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Dietary interventions for mineral and bone disorder in people with chronic kidney disease

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Abstract

Background

Chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) is a systemic dysfunction of mineral and bone metabolism in people with CKD. Recent research shows that phosphate retention plays a significant role in the development of CKD‐MBD. Compared with drug therapies, dietary interventions may be simple, inexpensive and feasible for phosphate retention. However, there is little evidence to support these interventions.

Objectives

Our objective was to assess the benefits and harms of any dietary intervention for preventing and treating CKD‐MBD.

Search methods

We searched Cochrane Kidney and Transplant's Specialised Register to 27 August 2015 through contact with the Trials' Search Co‐ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. We also searched the Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM) (1976 to August 2015), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI) (1979 to August 2015), and VIP (1989 to August 2015).

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs looking at dietary interventions for prevention or treatment of CKD‐MBD were eligible for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently assessed the eligibility, methodological quality, and extracted data. Continuous outcomes (serum calcium level, serum phosphorus level, calcium × phosphate product, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) and alkaline phosphatase) were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Dichotomous outcomes (mortality) were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. We used a random‐effects model to meta‐analyse studies.

Main results

Nine studies were included in this review which analysed 634 participants. Study duration ranged from 4 to 24 weeks. The interventions included calcium‐enriched bread, low phosphorus intake, low protein intake, very low protein intake, post haemodialysis supplements and hypolipaemic diet. Only one study reported death; none of the included studies reported cardiovascular events or fractures. There was insufficient reporting of design and methodological aspects among the included studies to enable robust assessment of risk of bias.

There was limited and low‐quality evidence to indicate that calcium‐enriched bread increased serum calcium (1 study, 53 participants: MD ‐0.16 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.51 to ‐0.31), decreased serum phosphorus (53 participants: MD ‐0.41 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.51 to ‐0.31) and decreased the calcium × phosphate product (53 participants: MD ‐0.62 mmol²/L², 95% CI ‐0.77 to ‐0.47).

Very low protein intake was not superior to conventional low protein intake in terms of effect on serum phosphorus (2 studies, 41 participants: MD ‐0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.50 to 0.25), serum calcium (MD 0.00 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.17 to 0.17), or alkaline phosphatase (MD ‐22.00 U/L, 95% CI ‐78.25 to 34.25). PTH was significantly lower in the very low protein intake group (2 studies, 41 participants: MD ‐69.64 pmol/L, 95% CI ‐139.83 to 0.54).

One study reported no significant difference in the number of deaths between low phosphorus intake and normal diet (279 participants: RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.01 to 3.82). Low phosphorus intake decreased serum phosphorus (2 studies, 359 participants: MD ‐0.18 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.29 to ‐0.07; I2 = 0%).

One study reported post‐haemodialysis supplements did not increase serum phosphorus compared to normal diet (40 participants: MD 0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.24 to 0.49).

One study reported low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate significantly decreased FGF‐23 (19 participants: MD ‐333.80 RU/mL, 95% CI ‐526.60 to ‐141.00), but did not decrease serum phosphorus (19 participants: MD ‐0.10 mg/dL, 95% CI ‐0.38 to 0.58) or PTH (19 participants: MD 31.60 pg/mL, 95% CI ‐29.82 to 93.02).

Authors' conclusions

There was limited low quality evidence to indicate that dietary interventions (calcium‐enriched bread or low phosphorus/protein intake) may positively affect CKD‐MBD by increasing serum calcium, decreasing serum phosphorus, the calcium × phosphate product and FGF‐23. Large and well‐designed RCTs are needed to evaluate the effects of various interventions for people with CKD‐MBD.

PICOs

Population
Intervention
Comparison
Outcome

The PICO model is widely used and taught in evidence-based health care as a strategy for formulating questions and search strategies and for characterizing clinical studies or meta-analyses. PICO stands for four different potential components of a clinical question: Patient, Population or Problem; Intervention; Comparison; Outcome.

See more on using PICO in the Cochrane Handbook.

Plain language summary

Are changes to diet effective to manage mineral and bone abnormalities in people with chronic kidney disease?

Problems with mineral and bone metabolism are very common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) which can lead to broken bones (fracture), heart and blood circulation (cardiovascular) problems, and sometimes death. Many pharmaceutical treatments used to treat mineral‐bone disease can have side effects and cause problems for patients. We wanted to find out if specific diets (such as low protein or phosphorus intake) were better or worse than normal diets or pharmaceutical treatments.

We searched the literature to August 2015 and included nine studies that analysed 634 participants; durations of studies ranged from 4 and 24 weeks. The interventions included calcium‐enriched bread, low phosphorus intake, low protein intake, very low protein intake, post‐haemodialysis supplements and low lipid diet. Only one study reported death; none of the included studies reported cardiovascular events or fractures. One study reported adverse events. There was insufficient reporting of design and methodological aspects among the included studies to enable robust assessment of risk of bias.

We found scant evidence to suggest that restricting protein or phosphorus in the diet may have positive effects for people with CKD. Evidence from one small, low quality study suggested that calcium‐enriched bread may help to increase calcium and decrease phosphorus and the calcium × phosphate product.

Evidence was assessed as low quality, and was insufficient to inform clinical decision‐making about the value of dietary modification for people with CKD‐MBD. None of the included studies reported our primary outcomes of cardiovascular events or fracture; only one study reported adverse events.

Authors' conclusions

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Implications for practice

There was limited, low powered and suboptimal quality evidence to suggest that consumption of calcium‐enriched bread or low phosphorus and protein intake may provide some benefit for people with CKD‐MBD. Very low protein intake, post‐haemodialysis diet supplements and hypolipaemic diets were conferred no significant benefit compared with controls. There was insufficient evidence to support the use of these interventions.

Implications for research

Large, well‐designed RCTs are needed to evaluate the effect of dietary interventions or combination interventions (including diet) for people with CKD‐MBD that report mortality, cardiovascular and fracture‐related outcomes and measure impact on quality of life. Adverse events, reasons for participants' withdrawals, and losses to follow‐up should be reported.

Summary of findings

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Summary of findings for the main comparison. Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate for people with CKD‐MBD

Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD
Settings: outpatient dialysis unit
Intervention: calcium‐enriched bread
Comparison: calcium acetate

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Calcium acetate

Calcium‐enriched bread

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.08 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

0.41 mmol/L lower
(0.51 to 0.31 lower)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Serum calcium
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean serum calcium (control)
2.11 mmol/L

Mean serum calcium (intervention)
0.16 mmol/L higher
(0.09 to 0.23 higher)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Calcium × phosphate product
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean calcium × phosphate product (control)
4.42 mmol²/L²

Mean calcium × phosphate product (intervention)
0.62 mmol²/L² lower
(0.77 to 0.47 lower)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Alkaline phosphatase activity
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean alkaline phosphatase activity (control)
95 IU/L

Mean alkaline phosphatase activity (intervention)
10 IU/L higher
(2.7 lower to 22.7 higher)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study reported using randomised controlled methods, but details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding were not reported
2 Only one published study was included.

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Summary of findings 2. Very low versus low protein diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Very low versus low protein diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD
Settings: outpatient clinic
Intervention: very low protein intake
Comparison: low protein intake

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Very low protein diet

Low protein diet

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: 9 to 18 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
1.2 to 1.32 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.12 mmol/L lower
(0.5 lower to 0.25 higher)

41 (2)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2,3

PTH
Follow‐up: 9 to 18 months

Mean PTH (control)
23.11 to 139 pmol/L

Mean PTH (intervention)
9.98 pmol/L lower
(12.85 to 7.1 lower)

41 (2)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2,3

Serum calcium
Follow‐up: mean 9 months

Mean serum calcium (control)
2.3 mmol/L

Mean serum calcium (intervention)
No higher
(0.17 lower to 0.17 higher)

22 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,4

Alkaline phosphatase
Follow‐up: mean 9 months

Mean alkaline phosphatase (control)
123 U/L

Mean alkaline phosphatase (intervention)
22 U/L lower
(78.25 lower to 34.25 higher)

22 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,4

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study reported using randomised controlled methods, but details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding were not reported
2 Very low protein intake (0.3 g/kg/d) showed a positive effect; low protein diet (0.4 g/kg/d) showed a negative effect.
3 Only published, small studies were included. Some negative results were reported.
4 Only one published study was included.

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Summary of findings 3. Low phosphorus versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Low phosphorus versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD
Settings: multicentre
Intervention: low phosphorus diet
Comparison: normal diet

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Normal diet

Low phosphorus diet

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 6 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.22 mmol/L lower
(0.41 to 0.03 lower)

80 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study reported using randomised controlled methods, but details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding were not reported
2 Only one published study was included.

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Summary of findings 4. Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD undergoing haemodialysis
Settings: HD unit
Intervention: post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement
Comparison: normal diet

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Normal diet

Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 1 month

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.1 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.12 mmol/L higher
(0.24 lower to 0.49 higher)

54 (2)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low1,2

Serum phosphorus ‐ home‐prepared dietary supplement versus normal diet
Follow‐up: mean 1 month

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.1 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.06 mmol/L higher
(0.45 lower to 0.57 higher)

30 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,3

Serum phosphorus ‐ commercial dietary supplement versus normal diet
Follow‐up: mean 1 month

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.1 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.19 mmol/L higher
(0.34 lower to 0.72 higher)

24 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,3

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Studies reported using randomised controlled methods, but did not report details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, or blinding
2 Only published, small studies were included. Some negative results were reported.
3 Only one published study was included.

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Summary of findings 5. Low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives) versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives) versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: patients with CKD‐MBD
Settings: multicentre
Intervention: low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives)
Comparison: normal diet

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Normal diet

Low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives)

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)

20.7 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

1.7 mmol/L lower
(3.01 to 0.39 lower)

279 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Study population

RR 0.18
(0.01 to 3.82)

279 (1)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate2

15 per 1000

3 per 1000
(0 to 55)

Medium risk population

15 per 1000

3 per 1000
(0 to 55)

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval; RR: relative risk

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 It was assessed as unclear risk of selection bias, performance bias and detection bias.
2 Only one published study was included.

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Summary of findings 6. Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo for people with CKD‐MBD

Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: patients with CKD‐MBD
Settings: clinical research centre
Intervention: low phosphorus intake plus placebo
Comparison: ad libitum diet plus placebo

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

ad libitum diet plus placebo

Low phosphorus intake plus placebo

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)

3.5 mg/dL

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

0.1 mg/dL higher
(0.48 lower to 0.68 higher)

20 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1

FGF‐23
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

MeanFGF‐23 (control)

‐5.6 RU/mL

Mean FGF‐23 (intervention)

2.3 RU/mL higher
(13.18 lower to 17.78 higher)

20 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

PTH
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean PTH (control)

49.8 pg/mL

Mean PTH (intervention)

25.6 pg/mL higher
(5.13 to 46.07 higher)

20 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Only one published study was included. However, the result was negative.
2 The study declared to have using randomised controlled methods, but no details of random sequence generation or allocation concealment. Performance bias, attrition bias and reporting bias were assessed as high risk.

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Summary of findings 7. Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate for people with CKD‐MBD

Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: patients with CKD‐MBD
Settings: clinical research centre
Intervention: Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate
Comparison: ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate

Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)

3.3 mg/dL

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

0.1 mg/dL higher
(0.38 lower to 0.58 higher)

19 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

FGF‐23
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean FGF‐23 (control)

24.3 RU/mL

Mean FGF‐23 (intervention)

333.80 RU/mL lower
(141.00 lower to 526.6 higher)

19 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,3

PTH
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean PTH (control)

68.9 pg/mL

Mean PTH (intervention)

31.6 pg/mL higher
(29.82 lower to 93.02 higher)

19 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study declared to have using randomised controlled methods, but no details of random sequence generation or allocation concealment. Performance bias, attrition bias and reporting bias were assessed as high risk
2 Only one published study was included. However, the result was negative
3 Only one published study was included

Background

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Description of the condition

Chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) is a systemic dysfunction of mineral and bone metabolism in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD‐MBD results from abnormalities in calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), or vitamin D metabolism levels; bone turnover, mineralization, volume, linear growth or strength, vascular or other soft tissue calcification (KDIGO 2009). In its early stages, CKD‐MBD is characterised by bone fractures, bone pain, skeletal deformities in growing children, reduced velocity in bone growth, abnormal height, vascular and other soft tissue calcification (Mejía 2011). Developments in dialysis technology have meant that fewer patients with CKD die from uraemia and have longer rates of survival. However, CKD‐MBD is a significant contributor to decreased quality of life and increased mortality and morbidity risks, and progression of CKD (Moe 2006; Moe 2007).

Phosphate retention plays an important role in the development of CKD‐MBD. As kidney function declines, excretion of phosphate becomes more difficult. Phosphate retention stimulates PTH and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23 function before hyperphosphataemia is detected during the early stages of CKD. In general, FGF‐23 and PTH can suppress renal reabsorption of phosphorus. However as CKD develops, kidney response to these hormones decreases (Razzaque 2011). In contrast, residual kidney function is challenged in converting 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)₂D, which may reduce intestinal calcium absorption and increase PTH and FGF‐23 levels (Komaba 2008).

Recent research has also indicated that the Klotho gene, which encodes a transmembrane co‐receptor specific for FGF‐23, declines in people with CKD. The Klotho gene also causes FGF‐23 resistance and stimulates PTH (Kuro‐O 2011). Both FGF‐23 and PTH increase as CKD progresses, eventually leading to renal osteodystrophy, cardiovascular and soft issue calcification. CKD‐MBD has been associated with both renal bone disease and higher mortality (Moe 2007; Tentori 2008).

Description of the intervention

Phosphate retention usually begins early in the course of CKD.

Dietary phosphate restriction and use of phosphate binders are two principal measures for the management of elevated phosphate levels. It has been shown that if serum phosphorus can be decreased in relation to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), plasma PTH elevation could be prevented (Slatopolsky 1973).

Small sample research has also demonstrated that prolonged limiting of dietary phosphate intake is effective in suppressing secondary hyperparathyroidism, and was recommended for implementation at all stages of kidney disease (McCrory 1987; Takeda 2007).

However, challenges persist in the treatment of hyperphosphataemia. At present, calcium‐containing and non‐calcium containing phosphate binders, such as sevelamer and lanthanum, are the major drugs used to lower phosphate levels. Calcium‐containing phosphate binders may increase the risk of positive calcium balance, and lead to cardiovascular and soft tissue calcification, particularly when associated with vitamin D therapy. Sevelamer for reducing serum phosphorus has been demonstrated to decrease progression of coronary artery calcification compared with calcium salts. However, high treatment cost of sevelamer limits its use, and the same is true for lanthanum.

Pelletier 2010 compared older and younger haemodialysis patients and reported better control of serum phosphorus with less phosphate binder and cinacalcet. This study indicated that phosphate binders may not be the determinant in maintaining serum phosphorus. Moreover, the increasing number of patients with CKD requires a large number of conventional drugs which imposes a significant burden for both patients and society (Navaneethan 2009). Thus, searching for interventions that are both efficient and affordable is a pivotal target for preventing and treating CKD‐MBD.

Compared with drug therapies, dietary interventions seem to be simple, inexpensive and feasible. Dietary phosphate restriction is recommended in many guidelines. The KDOQI 2003 guidelines suggest that dietary phosphorus should be restricted to 800 to 1000 mg/day when plasma levels of intact PTH are elevated above the target range of the CKD stage. The KDIGO 2009 guidelines recommend that patients with CKD stages 3 to 5D limit their dietary phosphate intake for the treatment of hyperphosphataemia, alone or in combination with other treatments; however, there is currently little evidence to support this recommendation.

Because phosphate intake usually parallels protein intake, dietary phosphate restriction is often achieved by restricting protein intake. Cianciaruso 2008 and Klahr 1994 conducted studies to investigate the effects of different protein diets on metabolic control and CKD progression. Sullivan 2009 focused on the effects of food additives on hyperphosphataemia in people with end‐stage kidney disease and reported benefits when phosphorus‐containing food additives were avoided. Soroka 1998 investigated feasibility low phosphate diets and showed that a low‐phosphorus vegan diet in which only an appropriate cereal‐legume mixture was consumed could achieve the same goal as a conventional low‐protein diet. Patients not only avoided protein malnutrition, but also reduced phosphate intake, which is an abundant mineral in animal‐based foods.

How the intervention might work

Phosphate retention plays a significant role in the development of CKD‐MBD. Lowering dietary phosphate by restricting food additives, processed foods and protein, and sometimes in combination with phosphate binders, should therefore be the first step to protect people with CKD from developing mineral and bone disorder.

Why it is important to do this review

Although dietary interventions are well recognised as an important way to help prevent and treat CKD‐MBD, there has been no systematic review of these interventions. The safety and efficacy of dietary interventions for people with CKD‐MBD remain unknown.

Objectives

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Our objective was to assess the benefits and harms of any dietary intervention for preventing and treating CKD‐MBD.

Methods

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Criteria for considering studies for this review

Types of studies

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs (RCTs in which allocation to treatment obtained by alternation, use of alternate medical records, date of birth or other predictable methods) looking at dietary interventions for preventing or treating CKD‐MBD were included. The first periods of randomised cross‐over studies were also eligible for inclusion.

Types of participants

People with CKD stages 3 to 5D as defined by the KDOQI 2003 guidelines (stage 3: GFR 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m²; stage 4: GFR 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m², stage 5: GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m² or dialysis) were included. Children and kidney transplant recipients were also included.

Types of interventions

  1. Any dietary intervention versus placebo, no treatment, another dietary intervention or any other interventions

  2. Any dietary intervention in combination with other interventions versus placebo, no treatment, another dietary intervention or any other interventions.

Dietary interventions included protein restricted diets and phosphate restricted diets.

Types of outcome measures

  • Outcome data of four weeks intervention or longer were included because it seemed impossible to evaluate the effect of dietary interventions over a shorter time

  • Fracture at any site measured by radiographic examination

  • Cardiovascular events measured by records of symptoms, any ultrasonic, electrocardiogram or heart intervention

  • Vascular calcification or soft tissue calcification measured by CT, X‐ray or ultrasonic imaging

  • Incidence of calciphylaxis measured by symptoms, X‐ray or biopsy

  • Bone density (assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry using Z‐scores at the lumbar spine, femoral neck or radius)

  • Bone turnover (by bone histomorphometry)

  • Potential adverse events included protein energy malnutrition, gastrointestinal symptoms, hypophosphataemia, hyper‐ or hypocalcaemia

  • Other outcomes measured by blood examination at the end of the interventions.

Primary outcomes

  • Mortality

  • Cardiovascular events

  • Fracture.

Secondary outcomes

  • Biochemical parameters

    • Serum phosphorus (mmol/L, mg/dL)

    • Serum calcium (mmol/L, mg/dL)

    • Calcium × phosphate product

    • PTH (iPTH) (pmol/L, pg/mL)

    • Alkaline phosphatase (μkat/L, U/L)

    • Urinary phosphorus excretion (mmol/L, mg/dL)

    • Serum FGF‐23 (pg/mL)

  • Vascular calcification

  • Soft tissue calcification

  • Left ventricular mass

  • Incidence of calciphylaxis

  • Bone density (assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry using Z‐scores at the lumbar spine, femoral neck or radius)

  • Bone turnover (by bone histomorphometry)

  • Bone micro‐architecture by high‐resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR‐pQCT)

  • Longitudinal growth in children

  • Adverse events.

Search methods for identification of studies

Electronic searches

We searched Cochrane Kidney and Transplant's Specialised Register to 27 August 2015 through contact with the Trials' Search Co‐ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. The Specialised Register contains studies identified from the following sources.

  1. Quarterly searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL

  2. Weekly searches of MEDLINE OVID SP

  3. Handsearching of kidney‐related journals and the proceedings of major kidney conferences

  4. Searching of the current year of EMBASE OVID SP

  5. Weekly current awareness alerts for selected kidney journals

  6. Searches of the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Studies contained in the Specialised Register were identified through search strategies for CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE based on the scope of Cochrane Kidney and Transplant. Details of these strategies, as well as a list of handsearched journals, conference proceedings and current awareness alerts, are available in the Specialised Register section of information about Cochrane Kidney and Transplant.

We also searched:

  1. The Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM) (1976 to August 2015)

  2. Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (1979 to August 2015)

  3. VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP) (1989 to August 2015).

See Appendix 1 for search terms.

Searching other resources

  1. Reference lists of review articles, relevant studies and clinical practice guidelines.

  2. Letters seeking information about unpublished or incomplete studies to investigators known to be involved in previous studies.

Data collection and analysis

Selection of studies

The search strategy described was used to obtain titles and abstracts of studies that might relevant to the review. The titles and abstracts were screened independently by two authors, who discarded studies that were not applicable. However, studies and reviews that might include relevant data or information on studies were retained initially. Two authors independently assessed retrieved abstracts and, if necessary the full text, of these studies to determine which studies satisfy the inclusion criteria. There were no disagreements.

Data extraction and management

Data extraction was carried out independently by two authors using standard data extraction forms. We grouped reports of the same study together and only the publication with the most complete data was used in the analyses. There were no disagreements.

Assessment of risk of bias in included studies

The following items were independently assessed by two authors using the risk of bias assessment tool (Higgins 2011) (see Appendix 2).

  • Was there adequate sequence generation (selection bias)?

  • Was allocation adequately concealed (selection bias)?

  • Was knowledge of the allocated interventions adequately prevented during the study?

    • Participants and personnel (performance bias)

    • Outcome assessors (detection bias)

  • Were incomplete outcome data adequately addressed (attrition bias)?

  • Were reports of the study free of suggestion of selective outcome reporting (reporting bias)?

  • Was the study apparently free of other problems that could put it at a risk of bias?

Measures of treatment effect

There were no reports of dichotomous outcomes (such as mortality, cardiovascular events, fracture, adverse events and so forth). Where continuous scales of measurement was used to assess the effects of treatment (such as serum phosphorus, serum calcium, Ca × P product, PTH (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase), the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used. We analysed final measurement outcomes data for meta‐analysis if available.

Unit of analysis issues

Only data from the first period of cross‐over studies were included. For multiple intervention groups, we pooled all relevant experimental intervention groups into a single group, and likewise pooled all relevant control intervention groups into a single control group.

Dealing with missing data

Further information required from the original author was requested by written correspondence (e‐mailing and/or writing to corresponding author/s) and relevant information obtained in this manner was included in the review.

Assessment of heterogeneity

Heterogeneity was analysed using a Chi² test on N‐1 degrees of freedom, with an alpha of 0.05 used for statistical significance and with the I² test (Higgins 2003). I² values of 25%, 50% and 75% correspond to low, medium and high levels of heterogeneity.

Assessment of reporting biases

We were unable to construct funnel plots to assess and presence of reporting bias because of the small number of included studies.

Data synthesis

Only data from Di Iorio 2003 and Herselman 1995 were pooled using the random‐effects model. We were unable to conduct pooled analyses because of the range of interventions reported.

Subgroup analysis and investigation of heterogeneity

We were unable to perform subgroup analysis because of the small number of included studies.

Sensitivity analysis

We were unable to perform sensitivity analyses because of the small number of included studies.

Results

Description of studies

Results of the search

We identified 1077 records. After initial screening we excluded 911 records (duplicates, animal studies, not randomised, wrong population). After title and abstract review we excluded an additional 129 records. We obtained the full‐text of 37 records. We included nine studies (12 records) and excluded 12 studies (15 records). Six studies are awaiting assessment and there are three ongoing studies (Figure 1).


Study flow diagram

Study flow diagram

Included studies

We included nine studies (634/657 analysed/randomised patients) that investigated six types of dietary interventions (Babarykin 2004;Bunio 2004;Di Iorio 2003;Herselman 1995;Isakova 2013; Li 2011c; Lou 2012; Sharma 2002c; Sullivan 2009).

Babarykin 2004 compared calcium‐enriched bread diet with calcium acetate. Di Iorio 2003 and Herselman 1995 compared very low protein intake with low protein intake. Herselman 1995 compared 0.6 g protein/kg/day with 0.4 g protein/kg/day supplemented with essential amino acids. Di Iorio 2003 compared 0.6 g protein/kg/day with 0.3 g protein/kg/day of vegetable origin, supplemented with a mixture of keto analogues and essential amino acids. Bunio 2004 compared hypolipaemic diet with statin/lovastatin 20 mg/day. Li 2011c compared low protein intake (0.8 g/kg ideal body weight/day, with keto acid‐supplementation) with normal protein intake (1 to 1.2 g/kg ideal body weight/day). Isakova 2013, Lou 2012 and Sullivan 2009 studied phosphorus restricted diets for CKD. Isakova 2013 compared low phosphorus intake (900 mg phosphorus/day) plus lanthanum carbonate/placebo with ad libitum plus lanthanum carbonate/placebo. Lou 2012 compared low phosphorus diet (800 to 900 mg phosphorus/day) with normal diet. Sullivan 2009 also compared low phosphorus diet (education on avoiding foods with phosphorus additives) with usual diet. Sharma 2002c compared post‐haemodialysis supplementation (home‐prepared or commercially available formula providing 500 Kcal and 15 g protein) with normal diet.

Excluded studies

We excluded 13 studies. Of these, 11 investigated non‐dietary interventions (ACTRN12611000500954; Ambrus 2003; Ashurst 2003; Cheng 2008; Chertow 2003; Clark 2010; Morey 2008; NCT01665651; Olivero 2006; Padhi 2007; Young 2009a) and two were of shorter duration than specified in our inclusion criteria (Moe 2011; Spiegel 2012). (See Characteristics of excluded studies).

Studies awaiting assessment

Karavetian 2012 was available only as an abstract, and the details of the nutritional therapy investigated were unclear. Garini 1992 was published in Italian. We unable to translate it and the details of the study were unknown.

Prior to publication a search of the Specialised Register identified four potential studies (Akizawa 2014a; Block 2013; Hill 2013; Karavetian 2013). These studies will be assessed in a future update of this review.

Ongoing studies

Three studies are ongoing and will be assessed in a future update of this review (NCT00755690; NCT01865526; NCT02005302).

Risk of bias in included studies

Overall, study quality was suboptimal. There was insufficient reporting of design and methodological aspects among the included studies to enable robust assessment of risk of bias. (See Characteristics of included studies; Figure 2; Figure 3).


Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies


Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study

Allocation

Although the included studies reported applying randomised controlled methods, only one study reported specific randomisation method(Sullivan 2009). None adequately reported random sequence generation or allocation concealment.

Blinding

Li 2011c, an open‐label study, was assessed at high risk of performance bias. Isakova 2013 was assessed as low risk of detection bias because the investigators remained blinded to the dietary group. However, dietitian and participants were unblinded to the assigned dietary counselling group and the performance bias was assessed as high risk. All other studies (Babarykin 2004; Bunio 2004; Di Iorio 2003; Herselman 1995; Lou 2012; Sharma 2002c; Sullivan 2009) were assessed as unclear risk of performance and detection bias.

Incomplete outcome data

Missing data did not balance between groups in Sharma 2002c and Isakova 2013. In Di Iorio 2003 follow‐up duration differed significantly between intervention and control groups; and most control group participants withdrew after 18 months, which meant that participant data did not balanced at the end of the study (24 months). We assessed Di Iorio 2003, Isakova 2013 and Sharma 2002c at high risk of attrition bias. Sullivan 2009 was assessed as low risk of attrition bias because missing outcome data had similar reasons and balanced in numbers across intervention groups. Multiple imputations were also used to account for missing data. Bunio 2004 was abstract only and details of outcome data were unknown. Li 2011c was assessed as unclear risk of attrition bias because detailed control group data were not reported. Babarykin 2004, Herselman 1995 and Lou 2012 were assessed at low risk of attrition bias.

Selective reporting

Bunio 2004 and Isakova 2013 did not report on specified outcomes, and we therefore assessed these studies at high risk of reporting bias. There were insufficient data to assess reporting bias in Babarykin 2004. All other included studies were assessed at low risk of reporting bias (Di Iorio 2003; Herselman 1995; Li 2011c; Lou 2012; Sharma 2002c; Sullivan 2009).

Other potential sources of bias

There was insufficient information to determine if there were any other potential sources of bias present.

Effects of interventions

See: Summary of findings for the main comparison Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate for people with CKD‐MBD; Summary of findings 2 Very low versus low protein diet for people with CKD‐MBD; Summary of findings 3 Low phosphorus versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD; Summary of findings 4 Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD; Summary of findings 5 Low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives) versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD; Summary of findings 6 Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo for people with CKD‐MBD; Summary of findings 7 Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate for people with CKD‐MBD

Primary outcomes

Only Sullivan 2009 reported death. None of the included studies reported cardiovascular events or fracture.

Death

Sullivan 2009 reported no significant difference in the number of patients who died between low phosphorus intake and normal diet (Analysis 3.1 (279 participants): RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.01 to 3.82).

We inferred from end‐of‐study data that no deaths occurred in four studies (Babarykin 2004; Herselman 1995; Li 2011c; Sharma 2002c). We were unsure about mortality rates in the other studies because of participant withdrawals and poor reporting of losses to follow‐up (Bunio 2004; Di Iorio 2003; Isakova 2013; Lou 2012).

Secondary outcomes

Serum phosphorus

Serum phosphorus was reported in seven studies (Babarykin 2004; Di Iorio 2003; Herselman 1995; Isakova 2013; Lou 2012; Sharma 2002c; Sullivan 2009).

Babarykin 2004 reported calcium‐enriched bread significantly reduced serum phosphorus levels compared to calcium acetate (Analysis 1.1 (53 participants): MD ‐0.41 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.51 to ‐0.31).

There was no significant difference in serum phosphorus between low protein and very low protein intake (Analysis 2.1 (2 studies, 41 participants): MD ‐0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.50 to 0.25; I2 = 80%) (Di Iorio 2003; Herselman 1995). Heterogeneity was high and this may be due to the different amounts of protein given to the very low protein group (0.3 g/kg/d versus 0/4 g/kg/d) and the duration of treatment (24 months versus 9 months)

Serum phosphorus was significantly reduced with a low phosphorus intake compared to a normal diet (Analysis 3.2 (2 studies, 359 participants): MD ‐0.18 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.29 to ‐0.07; I2 = 0%) (Lou 2012; Sullivan 2009).

Sharma 2002c reported neither home‐prepared (Analysis 4.1.1 (23 participants): MD 0.06 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.57 to 0.69) nor commercially available diet supplements (Analysis 4.1.2 (17 participants): MD 0.19 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.46 to 0.84) showed significant changes in serum phosphorus levels compared with normal diet (pooled result ‐ Analysis 4.1 (40 participants): MD 0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.33 to 0.58; I2 = 0%).

Isakova 2013 reported no significant difference in serum phosphorus between either low phosphorus intake plus placebo compared with ad libitum diet plus placebo (Analysis 5.1.1 (20 participants): MD 0.10 mg/dL, 95% CI ‐0.48 to 0.68) or low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate compared with ad libitum diet plus placebo (Analysis 5.1.2 (19 participants): MD 0.10 mg/dL, 95% CI ‐0.38 to 0.58).

Serum calcium

Babarykin 2004 reported calcium‐enriched bread significantly increased serum calcium levels compared to calcium acetate (Analysis 1.2 (53 participants): MD 0.16 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.23).

Herselman 1995 reported no significant difference in calcium levels between very low protein intake (0.4 g protein/kg/d) and low protein intake (0.6 g protein/kg/d) (Analysis 2.2 (22 participants): MD 0.00 mmol/L, 95% CI ‐0.17 to 0.17).

Calcium × phosphate product

Babarykin 2004 reported calcium‐enriched bread significantly reduced calcium × phosphate product compared to calcium acetate (Analysis 1.3 (53 participants): MD ‐0.62 mmol²/L², 95% CI ‐0.77 to ‐0.47).

Alkaline phosphatase activity

Babarykin 2004) reported no significant difference in alkaline phosphatase activity between calcium‐enriched bread and calcium acetate (Analysis 1.4 (53 participants): MD 10.00 IU/L, 95% CI ‐2.70 to 22.70).

Herselman 1995 reported no significant difference in alkaline phosphatase activity between very low and low protein intake (Analysis 2.3 (22 participants): MD ‐22.00 U/L, 95% CI ‐78.25 to 34.25).

Parathyroid hormone

PTH was significantly lower with very low protein intake compared to low protein intake (Analysis 2.4 (2 studies, 41 participants): MD ‐69.64 pmol/L, 95% CI ‐139.83 to 0.54; I2 = 57%) (Di Iorio 2003; Herselman 1995).

Isakova 2013 reported PTH was significantly lower with low phosphorous intake compared to ad libitum diet (Analysis 5.2.1 (20 participants): MD 25.60 pg/mL, 95% CI 5.13 to 46.07), however there was no significant difference in PTH between low phosphorous intake plus lanthanum carbonate compared to ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate (Analysis 5.2.2 (19 participants): MD 31.60 pg/mL, 95% CI ‐29.82 to 93.02).

Fibroblast growth factor 23

Isakova 2013 reported no significant difference in FGF‐23 with low phosphorous intake compared to ad libitum diet (Analysis 5.3.1 (20 participants): MD 2.30 RU/mL, 95% CI ‐13.18 to 17.78), however there was a significant decrease in FGF‐23 in the low phosphorous intake plus lanthanum carbonate group compared to ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate (Analysis 5.3.2 (19 participants): (MD ‐333.80 RU/mL, 95% CI ‐526.60 to ‐141.00).

Adverse events

Lou 2012 reported clinical complications (3) and kidney transplantation (3), but participants' groups were not reported.

Isakova 2013 reported five participants (three who received lanthanum carbonate and two who received lanthanum carbonate placebo) had gastrointestinal adverse effects. Two participants in low phosphate diet plus lanthanum carbonate group had nausea and vomiting.

The included studies did not report on any other of the secondary outcomes of interest for this review.

Discussion

available in

Summary of main results

Evidence from the included studies was low quality and insufficiently powered to inform clinical decision making about the value of dietary modification for people with CKD‐MBD. None of the included studies reported on the primary outcomes of cardiovascular events or fracture; only one study reported adverse events and another reported mortality. Most studies focused on chemical parameters, particularly serum phosphorus levels.

There was limited, low quality evidence to indicate that calcium‐enriched bread may increase serum calcium, decrease serum phosphorus and the calcium × phosphate product (Babarykin 2004). Elsewhere, it was reported that reduced phosphorus intake may decrease serum phosphorus level (Lou 2012; Sullivan 2009). Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate showed benefit in decreasing FGF‐23 level compared with ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate (Isakova 2013). Very low protein intake was not superior to conventional low protein diet in terms of effect on serum phosphorus, serum calcium, and alkaline phosphatase levels (Di Iorio 2003; Herselman 1995), however PTH levels were significantly lower with very low protein diets. Low protein intake supplemented with keto‐acids may decrease serum phosphorus compared with normal protein intake in people undergoing haemodialysis (Li 2011c). No changes in PTH and alkaline phosphatase were observed when haemodialysis patients adopted a hypolipaemic diet compared with statins (Bunio 2004). Compared with a normal diet, post‐haemodialysis diet supplements did not increase serum phosphorus levels (Sharma 2002c).

Restricting protein or phosphorus, taking calcium‐enriched bread in the diet may have positive effects for people with CKD. It mainly showed in chemical parameters. However, none of the included studies reported cardiovascular events and fracture, and only one study reported mortality. CKD‐MBD guidelines currently suggest not exceeding dietary phosphorus intake of 800 to 1000 mg/day (Bellorin‐Font 2013; Goldsmith 2010), but little practical information about how to assess and alter dietary phosphate intake was provided, the same as the included studies. It is worth noting that combined interventions, like calcium‐enriched bread served as a phosphate binder, showed another way of decreasing phosphorus level.

Overall completeness and applicability of evidence

The included studies were conducted in America, China, India, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Spain and South Africa. Participant ethnicity was not reported. Herselman 1995, Isakova 2013 and Lou 2012 reported clear age definitions for inclusion (≥ 18 years); all other studies provided mean age. It is unknown if the dietary interventions investigated had similar effects on children. CKD stages among the included studies differed; six included people undergoing haemodialysis (Babarykin 2004;Bunio 2004; Li 2011c; Lou 2012; Sharma 2002c; Sullivan 2009).

Isakova 2013 reported estimated GFR of 15 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2. Herselman 1995 reported serum creatinine (150 to 700 μmol/L) but Di Iorio 2003 analysed creatinine clearance (≤ 25 mL/min). A robust conclusion therefore could not be made about the CKD stage at which people may derive benefits from any of the interventions.

Pooled analysis was not conducted because of the range and diversity of interventions explored in the studies. Some dietary interventions were home‐prepared and others were commercial preparations (Sharma 2002c); content and manufacturing methods were not reported. Only calorie and calcium content were reported.

Although results showed some positive outcomes, the studies were underpowered and provided low quality evidence. Outcomes should be interpreted with caution.

Quality of the evidence

The methodological quality of the included studies was poor. Although all studies reported assigning randomised controlled methods, only one study reported specific randomisation method (Sullivan 2009). None reported allocation concealment. Isakova 2013 was assessed as at low risk of detection bias because the investigators remained blinded to the dietary group. Overall, the quality of the evidence was assessed as low and insufficiently powered to inform clinical decision making.

Potential biases in the review process

The small number of included studies meant that we were unable to construct a funnel plot to investigate publication bias.

Agreements and disagreements with other studies or reviews

Di Iorio 2012 reported that intensive restriction of protein and phosphate intake decreased FGF‐23 and serum phosphorus level compared to low protein diet. Fouque 2009 found that reducing protein intake in people with CKD could reduce renal death rate (defined as dialysis, death, or kidney transplantation) by 32% compared with higher or unrestricted protein intake. These studies supported protein restriction in people with CKD. Other dietary phosphate control interventions included reducing food additives and boiling (Cupisti 2013).

Restricting protein may be contraindicated for people with uraemia. Klahr 1994 found that very low protein diets did not significantly slow progression of kidney disease compared with low protein diets among people with CKD stage 3 (GFR 25 to 55 mL/min/1.73 m²). Johnson 2006 considered that therapeutic effects of low protein diets were unclear, because of the poor evidence and the high prevalence of malnutrition in people with CKD.

Study flow diagram
Figures and Tables -
Figure 1

Study flow diagram

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies
Figures and Tables -
Figure 2

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study
Figures and Tables -
Figure 3

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 2 Serum calcium.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 2 Serum calcium.

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 3 Calcium × phosphate product.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 3 Calcium × phosphate product.

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 4 Alkaline phosphatase activity.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1 Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate, Outcome 4 Alkaline phosphatase activity.

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 2 Serum calcium.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 2 Serum calcium.

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 3 Alkaline phosphatase.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 3 Alkaline phosphatase.

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 4 PTH.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 Very low versus low protein intake, Outcome 4 PTH.

Comparison 3 Low phosphorus intake versus normal diet, Outcome 1 Mortality.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3 Low phosphorus intake versus normal diet, Outcome 1 Mortality.

Comparison 3 Low phosphorus intake versus normal diet, Outcome 2 Serum phosphorus.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3 Low phosphorus intake versus normal diet, Outcome 2 Serum phosphorus.

Comparison 4 Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4 Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.

Comparison 5 Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5 Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo, Outcome 1 Serum phosphorus.

Comparison 5 Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo, Outcome 2 PTH.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5 Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo, Outcome 2 PTH.

Comparison 5 Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo, Outcome 3 FGF‐23.
Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5 Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo, Outcome 3 FGF‐23.

Summary of findings for the main comparison. Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate for people with CKD‐MBD

Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD
Settings: outpatient dialysis unit
Intervention: calcium‐enriched bread
Comparison: calcium acetate

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Calcium acetate

Calcium‐enriched bread

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.08 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

0.41 mmol/L lower
(0.51 to 0.31 lower)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Serum calcium
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean serum calcium (control)
2.11 mmol/L

Mean serum calcium (intervention)
0.16 mmol/L higher
(0.09 to 0.23 higher)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Calcium × phosphate product
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean calcium × phosphate product (control)
4.42 mmol²/L²

Mean calcium × phosphate product (intervention)
0.62 mmol²/L² lower
(0.77 to 0.47 lower)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Alkaline phosphatase activity
Follow‐up: mean 14 weeks

Mean alkaline phosphatase activity (control)
95 IU/L

Mean alkaline phosphatase activity (intervention)
10 IU/L higher
(2.7 lower to 22.7 higher)

53 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study reported using randomised controlled methods, but details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding were not reported
2 Only one published study was included.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings for the main comparison. Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate for people with CKD‐MBD
Summary of findings 2. Very low versus low protein diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Very low versus low protein diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD
Settings: outpatient clinic
Intervention: very low protein intake
Comparison: low protein intake

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Very low protein diet

Low protein diet

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: 9 to 18 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
1.2 to 1.32 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.12 mmol/L lower
(0.5 lower to 0.25 higher)

41 (2)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2,3

PTH
Follow‐up: 9 to 18 months

Mean PTH (control)
23.11 to 139 pmol/L

Mean PTH (intervention)
9.98 pmol/L lower
(12.85 to 7.1 lower)

41 (2)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2,3

Serum calcium
Follow‐up: mean 9 months

Mean serum calcium (control)
2.3 mmol/L

Mean serum calcium (intervention)
No higher
(0.17 lower to 0.17 higher)

22 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,4

Alkaline phosphatase
Follow‐up: mean 9 months

Mean alkaline phosphatase (control)
123 U/L

Mean alkaline phosphatase (intervention)
22 U/L lower
(78.25 lower to 34.25 higher)

22 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,4

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study reported using randomised controlled methods, but details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding were not reported
2 Very low protein intake (0.3 g/kg/d) showed a positive effect; low protein diet (0.4 g/kg/d) showed a negative effect.
3 Only published, small studies were included. Some negative results were reported.
4 Only one published study was included.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 2. Very low versus low protein diet for people with CKD‐MBD
Summary of findings 3. Low phosphorus versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Low phosphorus versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD
Settings: multicentre
Intervention: low phosphorus diet
Comparison: normal diet

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Normal diet

Low phosphorus diet

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 6 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.22 mmol/L lower
(0.41 to 0.03 lower)

80 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study reported using randomised controlled methods, but details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding were not reported
2 Only one published study was included.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 3. Low phosphorus versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD
Summary of findings 4. Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: people with CKD‐MBD undergoing haemodialysis
Settings: HD unit
Intervention: post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement
Comparison: normal diet

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Normal diet

Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 1 month

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.1 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.12 mmol/L higher
(0.24 lower to 0.49 higher)

54 (2)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very low1,2

Serum phosphorus ‐ home‐prepared dietary supplement versus normal diet
Follow‐up: mean 1 month

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.1 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.06 mmol/L higher
(0.45 lower to 0.57 higher)

30 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,3

Serum phosphorus ‐ commercial dietary supplement versus normal diet
Follow‐up: mean 1 month

Mean serum phosphorus (control)
2.1 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)
0.19 mmol/L higher
(0.34 lower to 0.72 higher)

24 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,3

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Studies reported using randomised controlled methods, but did not report details of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, or blinding
2 Only published, small studies were included. Some negative results were reported.
3 Only one published study was included.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 4. Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD
Summary of findings 5. Low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives) versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives) versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: patients with CKD‐MBD
Settings: multicentre
Intervention: low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives)
Comparison: normal diet

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Normal diet

Low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives)

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)

20.7 mmol/L

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

1.7 mmol/L lower
(3.01 to 0.39 lower)

279 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Study population

RR 0.18
(0.01 to 3.82)

279 (1)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate2

15 per 1000

3 per 1000
(0 to 55)

Medium risk population

15 per 1000

3 per 1000
(0 to 55)

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval; RR: relative risk

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 It was assessed as unclear risk of selection bias, performance bias and detection bias.
2 Only one published study was included.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 5. Low phosphorus intake (avoiding food additives) versus normal diet for people with CKD‐MBD
Summary of findings 6. Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo for people with CKD‐MBD

Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: patients with CKD‐MBD
Settings: clinical research centre
Intervention: low phosphorus intake plus placebo
Comparison: ad libitum diet plus placebo

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

ad libitum diet plus placebo

Low phosphorus intake plus placebo

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)

3.5 mg/dL

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

0.1 mg/dL higher
(0.48 lower to 0.68 higher)

20 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1

FGF‐23
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

MeanFGF‐23 (control)

‐5.6 RU/mL

Mean FGF‐23 (intervention)

2.3 RU/mL higher
(13.18 lower to 17.78 higher)

20 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

PTH
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean PTH (control)

49.8 pg/mL

Mean PTH (intervention)

25.6 pg/mL higher
(5.13 to 46.07 higher)

20 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Only one published study was included. However, the result was negative.
2 The study declared to have using randomised controlled methods, but no details of random sequence generation or allocation concealment. Performance bias, attrition bias and reporting bias were assessed as high risk.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 6. Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo for people with CKD‐MBD
Summary of findings 7. Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate for people with CKD‐MBD

Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate for people with CKD‐MBD

Patient or population: patients with CKD‐MBD
Settings: clinical research centre
Intervention: Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate
Comparison: ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate

Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate

Serum phosphorus
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean serum phosphorus (control)

3.3 mg/dL

Mean serum phosphorus (intervention)

0.1 mg/dL higher
(0.38 lower to 0.58 higher)

19 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

FGF‐23
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean FGF‐23 (control)

24.3 RU/mL

Mean FGF‐23 (intervention)

333.80 RU/mL lower
(141.00 lower to 526.6 higher)

19 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,3

PTH
Follow‐up: mean 3 months

Mean PTH (control)

68.9 pg/mL

Mean PTH (intervention)

31.6 pg/mL higher
(29.82 lower to 93.02 higher)

19 (1)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

Mortality

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Cardiovascular events

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

Fracture

Not reported

Not reported

Not estimable

Not estimable

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% CI) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The study declared to have using randomised controlled methods, but no details of random sequence generation or allocation concealment. Performance bias, attrition bias and reporting bias were assessed as high risk
2 Only one published study was included. However, the result was negative
3 Only one published study was included

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 7. Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate for people with CKD‐MBD
Comparison 1. Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Serum phosphorus Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

2 Serum calcium Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

3 Calcium × phosphate product Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

4 Alkaline phosphatase activity Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 1. Calcium‐enriched bread versus calcium acetate
Comparison 2. Very low versus low protein intake

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Serum phosphorus Show forest plot

2

41

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.12 [‐0.50, 0.25]

1.1 0.3 g/kg/d versus 0.6 g/kg/d

1

19

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.29 [‐0.41, ‐0.17]

1.2 0.4 g/kg/d versus 0.6 g/kg/d

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.10 [‐0.22, 0.42]

2 Serum calcium Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

3 Alkaline phosphatase Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

4 PTH Show forest plot

2

41

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐69.64 [‐139.83, 0.54]

4.1 0.3 g/kg/d versus 0.6 g/kg/d

1

19

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐94.0 [‐121.17, ‐66.83]

4.2 0.4 g/kg/d versus 0.6 g/kg/d

1

22

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐17.0 [‐112.42, 78.42]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 2. Very low versus low protein intake
Comparison 3. Low phosphorus intake versus normal diet

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Mortality Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

2 Serum phosphorus Show forest plot

2

359

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.18 [‐0.29, ‐0.07]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 3. Low phosphorus intake versus normal diet
Comparison 4. Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Serum phosphorus Show forest plot

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.12 [‐0.33, 0.58]

1.1 Home‐prepared supplement versus normal diet

1

23

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.06 [‐0.57, 0.69]

1.2 Commercial dietary supplement versus normal diet

1

17

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.19 [‐0.46, 0.84]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 4. Post‐haemodialysis dietary supplement versus normal diet
Comparison 5. Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Serum phosphorus Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

1.1 Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.2 Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 PTH Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

2.1 Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.2 Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 FGF‐23 Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

3.1 Low phosphorus intake plus placebo versus ad libitum diet plus placebo

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.2 Low phosphorus intake plus lanthanum carbonate versus ad libitum diet plus lanthanum carbonate

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 5. Low phosphorus intake plus drug/placebo versus ad libitum diet plus drug/placebo