Top Low-Phosphorus Food Choices for a Kidney Diet

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis from a physician.

Phosphorus, a mineral, may be in many foods you consume. Research shows that even in early kidney disease, limiting phosphorus can change kidney disease progression, as well as make a difference in mineral and bone disorders and cardiovascular health. When you have kidney disease, it's important to keep levels under control and stay within a daily intake of 800 and 1,200 mg. Work with a renal dietitian to help you manage your phosphorus intake based on your needs.

To help guide you in knowing which foods are low in phosphorus, here are 7 lists of low-phosphorus food choices for a kidney diet.

1. Low-phosphorus meat and poultry choices

Fresh or frozen red meats without breading, marinades or sauce are better choices for a kidney diet. On average, fresh meat contains 65 mg of phosphorus per ounce and 7 grams of protein per ounce.

Phosphorus content for a 3-ounce portion, cooked:

2. Low-phosphorus seafood choices 

Seafood is an excellent source of low-fat, high-quality protein.

Phosphorus content for a 3-ounce portion, cooked:

3. Low-phosphorus bread choices

Bread is a good source of carbohydrates and calories needed for energy production. Although whole grain bread is a healthy source of fiber, it also has more phosphorus and potassium than white flour bread.

Phosphorus content for a 1-ounce portion unless stated otherwise:

4. Low-phosphorus pasta and rice choices

Pasta, rice and other grains are excellent sources of carbohydrates, calories and B vitamins, plus zinc, copper and iron. For a kidney diet, whole grains such as brown rice, oat bran and wild rice are limited due to the higher phosphorus content.

Phosphorus content for a 1/2 cup portion, cooked:

5. Low-phosphorus dairy, dairy substitutes and egg whites

Milk and milk products are high in calcium and phosphorus. A half cup of milk (4 ounces) contains 111-138 mg of phosphorus. Some liquid dairy substitutes can be used in cooking to replace milk. Read ingredient lists to look for phosphate additives, such as calcium-phosphate. Eggs are a great protein source but also contain 95 mg phosphorus in a large egg. Remove the yolk and phosphorus is only 5 mg for each egg white.

Phosphorus content for a 1/2 cup portion, unless stated otherwise:

7. Lower phosphorus cheese choices

All cheese contains phosphorus with most having 120-250 mg per ounce; some contain more than 300 mg per ounce. The suggested portion for a dialysis diet is usually one ounce of cheese, one to two times a week if phosphorus is controlled. Check with your dietitian for individual recommendations.

Low-phosphorus cheese choices: