By: Kellsey Reed, RDN, LDN, PatientsLikeMe Contributor
Milk is a universal food, included in so many delicious dishes and treats. But is it safe to drink milk with chronic kidney disease?
The Nutritional Breakdown of Milk
Milk is a controversial topic when it comes to CKD. Many state that milk should be limited to a kidney-friendly diet, whereas others say it should be included. Knowing what nutrients are in milk can help you decide if milk can fit into your kidney-friendly diet. Why? Because when you have chronic kidney disease, limiting certain nutrients, like protein, potassium, phosphorus, or sodium, in your diet can help to manage your kidney health better overall. Let’s break down the nutrients in milk and if it’s an acceptable choice for those with CKD.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that helps our bodies to function daily. Too much potassium in your body isn’t helpful when you have CKD. Milk is a high-potassium food. In an 8-ounce cup of 1% milk, you will get about 366 mg of potassium. If you need a potassium restriction, this is something to keep in mind. Portion size is key here as well. If you enjoy milk and need a potassium restriction, try having a 4-ounce portion to reduce the potassium content. Remember, not everyone with CKD needs a potassium restriction. Always check with your healthcare team and the doctor to ensure you do what’s right for your CKD.
Sodium
Sodium is a mineral that is abundant in many of the foods we eat. Too much sodium in your body isn’t helpful when you have CKD. A diet high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure and further progression of CKD. Milk is considered a low-sodium food, but it still contains some sodium, which is something to be aware of. In an 8-ounce cup of 1% milk, you will get about 107 mg of sodium. If you have more than 1 cup of milk/day, remember that the sodium can add up quickly.
Phosphorus
Too much phosphorus can be harmful if you have CKD. Research shows that the phosphorus in animal products, like cow’s milk, is absorbed about 60-80% in the body. This means that you are likely not getting the amount of phosphorus in a particular animal-based food. In an 8-ounce cup of 1% milk, you will get about 234 mg of phosphorus. Some people with CKD need a phosphorus restriction, so keeping in mind your portion size of milk each day can be helpful.
Protein
Protein is a nutrient that often needs to be limited when you have CKD. Too much protein can harm the kidneys and cause further progression of CKD. In an 8-ounce cup of 1% milk, you will get about 8 gm of protein. If you enjoy milk and need to limit your protein intake, try limiting your portion size instead of completely restricting it.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
Milk contains other essential nutrients like calcium, cobalamin, vitamin B6, and magnesium. These nutrients can be so helpful for our bones and other bodily functions.
Milk Alternatives
Alternatives like cashew, almond, oat, and soy milk can be nice substitutes for cow’s milk for a kidney-friendly diet. Milk alternatives can be lower in protein, potassium, and phosphorus. This can benefit those on a protein, potassium, or phosphorus-restricted diet with CKD. That said, sometimes they don’t always provide the same amount of vitamins and minerals as cow’s milk. Always read the label when looking for milk alternatives & keep in mind your individual nutrient needs.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone with CKD has different nutrient needs and dietary preferences. If you enjoy milk and want to include it in your kidney-friendly diet, be mindful of your specific nutrient needs and your milk portion size. If milk doesn’t seem like it’s the right option for your kidney-friendly diet, try an alternative like almond or cashew milk. Working with a renal dietitian can also be a great way to figure out the right kidney-friendly diet for you.
*All nutrition information provided is determined by using the USDA food database.