Is drinking Boost safe for someone living with one kidney?
Boost and similar nutritional drinks can be tricky with one kidney, mainly because of their protein, potassium, and phosphorus content. With only one kidney doing all the work, it has to filter everything on its own — so what goes in really matters.
Here are some key Show Full Answer
Is drinking Boost safe for someone living with one kidney?
Boost and similar nutritional drinks can be tricky with one kidney, mainly because of their protein, potassium, and phosphorus content. With only one kidney doing all the work, it has to filter everything on its own — so what goes in really matters.
Here are some key things to be aware of with nutritional drinks like Boost:
- Protein — These drinks are often high in protein. Too much protein creates waste that your kidney has to filter, which can overwork it over time.
- Potassium — High potassium levels can cause serious issues, including heart rhythm problems.
- Phosphorus — Too much phosphorus can also build up and cause complications. The safest move is to check with your nephrologist or a renal dietitian before making Boost a regular part of your diet. They can look at your current lab values and tell you whether the protein and mineral levels in these drinks are okay for your specific situation.
There are kidney-friendly nutritional drinks available (like Nepro or Renalcal) that are specially formulated for people with kidney concerns — worth asking your care team about those as an alternative!
July 5
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