Effect of whole foods compared to ultra-processed foods in chronic kidney disease

Research shows that ultra-processed foods (UPF) increase the risk of many diseases, including kidney diseases. However, the effects of whole foods (WF) compared to UPF in a type of kidney disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) have not been studied. This is also important for PKD because treatments with plant-based or low-protein diets, since many of these diets contain UPF. This may affect how well this treatment works. Further, UPF can increase obesity, which might worsen PKD, but this also has not been studied. Using a mouse model of PKD we will compare UPF and WF in plant- or animal- based diets, and in normal and low protein diets. Disease progression will be measured . The project will increase the capacity of CDIC to undertake food and nutritional intervention trials and continue to expand the CDIC brand of excellence into the PKD research field.

Faculty Supervisor:

Harold Aukema

Student:

Partner:

PKD Foundation of Canada;Chronic Disease Innovation Centre (CDIC)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Agriculture and Food

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: