If you have advanced kidney disease, your nephrologist or renal dietitian may have warned you to stay away from dark-colored sodas. This recommendation might seem somewhat odd, but it is based upon solid, nutritional evidence. Some dark sodas, such as colas, contain more phosphorus than scarred kidneys can filter safely.
Phosphorus
Healthy kidneys routinely remove excess phosphorus from the blood. This function is very important because too much phosphorus in the blood starts to pull calcium out of the bone. This weakens the bones and makes you more vulnerable to fractures and other problems. Healthy phosphorus levels are between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dL.
Low Phosphorus Diet
If your serum phosphorus levels creep past 5.5 mg/dL, your nephrologist may suggest a low phosphorus diet to protect your bones. Food such as milk, chocolate, beer, legumes and some sodas must be eaten sparingly because they are high in phosphorus. He may also prescribe phosphorus binders to remove excess phosphorus from your blood.
Phosphorus and Soda
Getting information about phosphorus content of soft drinks is difficult because the government does not require manufacturers to provide these numbers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that a 12 oz can of cola has 37 mg of phosphorus. One can of a "pepper-type" soda has 40 mg. By way of comparison, root beer, cream soda and Sprite have no phosphorus. One can of orange soda has only 4 mg.
Warning
You should never embark on a low phosphorus diet without checking with your nephrologist first. Avoiding high phosphorus sodas and other foods will not slow the progression of kidney disease. Restrictions are imposed only if the patient's lab results suggest they are necessary. There is no preventative benefit in avoiding high phosphorus foods.
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