What can be a consequence of neglecting nutritional management in CKD?

Neglecting nutritional management in chronic kidney disease (CKD) can indeed lead to increased risks of complications and diseases. This is primarily because patients with CKD have specific dietary needs that must be met to slow the progression of kidney disease and manage associated health issues.

When nutritional guidelines are not followed, it's common for patients to experience inadequate intake of essential nutrients while simultaneously being at risk of excessive intake of harmful substances like potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. This imbalance can lead to various complications such as hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), bone disease (resulting from imbalanced calcium and phosphorus), cardiovascular issues, and even worsened kidney function.

Additionally, poor nutritional management may result in malnutrition, which further compromises overall health and can exacerbate CKD-related symptoms. Therefore, prioritizing sound nutritional practices is critical in the management of CKD to mitigate the risk of these complications and support overall patient health.