A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with better outcomes in CKD patients. However, the presence of hyperkalemia can prevent patients from increasing plant-based foods in their diets. While hyperkalemia can have severe health consequences in advanced CKD, the decreased consumption of plant-based foods can be associated with adverse health outcomes in this population.
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is a non-absorbed cation exchanger that selectively binds potassium in the intestine.
This study plans to enroll CKD patients with an eGFR ≤45mL/min and a serum potassium ≥ 5mEq/L, administering SZC to achieve normokalemia, and provide them with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Endothelial function, inflammatory biomarkers and stool microbiota will be measured to assess the potential benefits of providing a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, albeit rich in potassium, in advanced CKD patients. Because these patients are usually restricting the intake of plant-based proteins and foods due to the concerns of hyperkalemia, eliminating this serious and potentially-life threatening clinical condition might carry health benefits, such as improved endothelial function and decreased inflammation
