How are nutrition guidelines translated into food recommendations for low potassium diets?

Full reference: Picard, K., Griffiths, M., Mager, D.R. and Richard, C., 2021. Handouts for low-potassium diets disproportionately restrict fruits and vegetables. Journal of Renal Nutrition, 31(2), pp.210-214.

What we did – Methods

This a study that reviews patient education materials on low-potassium diet messaging of patient facing handouts. Handouts used were from government health and renal program websites in Canadian provinces and territories.

What we found – Results

1. Many patient handouts recommend restricting or limiting specific foods or food groups, with a focus on fruits and vegetables.
2. The main founds restricted were fruits and vegetables, followed by plant proteins, other foods (such as dairy, coffee, tea, chocolate). This was by a recommendation to restrict whole grains.
3. Some handouts mention animal-based protein as a source of high-potassium foods. Few advise avoiding potassium-based salt substitutes and potassium additives.
4. There was wide range of foods to be either avoided or limited. There were variations in recommendations across different handouts.

Main discussion points

1. We encouraged considering potassium additives in ultra-processed foods, as they can significantly increase potassium content.
2. We emphasized that North Americans consumed a lot of ultra-processed foods.

Take Away

Dietary recommendations for low potassium diets would benefit from re-evaluation. Specifically, to consider potassium additives in ultra-processed foods.