Few topics generate more confusion in CKD than protein. Online you will find advice ranging from "high protein is fine" to "go almost vegan". The UK position, taken from NICE NG203 and the British Dietetic Association renal group, is more measured.
The general adult target
The UK Reference Nutrient Intake for protein in healthy adults is 0.75 g per kg of body weight per day. For a 70 kg adult that is around 53 g of protein — roughly two palm-sized portions of chicken, fish, tofu or beans, plus some dairy.
What about people with CKD?
NICE NG203 advises clinicians not to recommend low-protein diets (less than 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day) in CKD, because of the risk of malnutrition. Equally, very high-protein diets (over 1.3 g/kg/day) are discouraged because they may accelerate decline in kidney function in some people.
For most adults with CKD stages 1–3, the standard healthy adult target of around 0.75–1.0 g/kg/day works well. People on dialysis often need more protein, not less — typically 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day, supervised by a renal dietitian.
Choosing protein sources
- Plant proteins (beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh) come with fibre and less saturated fat. They contain potassium and phosphate but in a less bioavailable form than animal sources.
- Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) twice a week supports heart health, which matters because cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in CKD.
- Limit highly processed meats — they are high in salt and inorganic phosphate additives.
Protein supplements and shakes
Whey or casein shakes are not "kidney damaging" in healthy people, but they can push intake well above 1.3 g/kg/day. If you have CKD, talk to a renal dietitian before adding them.
Bottom line
Aim for moderate, mostly unprocessed protein. The UK message is: don't starve your kidneys of protein, and don't bombard them with it.