NCT06920914: K-HANDLE CKD

Effects of Minimally vs. Ultra-Processed Diets on Potassium (K) Handling in CKD

Not yet recruiting NA Last updated 5 February 2026

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Low-potassium, ultra-processed diet in Chronic Kidney Disease in 48 participants. Not yet recruiting.

Timeline

1 July 2026

Primary endpoint
1 December 2027

1 June 2028

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	University of Alberta
Phase	NA
Status	Not yet recruiting
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	randomized
Design	crossover
Masking	none
Primary purpose	basic science
Enrollment	48
Start date	1 July 2026
Primary completion	1 December 2027
Estimated completion	1 June 2028

Drugs / interventions tested

• Low-potassium, ultra-processed diet
• Low-potassium, minimally processed diet
• Normal potassium-rich, minimally processed diet
• Normal potassium-rich, ultra-processed diet

Conditions studied

• Chronic Kidney Disease — all drugs for Chronic Kidney Disease →

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Who can join

18 and older, any sex, with Chronic Kidney Disease. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

What is this study about?

This clinical trial is designed to learn how potassium from different types of food affects blood potassium levels and overall health in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD, stages 3B-5).

People with CKD are often advised to avoid potassium-rich foods, even though fresh fruits and vegetables are important for good health. However, potassium in processed foods (such as packaged snacks and ready-made meals) may be absorbed differently than potassium from fresh foods.

This study will compare minimally processed vs. ultra-processed foods to determine how different sources of potassium affect potassium levels and help create better dietary recommendations for people with CKD.

What are the study goals?

The study will answer:

* Does potassium from fresh foods (like fruits and vegetables) affect blood potassium differently than potassium from processed foods?
* How does dietary potassium impact potassium absorption and excretion in people with CKD?

Researchers will compare the effects of four diets to understand how low and normal-potassium rich diets from fresh vs. processed foods influence:

* Blood potassium levels
* Body composition (muscle, fat, and fluid balance)
* Vascular health

What will participants do?

Participants will follow four different 10-day diets over the course of the study. All food will be provided at no cost. These diets are:

* Minimally processed with low-potassium content
* Minimally processed with normal potassium content
* Ultra-processed with with low-potassium content
* Ultra-processed with normal potassium content

There will be 16-day breaks (washout period) between diets where participants return to their normal eating habits.

During the study, participants will:

* Pick up prepared meals from the research center approximately 3 times per week.
* Attend checkups for weight, blood pressure, and blood tests.
* Provide urine samples to track potassium levels.
* Wear a comfortable, cuff-free blood pressure monitor at home.
* Keep a study journal to track diet, medications, and symptoms.
* Complete questionnaires about diet satisfaction and health changes.

Publications & conference data

No peer-reviewed publications indexed yet for this trial.