As patients approach renal failure, they are often profoundly fatigued. Energy drinks may seem like a logical solution for patients suffering from renal anemia and worn down by end-stage disease. However, these beverages should be approached with caution. Just because they claim to provide energy, doesn't mean that they are compatible with a renal diet.
Ingredients
While low-calorie energy drinks do exists, the primary ingredient of most of them is sugar. Many drinks are fortified with a variety of vitamins, just like sugary breakfast cereals. Others often contain a number of exotic-sounding botanicals -- with no credibly proven benefits.
Liquid Limitations
Most patients with advanced kidney disease who are approaching renal failure have limited ability to make urine. Any liquid they consume remains in the body until it can be removed during dialysis. Consuming too much liquid between dialysis sessions is dangerous because it increases blood pressure. High energy drinks might not fit easily into such a diet, especially when you can obtain the same ingredients in solid form.
Missing Information
The nutritional facts label that appears on energy drinks may comport with the law, but it is missing critical information about potassium and phosphorus content that patients in renal failure need to know. Clinical guidelines developed by the National Kidney Association recommend that patients whose serum phosphorus levels are above 4.6 mg/dL should restrict dietary phosphorus to 800 to 1,000 mg/day. Patients with elevated potassium should limit dietary potassium to less than 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily. Kidney patients shouldn't consume energy drinks without knowing the potassium and phosphorus content of the beverage.
Suggestions
As counter-intuitive as it seems, an exercise program may boost your energy levels in ways that energy drinks cannot. Even regular short walks may revitalize you. Also, have your nephrologist rule out renal anemia. Although this anemia afflicts many patients, it is easily treated.
References
- National Kidney Foundation: KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bone Metabolism and Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease
- DaVita: How Dry Weight and Fluid Gain Affect Dialysis Patients
- National Kidney Foundation: KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in Children with CKD: 2008 Update
- DaVita: Potassium, Phosphorus and the Dialysis Diet
