National Kidney Foundation and Nephroceuticals Partner to Promote Early Detection and Good Nutrition for Kidney Disease

NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) announced today a new educational partnership with Nephroceuticals(TM) focusing on the importance of nutrition and early detection for kidney disease.

The partnership includes the development and distribution of print and online educational materials for both patients and professionals and support of the foundation's nationwide early detection initiative, the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP).

"For those with chronic kidney disease, good nutrition and diet are critical components of the treatment plan," says Bryan Becker, MD, NKF President. "The recommended diet, including amounts of protein, calories and nutrients, changes depending on how much kidney function people have. Vitamins and minerals, which come from food, are essential for making energy, promoting growth and repairing tissues, but because the kidney diet limits some food groups, people with kidney disease may not be getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals they need. This 'Partners in Education' program with Nephroceuticals will enable us to more widely educate professionals and patients about the importance of good nutrition in kidney disease."

More than 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and millions more are at risk, yet most are unaware they have it and unfamiliar with the risk factors or consequences, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Over the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys are less able to perform vital functions that help maintain overall health, including filtering wastes and excess fluids from the blood.

"The foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) targets those at risk--anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history, finds early kidney disease and educates participants on prevention and treatment," says Joseph Vassalotti, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the National Kidney Foundation. "The relationship with Nephroceuticals and other KEEP sponsors enables NKF to expand the scope of the program so that we can reach more Americans at risk with early detection and information on kidney health and nutrition."

KEEP is a free kidney health screening program designed to help those at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) receive early diagnosis and treatment. Research shows that treating CKD at an early stage can improve outcomes. Since the program's inception, more than 125,000 at risk individuals have been screened and more than 50% of those screened have taken steps to save their health, including visiting a doctor or managing high blood pressure.

"Nutrition is one aspect of the care of kidney patients that is far too often overlooked," says John Wigneswaran MD, Chief Executive Officer, Nephroceuticals. "As a practicing nephrologist I know how important it is to counsel our patients on the appropriate nutritional supplementation based on the clinical evidence. We are proud to partner with the NKF to raise clinical awareness and empower our patients to take charge of their own health."

The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of patients and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For information on KEEP and a current schedule of screening events visit www.keeponline.org

Nephroceuticals(TM)(www.myprorenal.com ( http://www.myprorenal.com/ )) produces nutritional supplements aimed at promoting health in people with chronic kidney disease. Nephroceuticals(TM) produces two complete multivitamins for people with chronic kidney disease: ProRenal QD with Omega 3(TM) and ProRenal Vital(TM). These two multivitamins have been specifically formulated based on the latest clinical evidence to provide nutritional support for people with CKD. Nephroceuticals(TM) is a renal health care company committed to the specific nutritional needs of patients with chronic kidney disease and is based in Dayton, Ohio.

SOURCE National Kidney Foundation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.kidney.org