CMAJ

Plant-forward diet tied to lower chronic kidney disease risk

January 27, 2026

A U.K. Biobank cohort study of 179,508 adults without kidney disease found that greater adherence to the EAT–Lancet planetary health diet was associated with lower incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) over 12 years. Across four scoring methods, higher adherence was associated with modestly lower CKD risk (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.91–0.94). The association appeared stronger among participants with low residential green space exposure and those with the rs2010352 GG genotype. Metabolomic and proteomic signatures—particularly markers related to fatty acid profiles, inflammation, and kidney injury—partially mediated this relationship.

Clinical takeaway: A plant-forward dietary pattern aligned with the EAT–Lancet framework may help lower long-term CKD risk, with potential relevance for personalized nutrition strategies.

Source:

Yang S, et al. (2026, January 26). CMAJ. The EAT–Lancet planetary health diet and risk of incident chronic kidney disease. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/198/3/E73