SUBANG JAYA, Oct 10: Clinical evidence and research in renal nutrition must be translated into care practices to ensure patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receive treatment better suited to their individual conditions.
Health Ministry’s Medical Development Division deputy director Dr Izzuna Mudla Mohamed Ghazali said nutrition plays a crucial role in the comprehensive care of kidney patients, alongside diagnosis, treatment, and renal replacement therapy.
“The nutritional needs of individuals with chronic kidney disease can vary depending on clinical conditions and the stage of the disease; therefore, nutritional approaches must be tailored to each patient's specific needs and circumstances.
“Healthcare professionals must also stay abreast of the latest developments in nutritional science and clinical practice to ensure that the care provided remains appropriate and evidence-based,” she said.
She made these remarks while speaking at the Renal Nutrition Conference 2026 (RNC2026) at the Grand Dorsett Subang Jaya Hotel here, today.
Izzuna said managing kidney disease requires collaboration among a multidisciplinary team comprising nephrologists, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
She added that combining expertise from various disciplines allows for a more comprehensive approach to addressing patient needs, particularly in ensuring that the care provided aligns with each patient's specific condition and requirements.
National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) vice chairman of the Dr T. Thiruventhiran, said nutritional evidence must be translated into clinical practice to help improve treatment outcomes for CKD patients.
He added that nutritional challenges among CKD patients are becoming increasingly complex, encompassing obesity, malnutrition, muscle loss, and frailty, alongside the need to manage the intake of protein, salt, potassium, and fluids.
“Renal nutrition is not merely about dietary restrictions; it must take into account the patient's overall nutritional status, physical function, and quality of life to ensure the care provided is truly tailored to each individual's needs and circumstances.
“A patient might be obese yet at risk of muscle loss, while another could suffer from malnutrition or frailty despite appearing to have a normal body weight,” he said.
Thiruventhiran stressed that a patient-centred care approach is crucial; it must account for factors such as culture, family routines, and financial means to ensure the nutritional advice provided is practical and sustainable for the patient.
He added that nutritional advice must be grounded in clinical evidence and realistic for patients to incorporate into daily life.
Both specialists emphasised the importance of translating advancements in knowledge, research, and innovation into effective care practices that support the health, physical function, and quality of life of kidney patients.
RNC 2026, a two-day event concluding tomorrow, has brought together 450 healthcare professionals from the renal care community, including nephrologists, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
With the theme "Translating Nutritional Evidence into Kidney Patient Care," the conference highlights the importance of translating research findings and clinical recommendations into actual patient care practices.
