A comprehensive study from Ontario, Canada, published in The BMJ, has highlighted that even slight declines in kidney function can have significant health implications.
This research could change how we approach the prevention and monitoring of kidney disease, especially in younger adults.
Rethinking Kidney Health in Young Adults
Traditionally, it’s been thought that young, healthy adults don’t need to be concerned about their kidney function unless it drops to about half the normal level.
However, Dr. Manish Sood, a leading nephrologist, points out that their findings suggest even a 20-30% drop could be cause for attention.
Using health record data from 2008 to 2021 for Ontario adults without a history of kidney disease, researchers discovered that nearly one in five young adults had kidney function slightly below normal—what they refer to as the “gray zone.”
People in this group were modestly more likely to face serious health issues like kidney failure and heart attacks.
Young Adults’ Increased Health Risks
For young adults between 18 and 39, a minor loss in kidney function led to a notable increase in health risks.
The study showed a 1.4 times higher risk of death, a 1.3 times higher risk of a heart-related event, and a six times higher risk of kidney failure. Despite these increased risks, the chance of such events remained low overall.
Population Impact and Lifestyle Changes
While the individual risk remains low, Dr. Greg Knoll, another key researcher, emphasizes the potential significant impact on public health.
Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore whether lifestyle modifications can reduce risks.
Guidance for Individuals and Healthcare Providers
The researchers are not advocating for widespread kidney function testing at this stage. However, if someone’s blood test reveals a small decrease in kidney function, it should prompt a discussion with their healthcare provider.
Healthy lifestyle choices, like a low-salt diet, regular exercise, and limited alcohol consumption, can also lower the risk of kidney disease.
Project BigLife Calculator for Kidney Disease Risk
Dr. Sood and his team have developed a tool—the Project BigLife Chronic Kidney Disease calculator—that allows individuals to estimate their risk for kidney disease and understand how lifestyle changes can make a difference.
This tool is expected to evolve with ongoing research.
In summary, this study suggests that we may need to start paying attention to kidney health earlier than previously thought, and even small declines in function could warrant preventive measures and lifestyle adjustments to protect overall health.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
The research findings can be found in The BMJ.
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