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. 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 ounces per day.

Food	Amount of Protein	Food	Amount of Protein
chicken nuggets	2 nuggets = 1 ounce	hamburger	3 ounces
chicken fingers	1 finger = 1 1/2 ounces	1/4 lb burger	4 ounces
chicken sandwich	4 ounces	roast beef sandwich	3 ounces
chicken breast	3 to 4 ounces	pork chops	3 to 4 ounces
chicken wing	1 ounce	luncheon meats	3/4 ounce
drumstick	1 ounce	1 large egg	1 ounce

Topic Home Page | Return to Full List of Topics

The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.