Singapore’s National Kidney Foundation cuts malnutrition risk by prioritising protein intake for dialysis patients

SINGAPORE, July 6 — The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has halved malnutrition rates among its dialysis patients by shifting its nutritional strategy to put protein intake at the centre of care, supported by closer monitoring and targeted supplementation.

The Straits Times reported that NKF’s malnutrition rate fell from 42 per cent in 2017 to 21 per cent in 2025, even as its patient load grew from 3,440 to more than 5,300. The improvement is attributed to personalised dietetic guidance, routine nutritional assessments and the provision of oral nutritional supplements — often a specialised formula milk — during dialysis sessions.

Dialysis patients require significantly more protein than those in earlier stages of kidney disease, as the treatment process itself causes protein loss. NKF principal dietitian Yee Chooi Fong said patients typically need about 1.2g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to maintain muscle strength, immunity and resilience. But many struggle due to strict dietary restrictions on potassium, phosphorus, sodium and fluids, as well as age‑related appetite decline and chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Older patients are particularly vulnerable. NKF data shows malnourished dialysis patients face a 20 per cent higher risk of hospitalisation, and inadequate protein intake can lead to muscle wasting, weakened immunity and poorer treatment outcomes. NKF medical director Jason Choo described poor nutrition as a “silent contributor” to complications often recorded as infections, cardiac events or falls.

To help patients meet their nutritional needs, NKF’s 12 dietitians visit its 45 dialysis centres regularly to assess food intake and advise patients and caregivers. The foundation also launched supermarket tours in mid‑2025 to teach patients how to identify kidney‑friendly, protein‑rich foods.

One beneficiary is 74‑year‑old Neo Ah Lek, who developed moderate malnutrition after her appetite declined. Six months after starting on NKF’s formula milk supplements, her blood test results improved and she regained lost weight.

NKF said structured support — including education, monitoring and supplementation — remains essential to helping dialysis patients stay strong enough to tolerate long‑term treatment.