Why is adequate energy intake important in CKD patients?

• A. To prevent catabolism, maintain nutrition, and support healing and immune function
• B. To raise blood pressure
• C. To decrease calcium balance
• D. To prevent anemia

Answer: (A)

Adequate energy intake in CKD is essential to prevent catabolism and preserve overall nutrition, which in turn supports healing and immune function. When calories are insufficient, the body starts breaking down its own proteins for energy, leading to muscle wasting, hypoalbuminemia, weakened immunity, and impaired wound healing. Providing enough calories — with an appropriate balance of carbohydrates and fats — helps spare protein for its critical roles in tissue repair and immune responses, improving outcomes for CKD patients.

Raising blood pressure isn’t a direct goal of increasing energy intake, and calcium balance is governed more by minerals and hormones like phosphate, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone rather than calorie level. While good nutrition supports general health, preventing anemia in CKD relies on addressing erythropoietin deficiency and iron status; energy intake alone doesn’t directly prevent anemia.