Consumption of ultra-processed foods in patients with chronic kidney disease beginning outpatient nutritional treatment.

• Grant number: 25/10849-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutritional Analysis of Population
• Principal Investigator: Paula Garcia Chiarello
• Grantee: Gabriela Silveira Passos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Among non-communicable chronic diseases, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue due to its high prevalence, association with cardiovascular risk, and invasive and costly treatment. The progression of this disease is related to metabolic abnormalities, nutritional disorders, and dietary restrictions, which make it difficult to maintain a nutritionally adequate diet without proper planning and monitoring. Due to the frequent restriction of minerals such as phosphorus, attention to the consumption of ultra-processed foods is essential in these patients, as these foods contain phosphate-based additives, which can lead to hyperphosphatemia and consequently pose health risks. Based on this context, the objective of this study is to assess the intake of ultra-processed foods and its relationship with clinical and nutritional parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease at their first outpatient nutritional consultation. Medical records of patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative treatment, seen at the Uremic Syndrome Nutrition Outpatient Clinic (ANSU) of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto, will be evaluated. To assess diet quality based on the consumption of ultra-processed foods, the NOVA Classification of ultra-processed foods will be used, with dietary intake information obtained during the first consultation. The medical records will also be reviewed for clinical data (CKD stage and routine biochemical tests) and nutritional data (anthropometry, handgrip strength, body composition via Spectroscopic Bioelectrical Impedance, and sarcopenia risk assessed by the SARC-F questionnaire). Data analysis will be performed using non-parametric correlation tests and group mean comparisons according to ultra-processed food intake, with 5% considered the threshold for statistical significance. (AU)