Is Nutritional Yeast Safe to Use as a Savoury Substitute for Renal Patients?

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello everyone! I hear that nutritional yeast (known as “nooch” to many), is naturally sodium-free, with a nice cheese flavour, and can make a great cheese sauce. From what I’ve read, it can be added to popcorn and other recipes to add a savoury kick. Never tried it, but if all of this is true, I think I’m falling in love with it! Lol! I just can’t find any info on whether or not it’s safe for people with CKD. Can anyone help me with this? Anything you know about it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance! 😊

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Nutritional yeast or nooch is wonderful stuff but.....it has a huge amount of potassium in it. Like 441mg in one ounce. I was using it for a while and my potassium was out of control. It's too bad because it is great as a flavoring. I was trying to get more B12 in my diet but that did not happen. It also has a lot phosphorous.

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to Bassetmommer]

Oh wow. Thank you so much for this, Bassetmommer. I’m so glad I asked before running out to buy it. For a minute there, I thought I had a new love! Lol! Oh well. Guess I’ll keep searching. Thanks again! 😊👍🙏

[RoxanneKidney in reply to Bassetmommer]

But because that is organic potassium, only 50 percent absorbs.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to RoxanneKidney]

Where did you hear we only absorb 50 percent of organic potassium? That would be wonderful. I think you are confusing it with phosphorous where we do only absorb 50% or less of plant based phosphorous. I have asked many nutritionists about the potassium absorption and no one has ever said that we do not take it all in.

[RoxanneKidney in reply to Bassetmommer]

Yeah you are right. my bad.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to RoxanneKidney]

You don't know how much I wish it was true. Eating plant based and potassium is a real challenge.

[RoxanneKidney in reply to Bassetmommer]

I know right..I hardly eat anymore.

[RoxanneKidney in reply to RoxanneKidney]

I ised to use nutritional yeast on popcorn until I discovered the protein amount...

[RoxanneKidney]

I was surprised at the amount of protein in it. So if you are watching your protein---beware. 2 tablespoons has EIGHT GRAMS.