Eating a plant-forward diet while limiting added sugars and fats may significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a large international study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
The research analysed data from the UK Biobank, one of the world’s largest long-term health studies, and found that individuals who closely followed the EAT–Lancet planetary health diet were less likely to develop kidney disease over time.
🔬 Study Details
- Participants: 179,508 adults aged 40–69
- Countries: England, Scotland, and Wales
- Follow-up period: Median 12 years
- New CKD cases: 4,819 (2.7%)
Researchers observed that stronger adherence to the EAT–Lancet diet was consistently linked to a lower incidence of CKD, even after adjusting for lifestyle and metabolic risk factors.
🥦 What Is the EAT–Lancet Planetary Diet?
The EAT–Lancet diet focuses on:
- High intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains
- Moderate amounts of meat and dairy
- Strict limits on added sugars and unhealthy fats
Unlike other plant-based diets, the EAT–Lancet model was designed to promote both human health and environmental sustainability.
🧠 Expert Insight
“Greater adherence to the EAT–Lancet planetary health diet was significantly associated with a reduced risk of incident chronic kidney disease,”
said Dr. Xianhui Qin of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China.
The protective effect was particularly strong among people with limited exposure to green spaces and certain genetic risk factors, the authors noted.
🌍 Why This Matters
- Chronic kidney disease affects nearly 10% of adults worldwide
- CKD is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040
- Dietary prevention strategies could play a crucial role in reducing the future burden of kidney disease
📌 Background
Previous studies have shown kidney-protective benefits of diets such as DASH and the Mediterranean diet. However, researchers say the unique restriction of added sugars and fats in the EAT–Lancet diet may offer additional protection by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
📚 Publication
Title: The EAT–Lancet planetary health diet and risk of incident chronic kidney disease
Journal: Canadian Medical Association Journal (2026)
