Protein Restriction

Protein requirements for children with renal failure

The body uses protein from foods to grow and repair cells. With kidney failure, your child will need to avoid excess protein. The kidneys may not be able to get rid of the waste products that come from eating too much protein. However, it is also important for your child to get enough protein for proper growth and nutrition. Your child's weight, medical condition, type of treatment, and laboratory values will be factors in determining how much protein your child needs. Your child's physician or dietitian will help determine how much protein your child needs.

What foods are high in protein?

The following foods are high in protein and should be restricted if your child has renal failure:

• Meat (beef, chicken, pork, turkey)

• Fish

• Seafood (shrimp, scallops, clams, oysters)

• Eggs

• Dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, pudding)

Helpful protein serving conversions

Your child's physician or dietitian will tell you how much protein your child can have each day. This will usually be listed in servings or grams per day.

Food	Amount of Protein	Food	Amount of Protein
chicken nuggets	6 grams/6 nuggets	regular hamburger	12.3 grams
chicken fingers	18 grams/6 pieces	1/4 lb burger	25.8 grams
chicken sandwich, plain	21 grams	fast food roast beef sandwich, plain	21.5 grams
chicken, 1/2 breast, fried	34.8 grams	pork chop, 1	25 grams
chicken wing, fried	9.73 grams	luncheon meats on 6-inch sub sandwich	21.8 grams
drumstick, fried	15 grams	1 large egg	6.3 grams