J Ren Nutr. 2026 Feb 12:S1051-2276(26)00019-1. doi: 10.1053/j.jrn.2026.02.001. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disproportionately affects African American and Hispanic individuals in the United States (U.S.), with higher rates of progression, complications, and mortality. Despite advances in pharmacologic treatment, disparities persist-highlighting need for additional evidence-based, community-level strategies. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables (F&V) are linked to reduced CKD incidence, progression, mortality, and improved cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-the leading cause of death in patients with CKD. Although F&V-based diets are recommended for managing diabetes and hypertension, the primary causes of CKD, these diets remain under-prescribed and underutilized. Poverty, limited education, and low health literacy reduce F&V access in minoritized communities, worsening CKD-related outcomes. Interventional studies show that high F&V diets, alongside standard care, slow CKD progression and reduce CVD mortality. Expanding community-level F&V access might increase dietary uptake and improve outcomes for those with CKD and related conditions, helping reduce racial/ethnic disparities in kidney health across the U.S.
PMID:41690493 | DOI:10.1053/j.jrn.2026.02.001