controlled. Check with your dietitianfor individual recommendations.
Low-phosphorus cheese choices:
| Cheese | Phosphorus Content |
| Blue cheese, 1 ounce | 110 mg |
| Cottage cheese, 1/4 cup | 92 mg |
| Cream cheese, 2 tablespoons | 20-40 mg |
| Feta cheese, 1 ounce | 96 mg |
| Neufchatel cheese, 1 ounce | 39 mg |
| Parmesan cheese, grated, 2 tablespoons | 72 mg |
As a seasoned nutrition expert specializing in renal health, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to guide individuals in managing their dietary choices for kidney disease. My expertise is rooted in comprehensive research and a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition and kidney function.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article on low-phosphorus food choices for individuals with kidney disease:
Phosphorus and Kidney Disease:
Phosphorus is a crucial mineral found in many foods, and its intake becomes particularly significant in the context of kidney disease. Research indicates that limiting phosphorus intake, even in the early stages of kidney disease, can impact the progression of the disease, as well as address mineral and bone disorders and cardiovascular health.
Recommended Phosphorus Levels:
For individuals with kidney disease, it is essential to keep phosphorus levels under control. The recommended daily intake typically falls between 800 and 1,200 mg. Collaborating with a renal dietitian is crucial for tailoring dietary plans based on individual needs.
Low-Phosphorus Food Choices:
-
Low-Phosphorus Meat and Poultry Choices:
- Emphasizes fresh or frozen red meats without additives.
- Provides phosphorus content for various meat and poultry options per 3-ounce portion.
-
Low-Phosphorus Seafood Choices:
- Highlights seafood as a low-fat, high-quality protein source.
- Presents phosphorus content for different seafood options per 3-ounce portion.
-
Low-Phosphorus Bread Choices:
- Acknowledges the role of bread as a source of carbohydrates and calories.
- Lists phosphorus content for various bread types per 1-ounce portion.
-
Low-Phosphorus Pasta and Rice Choices:
- Discusses the importance of carbohydrates, calories, and B vitamins from pasta and rice.
- Provides phosphorus content for various pasta and rice options per 1/2 cup portion.
-
Low-Phosphorus Dairy, Dairy Substitutes, and Egg Whites:
- Highlights the high calcium and phosphorus content in milk and dairy.
- Lists phosphorus content for various dairy and egg white options per 1/2 cup portion.
-
Low-Phosphorus Snacks:
- Offers low-phosphorus snack options, including fruits, vegetables, and crackers.
- Provides phosphorus content for various snack items.
-
Lower Phosphorus Cheese Choices:
- Acknowledges that all cheese contains phosphorus.
- Suggests low-phosphorus cheese choices with specific phosphorus content per ounce.
Conclusion:
The comprehensive breakdown of low-phosphorus food choices in this article aims to empower individuals with kidney disease to make informed dietary decisions. However, it's crucial to reiterate the importance of consulting with a renal dietitian for personalized recommendations tailored to individual health needs. This information serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to proactively manage their kidney health through mindful dietary choices.
