Nutrition for the post-renal transplant recipients

Abstract

An adequate nutritional status may improve outcomes after renal transplantation. This review article presents the impact of major nutritional risk factors, such as malnutrition, obesity, dislipidemia, and other associated or independent metabolic complications on the results of renal transplantation. Malnutrition that exists prior to transplant may be associated with an increased risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and muscle weakness. Obesity, which may also be preexisting or developing after transplantation, can lead to adverse effects, such as poor wound healing or increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although some recent studies suggest no major consequences. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertrigliceridemia (risk factors for cardiovascular disease) are common post-renal transplantation complications. All of these possible complications may be prevented or treated through early nutritional intervention and follow-up. This article reviews important nutritional recommendations to provide guidelines for adult posttransplant recipients.