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Nephrotic Syndrome Dietary Protein — ESENeph MCQ

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ModerateGlomerulonephritisNephrotic Syndrome Dietary ProteinESENeph

A 30-year-old woman with nephrotic syndrome has a serum albumin of 15 g/L. She asks about dietary management. What protein intake is recommended during active nephrotic syndrome?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Normal protein intake (0.8-1.0 g/kg/day) with adequate caloric intake – high protein intake does not replace losses and increases proteinuria

High protein diets in nephrotic syndrome paradoxically increase proteinuria without effectively replacing urinary protein losses (hepatic synthesis cannot keep pace with urinary losses regardless of intake). KDIGO 2021 GN guideline and nutritional guidelines recommend normal protein intake (0.8-1.0 g/kg/day) with adequate caloric intake to prevent catabolism. Dietary sodium restriction (<2 g/day) is important for oedema management. ACEi/ARB and disease-specific treatment are the primary interventions to reduce proteinuria.

Reference: KDIGO 2021 – GN Guideline (Chapter 1: General Principles)