Renal Dietetics in Japan: A Perspective
An International Dietitians' Meeting was organized as part of the 11th International Congress of Nephrology in Tokyo during July 1990. The specialization of renal dietetics in Japan is in the early stages of development. The primary differences between the Japanese and American renal diet include lower protein restriction of 40 to 50 g due to smaller body size; common use of low-protein food products; and liberal sodium restriction of 8 g necessitated by characteristics of traditional diet. The complexity of incorporating the renal diet into the Japanese life-style as done in the United States is not attempted in Japan; rather, the renal restrictions take precedence and compliance is expected. Western influence of fast food franchises and life-style changes with increased incidence of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke are beginning to heighten the awareness in Japan of the need for prevention of chronic diseases.