Low-protein diets in renal disease.

End-stage renal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. population and a significant contributor to national health-care expenditures. In recent years, a growing body of literature has accumulated from studies in animals and humans to suggest that dietary protein restriction can significantly retard the progression of chronic renal insufficiency. This article reviews the relevant literature and outlines the questions that remain for future investigation.