Chronic kidney disease can negatively affect one’s bones in a variety of ways. Lack of proper filtration and low red blood cell count associated with chronic kidney disease and similar secondary hyperparathyroidism, elevations in serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), metabolic bone disease, soft-tissue calcifications, and other metabolic derangements that affect the bones of the human body.

Claremont Graduate University

Chronic Kidney Disease is identified by abnormal measurements of the actual or estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR, rate of kidney function/ filtration and flow of plasma across kidney membranes) for a minimum of 3 months, though usually this lasts for years and many consider it a lifelong condition. This condition is associated with chronic pain and a myriad of other serious symptoms and may lead to kidney failure and death.

Kidney Disease

National Kidney Foundation. (2014). National kidney foundation's primer on kidney diseases. (S. J. Gilbert, D. E. Weiner, D. S. Gipson, M. A. Perazella, & M. Tonelli, Eds.) (6th ed., Ser. Expertconsult). Elsevier/Saunders.

National Kidney Foundation's Primer on Kidney Diseases

About 15% of the US population is diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. The vast majority of these cases do not reach the final stage of the disease- "end-stage renal disease". 

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in the US

The rate of anemia increases in individuals with chronic kidney disease increases as the filtration of the kidneys slows. The rates of persons with chronic kidney disease who develop anemia is less than 10% in CKD stages 1 and 2, 20% to 40% in CKD stage 3, 50% to 60% in CKD stage 4, and more than 70% in CKD stage 5. 

Kidney Disease and Anemia

Chronic Kidney Disease and the Bones of the Body

Individuals with kidney disease often require specific nutritional management and care. Eating an excess of protein can cause undue stress on the kidneys as it causes them to overwork. Therefore, depending on the stage and severity of kidney disease in the given individual, nutritionists may recommend kidney disease patients limit protein intake and ensure that the protein they do eat is high in biologic value. 

Kidney Disease and Nutrition

Disabled persons with chronic kidney conditions on dialysis can suffer from severe malnutrition. This is partly due to the fact that most patients on dialysis lose approximately 5 to 12 g of total protein per day in addition to 2 to 4 g of free amino acids. Therefore, patients on dialysis require a much higher daily protein intake than chronic kidney disease sufferers not on dialysis.

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