Dietary potassium intake and the risk of death for adults receiving hemodialysis.

What is it about?

We examined the association between the dietary intake of potassium and the risk of death among 8043 adults receiving hemodialysis treatments followed on average for four years. After we adjusted for patients characteristics and the intake of each food group, including fruits and vegetables, we found that the daily dietary potassium intake estimated using a food frequency questionnaire was not associated with the risk of death. We also found no association between the dietary potassium intake and the potassium blood levels in a subgroup of participants.

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Photo by Iñigo De la Maza on Unsplash

Photo by Iñigo De la Maza on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our findings are important because they challenge the current practice of limiting potassium intake in the diet to prevent increased potassium levels in the blood. Easing dietary restrictions for people receiving hemodialysis can substantially improve patients' quality of life.

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