A patient with a GFR of 20 ml/min should receive how many grams of protein per kilogram of body weight?

For a patient with a GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of 20 ml/min, the recommended protein intake is indeed lower than that of individuals with normal kidney function. In cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5, where GFR is significantly reduced, protein intake must be carefully managed to reduce the workload on the kidneys and avoid the buildup of waste products in the blood.

A protein intake of 0.6 grams per kilogram of body weight is appropriate for patients with severe renal impairment, such as those with a GFR of 20 ml/min. This amount helps to prevent malnutrition while minimizing protein waste that the kidneys would need to filter.

Maintaining a lower protein intake is crucial for preserving kidney function and slowing the progression of kidney disease, as excessive protein can exacerbate the accumulation of nitrogenous waste in the body, leading to further complications.

In contrast, higher protein recommendations, such as 0.8, 1.2, or 1.5 grams per kilogram, might be suitable for individuals in different stages of kidney disease or for those on dialysis, where protein needs can be higher due to losses during treatment and higher metabolic demands. Therefore, the recommendation of 0.