Dietary habits in Australian, New Zealand and Malaysian patients with end stage kidney failure: A pre-specified cross-sectional study of the FAVOURED trial participants.

Background: Dietary management plays an important role in patients with kidney failure. Current dietary habits of Australians and New Zealanders (ANZ) and Malaysians with chronic kidney disease (CKD Stage 4-5) have not been adequately investigated. We report the dietary habits of people with advanced CKD and their adherence to country-specific dietary guidelines.

Methods: Participants with CKD Stage 4-5, enrolled in the Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish oils) and Aspirin in Vascular access Outcomes in Renal Disease (FAVOURED) trial, completed a lifestyle questionnaire at baseline on their dietary intake.

Results: Of 567 participants, 538 (ANZ, n = 386; Malaysian, n = 152; mean ± SD age 54.8 ± 14.3 years, 64% male) completed the questionnaire. Dietary fruit and vegetable intakes were higher in ANZ participants; 49% (n = 189) consumed ≥2 serves day of fruit and 61% (n = 235) ate ≥2 serves day of vegetables compared to 24% (n = 36) and 34% (n = 52) of Malaysians, respectively (p < 0.0001). Only 4% (n = 15) of ANZ participants met Australian Dietary recommendations of two fruit and five vegetable serves day . Fish consumption was higher in Malaysians with 83% (n = 126) consuming ≥2 serves week compared to 21% (n = 81) of ANZ participants (p < 0.001). Red meat intake was higher in ANZ participants; however, chicken consumption was similar; 48% (n = 185) consumed >2 chicken serves week and 65% (n = 251) ate >2 serves week of red meat compared to 43% (n = 65) and 15% (n = 23) of Malaysians, respectively.

Conclusions: Significant regional variation in dietary intake for fruit, vegetables and animal protein is described that likely reflects cultural and economic differences. Barriers to meeting recommended dietary intakes require further investigation.