Protein intake and kidney function in older adults: evidence remains uncertain
Most included studies found no statistically significant link, while a plant protein finding came from a single study. The review could not support firm conclusions.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This abstract-based review found too little evidence to determine how dietary protein intake relates to kidney function over time in older adults who were not on dialysis. Most included studies reported no statistically significant association. That uncertainty does not establish that protein intake has no effect, nor does it identify an optimal intake.
The available evidence could not support a meta-analysis. The abstract also leaves out follow-up lengths, intake contrasts and effect estimates, so readers cannot judge the size or precision of the reported associations.
What the review asked
The researchers examined whether protein intake was associated with later kidney function in older people living in the community. They considered people with normal kidney function as well as those with chronic kidney disease who were not receiving dialysis.
The plant protein signal
One study linked higher plant protein intake with a slower decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate, a kidney function measure. This was an association from a single study; it does not establish that plant protein caused the slower decline.
The original publication
Association Between Dietary Protein Intake and Kidney Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review.
Al Qannas F, Nurgozhina M, Owen A et al.
Nutr Rev · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41894612
- Record checked
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