FAV Intake’s Effect on Kidney Filtration

This study analyzes the connections between reported diet, in terms of fruit and vegetable (FAV) and fat-content intake, observed serum carotenoid values, socioeconomic level, and kidney function in people with sickle cell disease. An adequate FAV intake and low fat consumption have beneficial impacts on kidney health. People with sickle cell disease are at much higher risk of medical complications and early mortality if they also develop kidney disease and the impact of a healthy diet may be particularly important in this patient group. This study examines the possible effect of FAV intake and fat content on kidney health. The self- reported FAV intake is compared with measured carotenoid values to validate the FAV intake and better understand if there is a knowledge gap between perceived and actual FAV intake. The study also contrasts the level of FAV and dietary fat content to the participants’ socioeconomic level. FAV intake and dietary fat content are then compared with measures of kidney function (urine albumin concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate). This study analyzes 3 levels of data from 20 participants with sickle cell disease in the Chicago area. The data collected includes self-reported surveys of FAV and dietary fat intake completed by each participant, blood samples to measure carotenoid concentrations, individual and community-level socioeconomic distress, and measures of their kidney function.