A study published in a recent issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology discovered uncooked meat products enhanced with food additives often contain high levels of phosphorus and potassium, which are not found on food labels. This can make it difficult for kidney patients to manage their phosphorus and potassium intake. 
 
These types of enhanced meat and poultry are injected with a solution of water with sodium and potassium salts as well as antioxidants and flavorings. There is currently no requirement for these ingredients to be included on nutrition labels. 
 
Dialysis patients must limit their phosphate intake so their blood phosphate levels do not rise. High blood phosphate levels may cause premature death in dialysis patients. Kidney disease patients also must limit their intake of potassium because high blood potassium levels can cause sudden death.

This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.