Providing Nutritional Supplements To
Dialysis Clinics
East Tennessee Counties
PROTEIN WITH A PURPOSE:
PURE PROTEIN BARS
Why Pure Protein Bars Are A Good Fit
- High-quality protein: Uses whey protein isolate and milk protein concentrate — both complete proteins with all essential amino acids.
- Moderate carb load: Balanced enough for diabetic control and energy needs.
- Relatively low sodium: Many flavors meet low-sodium guidelines.
- Portable & consistent: Makes it easy for patients to meet protein goals without complicated prep.
For dialysis patients, a snack that’s high in quality protein, moderate in carbs, and low in sodium helps replace protein lost during dialysis, supports energy without overloading blood sugar, and avoids extra fluid retention or blood pressure spikes. Pure Protein Bars are a practical, evidence-based choice within these parameters.
Why Protein Matters
Why Protein Is Critical for Dialysis Patients
• Protein losses during dialysis: Hemodialysis filters not only remove waste but also remove amino acids (protein building blocks) from the blood. This can increase a patient’s daily protein requirement.
• Preventing malnutrition & muscle wasting: Inadequate protein intake can lead to Protein-Energy Wasting (PEW) — a serious condition linked to higher morbidity and mortality.
• Higher protein needs: Many dialysis patients require significantly more daily protein than healthy adults to maintain muscle mass and overall health.
The Role of the Protein–Carbohydrate Ratio
• Protein: Supports muscle repair, immune health, and recovery between dialysis sessions.
• Carbohydrates: Provide energy, which spares protein from being used for fuel. However, too much carbohydrate (especially simple sugars) can spike blood glucose, a concern for the large number of dialysis patients with diabetes.
• Ideal balance: A good dialysis-friendly snack tends to be high protein, moderate carbohydrate, and low in added sugar — enough carbs to provide energy without excessive blood sugar swings.
• Pure Protein Bars: Typically have ~20–21g protein, ~16–20g carbs (with low sugar), which helps meet protein needs while controlling carbohydrate load.
Why Low Sodium Matters
• Fluid retention & blood pressure: Dialysis patients often have strict fluid limits. High sodium intake increases thirst and fluid retention, leading to swelling, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure between sessions.
• Cardiovascular health: Lower sodium reduces strain on the heart — important since heart disease risk is elevated in kidney patients.
• Target: Many renal dietitians recommend keeping snacks under 140 mg sodium for “low sodium” status — many Pure Protein flavors are at or near this threshold compared to other snack bars that can exceed 300–400 mg.
Kidney Disease and Nutrition
Nutrition isn’t just about food—it’s a vital part of treatment for kidney patients. The kidneys help filter waste, balance minerals, and keep our bodies in harmony. When they aren’t working well, the wrong foods can quickly build up harmful toxins, while the right foods can ease strain and support overall health.
Dialysis can deplete important nutrients like protein and vitamins. Without proper nutrition, patients can lose strength, have weaker immune systems, and face longer recovery times. Our nutrition programs—like providing high-protein, kidney-friendly snacks—help patients maintain energy, prevent malnutrition, and improve their quality of life. Good nutrition is more than a comfort; it’s a lifeline.
Nutrition Guidelines
Healthy Eating
We know eating healthfully is important, especially for people with kidney disease on dialysis. Following a nutritious diet can help you feel better and give you more energy. Your dialysis dietitian will meet with you to develop an eating plan that considers your kidney disease, the treatment you choose, and any other health conditions you may have. Your blood work results will help your dietitian make recommendations tailored to your needs.