Low protein foods

In a normal diet, the consumption of protein products provides first-class proteins (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and milk) and second-class proteins (e.g. from bread, pasta and biscuits). In certain conditions it is necessary to partially or totally contain the protein intake (especially of second-class proteins).

Following a low protein diet should not mean giving up one’s eating habits and enjoying tasty dishes: today, a wide range of protein-free products is available with which it is possible to prepare delicious meals while preserving the taste of good food.

To follow a diet that is low in protein does not necessarily mean following a poor diet, but rather adopting one that simply reduces protein and mineral intake.

For patients who need a reduced protein regimen, PIAM proposes the protein-free Medifood product line, which is characterized by a protein content of less than 1g per 100g of product.

A protein-free diet is suitable for patients with:

• Chronic renal failure (CRF): patients in conservative therapy, in pre-treatment and in post-transplantation

In cases of CRF, low-protein nutrition is useful for reaching / increasing calorific value without affecting the renal load of solutes, delaying dialysis and controlling other complications due to CRF (hypertension, malnutrition, etc).

The IRC Patient can therefore:

• Reduce protein intake, in order to avoid straining kidney function;
• Manage calorific intake to achieve or maintain an ideal weight;
• Limit the intake of sodium, phosphorus and potassium.

• Parkinson’s disease (in treatment with levodopa)

In cases of Parkinson’s disease, levodopa is the drug of choice. The carriers that have the task of transporting the levodopa to the circulation and then from the circulation to the brain are the same which carry out the transport of amino acids. Therefore, a diet with reduced protein content (and, thus, amino acids) improves the absorption of levodopa, increasing the clinical action. Moreover, in a high percentage of patients there may be a reduction in the amount of levodopa, especially when it is taken around the time of a low protein lunch. Recent studies have shown that low-protein regimens, in the first part of the day, reduce the “OFF” periods (motor block) on a daily basis, improving the patient’s motor performance and well-being.

• Congenital disorders of protein metabolism (aminoacidopathies, urea cycle disorders, organic acidosis)

In congenital disorders affecting protein metabolism, it is necessary to limit the intake of natural proteins. Consequently, a diet with protein-free products is essential to allow varied, complete and correct nourishment for the patient.