A pilot study to evaluate Tolerability and Safety of a Modified Atkins Diet in ADPKD patients

Background Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the fourth cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) and urgently requires the development of effective therapeutic treatments. The presence of a shift in energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis in ADPKD prompted us to explore the possibility to limit glucose availability by a nutritional approach. Methods We performed a single arm interventional pilot study to administer the modified Atkins diet to ADPKD patients, evaluating tolerability and safety by a questionnaire, along with glycemia and other biological parameters for 3 months. Results Satisfaction about the administered diet was high (median score of 4, IRQ 4–5). Compliance was also more than satisfactory (3, IRQ 2–5). Wellness reached the highest score (5, IRQ 4–5). Main side effect was the increase in cholesterol levels (mean net increase of 34 ± 13.1 mg/dl). Glycemia was reduced from the mean value of 105.8 ± 8.5 mg/dl (first week) to 92 ± 8.8 mg/dl (after 12ve weeks). Conclusions Our study showed the modified Atkins diet is able to reduce glucose availability and it, is well tolerated by adult patients with ADPKD.