People undergoing dialysis have special dietary requirements. While a reduced protein intake is often recommended for chronic kidney disease before dialysis begins, the requirements change significantly once dialysis starts. Amino acids and protein are regularly lost during treatment. Therefore, an adequate supply of high-quality protein is particularly important.
Targeted nutrition can help maintain muscle mass, prevent malnutrition, and support quality of life in the long term.
Why do protein requirements change during dialysis?
During hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, the body loses protein building blocks, among other things. At the same time, the energy requirements of many patients increase.
Professional societies generally recommend a daily protein intake of approximately 1.0 to 1.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight for stable dialysis patients, although individual needs should be determined by a doctor or nutritional therapist.
Consequences of insufficient protein intake
Consistently low protein intake can lead to what is known as protein-energy malnutrition.
Possible consequences include:
- Loss of muscle mass
- reduced physical performance
- increased fatigue
- delayed regeneration
- reduced quality of life
- increased risk of complications
An adequate protein supply is therefore one of the most important components of nutrition during dialysis.
What kind of diet is appropriate for dialysis?
In addition to an individually adapted intake of fluids, potassium, phosphate, and sodium, protein supply plays a central role.
Particularly suitable are:
- high-quality dairy products
- eggs
- fish
- lean meat
- poultry
- high-quality protein products
The diet should always be coordinated with the treating nephrology team or a nutrition professional.
When eating is difficult
Many dialysis patients suffer from:
- loss of appetite
- early satiety
- fatigue
- changes in taste
This makes it difficult to meet the daily protein requirement through normal meals alone.
In such situations, protein-rich supplements can provide valuable support.
Suitable products for dialysis
If a normal diet is not sufficient, specially developed products can make everyday life easier.
Adozan Kilo+ provides plenty of energy and high-quality protein in a small portion. The product is particularly suitable for loss of appetite, increased energy needs or unintentional weight loss and supports an adequate nutrient supply in everyday dialysis.
Adozan Protein100 provides 99% high-quality protein and can be stirred into numerous foods and drinks without altering the taste, making it easy to increase daily protein intake.
Adozan Protein+ Hot is suitable for hot drinks and foods and allows for uncomplicated protein supply even with soups or coffee.
Adozan Proffee combines coffee with high-quality protein and is a practical protein source for regular coffee drinkers.
Adozan P-Boost provides high-quality protein in liquid form and is particularly suitable for on the go or between meals.
Nutrition during dialysis
A balanced diet should be individually tailored to the specific type of dialysis.
Important principles are:
- sufficient high-quality protein
- adequate energy intake
- regular meals
- individual control of potassium, phosphate, and sodium
- adequate supply of vitamins and trace elements as recommended by a doctor
Conclusion
Dialysis significantly changes protein requirements. An adequate supply of high-quality protein can help maintain muscle mass and prevent malnutrition.
You can find suitable products for nutrition during dialysis in our Dialysis category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dialysis patients need more protein?
During dialysis, amino acids and protein are lost. At the same time, the need increases to maintain muscle mass and nutritional status.
How much protein is recommended during dialysis?
For many stable dialysis patients, approximately 1.0 to 1.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day is recommended. Individual needs should be determined by a doctor.
Can protein products be useful for dialysis?
Yes. If protein requirements cannot be met through normal diet, high-quality protein products can be a valuable supplement.
Which products are suitable for dialysis?
Protein100 / Protein+, Protein+ Hot, Proffee, and P-Boost can help support daily protein intake, depending on the individual situation.
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Scientific Sources
KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32829751/
ESPEN Practical Guideline – Clinical Nutrition in Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease
https://www.espen.org/guidelines/espen-practical-guidelines-pdf-versions
Universitätsspital Zürich – Nephrologie
https://www.usz.ch
Inselspital Bern – Universitätsklinik für Nephrologie und Hypertonie
https://www.insel.ch
Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Ernährung (SGE)
https://www.sge-ssn.ch
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Published: 03.07.2026
Last updated: 03.07.2026
Author: Christiane Michaela Wogrin
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Author
This article was written by Christiane Michaela Wogrin, founder and managing director of saluvivo GmbH. She specializes in medical nutrition, protein supply, and supporting people after bariatric procedures and in special nutritional situations.
You can find out more about Christiane Michaela Wogrin and the philosophy of saluvivo on our About Us page.
