Potassium-friendly plant-based diet for people with advanced CKD
Official title: Säkerheten av en hälsosam växtbaserad Kost Med högre kaliuminnerhåll, jämfört Med en hälsosam växtbaserad Kost Med begränsat kaliuminnehåll Hos Patienter Med Kronisk Njursjukdom: En Pilotstudie
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT07494266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot study tests whether a liberal plant-based diet with normal potassium levels is safe and acceptable for adults with advanced CKD (eGFR <30) who are not on dialysis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Huddinge, Stockholm Län) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07494266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adults aged 20–85 with CKD stage 4–5 (eGFR <30) and normal potassium levels who are not on dialysis and willing to follow a plant-based diet.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with ongoing hyperkalemia, those on dialysis, or those unable to adhere to dietary changes may not benefit and could be at risk.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized pilot study, adults with moderate to severe CKD and normal potassium levels will be assigned to either a healthy plant-based diet or a potassium-restricted plant-based diet for six months. The trial focuses on safety, specifically the occurrence of hyperkalemia, and on patient-reported outcomes such as diet satisfaction and acceptance. It does not analyze detailed metabolic changes but will inform a larger future study on long-term effects. Conducted at Karolinska Institutet, the study emphasizes individualized potassium management and overall diet quality rather than fixed potassium limits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could support more flexible, diet-quality–focused guidance for CKD patients, potentially improving quality of life and satisfaction with treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Limited evidence exists for liberal potassium intake in CKD; this pilot addresses a knowledge gap and builds on emerging guidance toward individualized potassium management.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Age between 20 and 85 years * Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<30 mL/min/1.73 m² * Normal potassium levels (plasma potassium 3.5-5.3 mmol/L) * Not on dialysis * Good knowledge of Swedish Exclusion Criteria * Pregnancy * Breastfeeding * Kidney transplant * Regular use of potassium binders at least 4 days/week (e.g. sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, patiromer or sodium polystyrene sulfonate) * Regular prescription of daily potassium salts (e.g. potassium chloride) * Planned kidney transplant * Planned start of dialysis within the next 6 months * Allergy to nuts (including peanuts) * Mental illness and cognitive impairment that impede understanding of dietary advice * Comorbidities that may affect potassium balance (e.g. adrenal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhoea or colostomy)
Where it's running
-
Karolinska Institute
Huddinge, Stockholm Län, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carla M Avesani, RD, PhD, Associate Professor
- Email: carla.avesani@ki.se
- Phone: +46 725460974
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.