Liquid amino acids

[ricky987]

Due to having CKD (gfr 56), I started a vegan diet 3 months ago. I was having a problem keeping my protein intake low and still getting enough calories to live. In researching diets I came across something I never heard of before.... liquid amino acids. It appears it would help get daily protein requirements, but I know nothing about it and do not know if it is safe for people with CKD, and further, if it is safe, does it do any good for CKD people..... Thanks so much in advance for any insight.... Steve

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Posted in National Kidney Foundation: Proteins are made of amino acids. If you are on a low protein diet, you are also limiting your amino acid intake. Diets are usually expressed in terms of grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day and amino acids are not mentioned.

Best to ask your Doctor on any changes to be made to your CKD diet.

[ricky987 in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks for your quick response. Have you heard of liquid amino acid supplements? If so, what is your opinion of them.

The kidneys break down protein into amino acids. In the case of animal proteins when the kidneys break down protein, nitrogen is produced (resulting in elevated BUN blood tests). Thus a protein restricted diet is recommended. By ingesting amino acids directly they do not need to be processed by the kidneys and accordingly ease the kidney's workload and reduce the amount of nitrogen produced by the body. It seems that to supply the body with enough amino acids to support and maintain the body on a protein restricted diet one could add amino acids to the diet. Liquid amino acid supplements seem to fit the bill on this. Any thoughts?

thanks, Steve

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to ricky987]

I have not heard of Liquid Amino Acid.

[ricky987 in reply to orangecity41]

There are two manufacturers I am aware of.... Bragg Amino Acids and Twinlab Amino Acids. I have never tried either brand at this point so can't talk about them as a product

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Ricky,

Do you log in all your food right now? You would be surprised at how much protein you are actually consuming. Almost all veggies have some form of protein. The recommended level of protein for CKD is pretty low so unless you really know what your exact intake for protein, I would be hesitant in taking any supplement. I always believe getting nutrients from real food is a better answer for our health. But the short answer is check with your medical team.

[ricky987 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I currently use Cronometer which does an excellent job of tracking all the ingredients of what I consume in obsessive detail. I currently try to limit protein intake to 34 grams per day. The problem is two-fold. To hit 34 grams of protein I usually far exceed the amount of carbs I would like to ingest, secondly, I am always low on calories when I hit my nutrition targets so am losing weight when I do not need to.... My current diet is totally inadequate to maintain long-term survival (lol), but my biggest worry is getting enough complete protein hence why I am looking at liquid amino acids.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to ricky987]

Hi Ricky,

Is this self imposed or did someone tell you to do this diet?

You have said it yourself. Your diet is totally inadequate... so stop it. I am sure if you meet with a dietician, they can help support your efforts in a more productive and healthy way. But you need to stop cutting so much out. Adding supplements is not the answer. Eating good nutritious food with adequate calories including carbs and protein will help you feel better in the long run.

[Zazzel in reply to Bassetmommer]

Orange city and Bassetmommer, Briggs amino acids is actually a food product. It’s a soy based flavor enhancer similar to soy sauce. Personally I can’t tolerate soy, but I’ve heard of lots of people who us this, however, Ricky 987, the sodium content is high which isn’t good for us. So, although you can use it sparingly for flavor and to get a boost in amino acids, it certainly wouldn’t be able to be used as the main source and should be limited due to sodium content particularly if you have high sodium although it could help for low sodium. You might want to consult a renal dietician who deals with vegans after discussing with your doctor. Will be curious to hear if your doctor has any insights on a way to do it with diets as most will just tell you to eat more meat.

[MarBea]

Please, Please, Please ask your doctor and let me know. I am a vegetarian/vegan and I am have recently cut out A LOT of soy products. It is almost impossible to be 100% soy free, but I have slashed soy consumption. I am seriously struggling with getting enough protein, and I do not want to rely on beans nor nuts. I am buying some Almond or Cashew Butter spread tomorrow, and that could due the trick for me. Getting enough protein, is a huge concern for me.

Please let us know what you find out.

[ricky987 in reply to MarBea]

I am seeing my doctor next month to discuss these matters and will let you know the outcome. My problem is having to restrict my diet because I hit my protein intake goal of 34 grams per day before I get all my calories, and by the time I hit my protein goal my carb intake is way high.

Ciao for now, Steve

[MarBea in reply to ricky987]

Thank you, I have to add, I am trying to reduce my carbs and I will NEVER be able to think about Keto. Its hard!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I mention how hard it is? :0( Keep up the good work.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to ricky987]

Steve,

I am supposed to have 30g of protein.

I eat .5 cup of Greek Yogurt in the morning with chia seeds and get a great amount of protein through beans, hummus and vegetables.

I am not a fan of soy or Quorn so I stick to salads and vegetables until my doctor says so.

Just a thought, if you haven't seen a renal dietician, ask for a referral as a plan can be set for you which will have good tasting foods and balance.

Let us know the outcome.

[ricky987 in reply to Bet117]

thank you for those tips. I definitely will look into Greek Yogurt and Chia seeds. My problem is that I hit my protein limit BEFORE I reach how many calories I should ingest each day. Am having a problem getting enough calories.

Good day

Steve

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to ricky987]

Hi Steve,

Hang in there as it will all get worked out.

My thoughts again are to ask for a referral to a dietician who will better be able to give you a list of foods which will be tasty and keep you in your guidelines.

If you have a Davita near you. they offer a free Smart Class which covers many issues and have a renal dietician on the premises.

I spoke to her once and email there of.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Make the call..ask your doctor.

In thought..

Bet

[ricky987 in reply to Bet117]

thank you

[taivin98 in reply to ricky987]

Greek yogurt has a lot more protein than regular yogurt and dairy is the cause of inflammation in your body,,,just the facts.

[RonaldoResuelto in reply to MarBea]

Why are you focused on cutting soy? I am semiveg and consume soy regularly to get sufficient protein.

[taivin98 in reply to RonaldoResuelto]

There is this false belief that soy gives men tits and is bad...not true: people need to do their research and when I say research, I mean juried articles...not so called studies paid for by hidden companies with agendas. Soy is great as a protein source as Ronaldo has said...

[Terris5]

Keto is bad on kidneys.

[MarBea]

I believe you Terris, I would NEVER attempt it. I think its also extremely hard on the heart. I could never do it. I use MyFitness Pal online, and I am trying to stay under 200 carbs a day, and that is not easy.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Hi ricky,

I have heard of body builders using amino acids but NOT CKD or any kidney patients. I read what you have uncovered through reading, but it may not apply to you and the best interest of your health.

I agree with Bassetmommer and

Orange City- ask your doctor if it is in your best interest to take any supplements or amino acids.

I am vegetarian and obtain protein through other sources.

My nephrologist is great about answering questions.

Rather be cautious than sorry.

[Oldearkie_83]

I would kill (well, almost) to have your GFR as mine is less than half that. Don't get crazy with your diets, be sensible, and you will probably have many years ahead of you. Keep reading, this is a constant learning process.

[SaveDan]

I haven’t heard of taking liquid aminos as a food supplement. It’s used as a flavoring, tastes like soy sauce but has less salt than even the low sodium or Tamari. There is a Facebook group that focuses on a whole food plant based diet for CKD. It is called Natural Kidney Journey. They will have a lot of answers and suggestions for you.

[newbie1956 in reply to SaveDan]

NKJ is extremely restrictive. No dairy, oils, chicken, meat or fish. Period.

Must be 80/20 with veggies & fruit. They recommend whole grain oats or steel cut oatmeal to make your oat "milk"... They say amimo acids are a must, also ground flaxseed ( a few others I can't recall)

I tried it for a few weeks but have never been 100% compliant. But those who are compliant claim to have wonderful results. Many have gone from stage 5 to 3 or less.

A few have come off of dialysis after a few months and swear by this lifestyle.

I continue to be openminded & interested because I'm stage 3 & have issues with protein (loss in my urine) altho neph says I'm doing great. Hmmm?

I've lost 35 lbs & can't afford to loose more. After 3 years, there's so much more to learn.

[taivin98]

Listen; the only way to get the correct protein content in the doses required not to stress your kidneys is to know your foods. I gave up all the bs years ago and do smoothies with added protein powder. I mix with fruits, veges, olive oil, juice (no dairy). I buy high quality whey isolate in bulk (there are a variety of powders out there). Liquid AAs are hype: ever heard of too much of a good thing? Most protein powders have AA profiles added though not necessary.

I go shopping twice a month and 3 times a day I whip up a smoothie to get all required carbs, fats, & proteins: no cooking (all organic btw). I have snacks here and there but once you give up the thought that you have to cook to eat its actually very nice. I guess you could call me a raw food vegan save for the whey protein powder (could use soy or plant).

If you go the route of smoothies with protein powder you can check the protein content effectiveness on "labdoor" online search for qualities of all kinds of supplements. Positive attitude, exercise, as well. Visualization is another mental tool I use...it works. I eat to live, not live to eat.

[horsie63 in reply to taivin98]

Isn't whey protein made from cows milk? Would that not be dairy?