TAMPA, Fla. September 27, 2004– The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to announce the release of the “AAKP Nutrition Counter: A Reference for the Kidney Patient.” The brochure will replace AAKP’s “Protein and Calories Counter” and “Na-K-Phos Counter” in an updated and combined format.

Included in the pocket-sized brochure are nutritional values for standard portions of more than 300 commonly used foods, as well as menu items from 11 fast food restaurants. The nutritional values include protein, calorie, sodium, potassium and phosphorus levels – dietary values that must be closely monitored in kidney patients. The 24-page brochure is an excellent guide for kidney patients who wish to develop a proper meal plan.

Numerous renal dietitians and nutritionists approved the free brochure. The development and distribution is made possible through a generous educational grant provided by Shire.

For more information or to request up to 50 complimentary copies of the “AAKP Nutrition Counter: A Reference for the Kidney Patient,” please contact the AAKP National Office at (800) 749-2257 or click here. The brochure is also viewable on AAKP’s Web site. Click here.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 35 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.