Local dietitians issue national guidelines

20 March 2009

A leading renal dietitian at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has just issued new dietary guidelines for patients from ethnic groups who suffer from kidney problems and high blood potassium levels across the country.

Produced by specialist renal dietitian Ruple Patel in conjunction with colleagues at Guy's and King's College hospitals, the booklets provide dietary advice for the African-Caribbean, South Asian and Chinese communities. They serve as a guide on how people can continue to enjoy traditional foods whilst following a low potassium diet which can significantly reduce the chances of a cardiac arrest.

Ruple said: "These ethnic groups are at higher risk of developing kidney failure because of a higher incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure. This may be due to genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors."

She added: "We produced these booklets because there was no low potassium dietary information readily available for people from these ethnic groups. As dietitians we aim to offer appropriate advice and ensure their needs are met."

These guidelines have been piloted in local hospitals by the dietitians and feedback has been received from the patients.

Ruple added: "The feedback we have received has been very positive and demonstrated a real need for such a guide to be readily available."

The booklets have been distributed to hospitals across the country for other renal dietitians to use. They will soon be available for healthcare professionals to download on the British Renal Society website - www.britishrenal.org.

Below is a table of food items to avoid and suitable alternatives.