Table 1.

Key nutrients to consider for post-transplant kidney recipients based on recommendations for healthy adults.

Nutrient	Key functions	RDA per day (Dietary Guidelines, 2015)	Common food sources
Dietary fats, gm–can consist of DHA/EPA, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids	- Thermal regulation - Cell membranes - Fat-soluble vitamin digestion - Energy - Satiety	20–30% of total energy with <10% from saturated fats	Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel) Avocados Animal meats Nuts Dairy Oils
Carbohydrates, gm–including indigestible fibers, polysaccharides, simple sugars	- Providing energy - Prevent breakdown of proteins and fats - Store energy - Athletic endurance	45–65% of total energy	Whole grains Fruits Vegetables (especially starch potatoes, peas, and corn) Pastas Rice Oats Beans Bran
Protein, gm	- Structure, function, and regulation of cells - Enzymes - DNA replication and cellular repair - Hormonal messenger - maintains pH	10–30% of total energy	Soybeans Red meat Fish Dairy Chicken/turkey Legumes
Phosphorus, mg	- Bones and teeth - Energy (ATP) - Enzyme cofactor - Backbone of DNA/RNA	1,250	Chicken/turkey Pork Organ meats Dairy Dark sodas Preserved fish Nuts Whole grains
Magnesium, mg	- T cell regulation - ATPase activity - 300+ coenzyme activities - Cardiovascular - Regulates blood glucose - Bone matrix - Energy production - Cell signaling	360 for females 410 for males	Cereals, bran Nuts Avocados Dark chocolate Brown rice Spinach Mackerel Swiss chard
Vitamin D, IU	- Promotes bone growth - Aid in calcium absorption - Modulation of cell growth - Reduction of inflammation	600	Salmon Trout Sword fish Mushrooms Fortified milk/dairy Pork Hard-boiled egg

ATP, Adenosine triphosphate; DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; DNA, deoxyribose nucleic acid; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; RDA, Recommend Dietary Allowances.