A new systematic review published in Current Nutrition Reports examines the relationship between nut consumption and kidney health, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk, kidney function and mortality. The review highlights emerging evidence that nut consumption may be associated with favorable kidney-related outcomes, adding to the growing body of research on the health benefits of nuts.
The authors found that higher nut consumption was associated with a lower risk or prevalence of CKD in some populations. Replacing red and processed meat with nuts was also associated with more favorable kidney-related outcomes, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating nuts into a balanced dietary pattern.
The authors concluded that nuts, particularly when used as a replacement for red and processed meat, may contribute to dietary patterns associated with better kidney health. Nevertheless, as the evidence is predominantly observational, further prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to clarify these associations and determine the potential role of nuts in dietary strategies for preventing and managing CKD.
Reference: Vázquez-Lorente, H., Plaza-Diaz, J., Pérez-Acosta, J. A., Díaz-López, A., Salas-Salvadó, J. (2026). Nut consumption, kidney function, chronic kidney disease and mortality: A systematic review. Current Nutrition Reports, 15, Article 86.