ABSTRACT
The mechanism by which protein restriction ameliorates the signs and symptoms of renal failure is only partially understood. Some of these manifestations, such as metabolic acidosis, can be directly attributed to the metabolism of dietary protein which leaves a residue of acid requiring excretion. Hence, protein restriction alleviates metabolic acidosis. Other manifestations such as fatigue, anorexia, nausea and vomiting are known to be correlated with the degree of azotemia, but the cause of this correlation is uncertain. The extent to which accumulation of urea itself is responsible for these symptoms is also uncertain.
