A low protein diet may benefit people with kidney-related disorders, such as kidney disease or phenylketonuria. The diet may include replacing some meat with vegetables and grains.

When a person eats protein, the body produces a compound called urea. If the kidneys are not functioning well, urea can build up in the blood, and cause fatigue and a loss of appetite.

By making key changes, a person can develop a satisfying and diverse low protein diet plan that works for them.

This article lists some of the best foods to eat and avoid when limiting protein intake. It also discusses the benefits and risks associated with a low protein diet.

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Replacing some meat with vegetables and grains is an effective way to reduce protein intake. Vegetables and grains should form the main body of meals, with a supplementary protein source.

A person following a low protein diet can get most of their calories from the foods below, which are relatively low in protein.

Low protein foods

The following are examples of low protein foods and drinks:

Many other types of food and drinks are low in protein, and a person should use moderation when incorporating them into the diet. Some of these foods include:

  • sugar
  • tea and coffee, without dairy milk
  • sorbet
  • margarine

Moderate protein foods

On a low protein diet, people should eat foods that contain moderate amounts of protein sparingly. Examples include:

Low protein versions of many of these products are available online or in grocery stores.

Protein is an essential nutrient, so even people on a low-protein diet need to consume a certain amount of protein to stay healthy. However, high protein foods should make up only a small part of the daily caloric intake.

Anyone on a low protein diet should limit or avoid the consumption of the following:

  • meat
  • poultry
  • fish
  • eggs
  • dairy, including milk, cream, and cheese
  • beans, peas, and lentils
  • soy foods, such as tofu and tempeh
  • seeds and nuts, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and almonds

Plant-based dairy alternatives often contain less protein.

Learn more about foods high in protein.

Some people cannot tolerate high levels of protein. If the body cannot process protein or its waste, these substances build up and cause symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to brain damage.

For these people, following a low protein diet will reduce the risk of negative health effects.

A doctor may recommend a low protein diet for the following conditions:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD): By reducing protein intake, people with CKD who are not on dialysis can reduce stress on their kidneys and prevent the buildup of urea in the bloodstream. A 2018 review of 17 studies reports that very low protein intake may slow down the progression of advanced kidney failure.
  • Diabetic neuropathy: A 2019 article found that a low protein diet may improve diabetic neuropathy. However, 2018 research suggests that there is no significant association between a low protein diet and renal function improvement in people with diabetic neuropathy. More research is necessary.
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU): PKU is a rare disorder that occurs when the body does not produce the enzyme needed to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The main treatment for PKU is a lifelong low protein diet.
  • Homocystinuria: Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder that affects the body’s ability to process methionine, another amino acid. A buildup of methionine causes problems with vision and bone health. A low protein diet can help treat the condition.

Authors of a 2016 review of research suggest that a low protein diet may also provide some benefits for people without kidney problems. They report that in middle-aged, but not older, adults, restricting protein intake may reduce the risk of:

Some 2018 research indicates that a diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates may help protect brain health and reduce cognitive decline. However, the scientists conducted this research only in mice and cannot be sure of the effects on humans.

A person can contact their doctor for more information about the benefits of protein and how much protein they should aim for each day based on their individual circumstances.

When following a low protein diet, it can be helpful to think of vegetables and grains as the main components of a meal. A person should consider meat, pulses, and soy products to be side dishes or condiments.

Examples of satisfying low protein meals include:

  • a sandwich with very thinly sliced meat and lots of vegetables, such as cucumber and lettuce
  • low protein rice with vegetables and a small portion of meat, tofu, or shellfish
  • low protein pasta with tomato paste and roasted vegetables
  • a burrito, made with a low protein tortilla, vegetables, salsa, and homemade guacamole
  • vegetable curry with low protein rice
  • homemade vegetable soup

Low protein snacks include:

  • fresh fruit
  • raw vegetable sticks with salsa or homemade guacamole
  • homemade muffins, made with a low protein baking mix
  • a fruit smoothie made with water or a low protein dairy alternative, such as rice milk
  • homemade fruit juice popsicles

Here are some other strategies for keeping protein levels low without compromising on flavor:

  • Use unsweetened rice milk or another low protein milk substitute in recipes that call for dairy milk.
  • Bulk up soups with small amounts of rice or pasta.
  • Increase the vegetable content while decreasing the meat content in recipes. For example, diced mushrooms can be a good meat alternative when cooking spaghetti.
  • Add a small amount of egg to salads to make them more filling.
  • Top meals with a little Parmesan cheese to increase the flavor without adding too much protein.
  • Make a meal more filling by adding some healthful fats.

When grocery shopping, always check labels carefully for protein contents and ingredients.

As protein is vital for health, it is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before restricting protein consumption to below 10% of the daily calorie intake.

Typically, people should only restrict their protein intake to this extent when a doctor advises them to do so.

Following a low protein diet requires careful planning. Otherwise, it could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues, including muscle loss and poor immune function.

Also, protein restriction is not suitable for everyone. For example, older adults may need extra protein, due to the muscle wastage associated with advancing age.

A person on a low protein diet may need to take certain supplements to stay healthy. Vitamin B12, for example, is only present in animal products and fortified foods.

Discuss the use of supplements with a doctor or dietitian before beginning a low protein diet. The doctor may also recommend regular follow-up appointments when following a low protein diet.

People with kidney-related health conditions, such as CKD, may need to follow a low protein diet. The diet involves restricting the intake of high protein foods and focusing on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthful fats.

Doctors do not usually recommend a low protein diet for people without health conditions because it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.

Anyone considering a low protein diet should consult their doctor first. The doctor can advise on how much protein to aim for based on individual circumstances.