The challenge of nutritional management in people with kidney disease

Potassium reduction in food by preparation technique for the dietetic management of patients with chronic kidney disease: a review

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease patients often use food preparation techniques to reduce potassium intake. However, the most effective techniques have not yet been determined for all food groups. The present study aimed to analyse all of the available information on potassium reduction in the food and identify the best preparation techniques by comparing the trend of change in potassium level.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched from 1976 to May 2020, according to the PRISMA Statement. We included all articles reporting the amount of potassium before and after the application of food preparation techniques. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon test and statistical simulation.

RESULTS

A wide variety of food and culinary processes was observed in the 65 included articles. Cooking in water, pressure cooking and cooking in a microwave oven reduced potassium levels in all food groups, particularly in cereals and derivatives, fruits and derivatives, meats and derivatives, legumes, and leafy and cruciferous vegetables. Soaking food significantly reduced the potassium content in tubers and roots and leafy and cruciferous vegetables. Steam cooking and dry heating cooking also reduced potassium, although at a level lower than the other techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review shows that, in general, all food preparation techniques can reduce the potassium content, although cooking in water and soaking promotes a greater reduction; however, more studies with standardised techniques and complete data are necessary.