Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Individuals on Renal Replacement Therapy

Elisabetta Falbo, Gabriele Porchetti, Caterina Conte () and Maria Grazia Tarsitano
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Elisabetta Falbo: Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Catanzaro, Centro di Medicina del Viaggiatore e delle Migrazioni, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Gabriele Porchetti: Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
Caterina Conte: Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
Maria Grazia Tarsitano: Department of Medical and Surgical Science Nutrition Unit, University Magna Grecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: Patients on renal replacement therapy are typically subject to several dietary restrictions; however, this approach has been questioned in recent years, with some suggesting that the Mediterranean diet might be beneficial. Data on the adherence to this diet and factors that influence it are scarce. We conducted a web survey among individuals on renal replacement therapy (dialysis or kidney transplant, KT) using the MEDI-LITE questionnaire to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet and dietary habits in this population. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was generally low, and significantly lower among participants on dialysis versus KT recipients (19.4% vs. 44.7%, p < 0.001). Being on dialysis, adopting fluid restrictions, and having a basic level of education were predictors of low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Consumption of foods typically included in the Mediterranean diet, including fruit, legumes, fish, and vegetables, was generally low, particularly among those on dialysis. There is a need for strategies to improve both the adherence to and the quality of the diet among individuals on renal replacement therapy. This should be a shared responsibility between registered dietitians, physicians, and the patient.

Keywords: dialysis; kidney transplant; Mediterranean diet (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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