Andy Montoya
While cheese is not considered a high-potassium food, it does contain potassium and should be consumed in moderation by those with kidney disease. Different cheeses have varying levels of potassium, with cottage cheese and ricotta cheese being considered high-potassium cheeses. On the other hand, cheeses typically consumed in small portions, such as cheddar and blue cheese, are low in potassium. For those with kidney disease, it is important to monitor potassium intake, and some may need to follow a low-potassium diet to manage hyperkalemia, a condition where there is too much potassium in the blood, which can lead to fatal cardiac arrest if left untreated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cheese high in potassium? | Cheese is not considered a high-potassium food, but it does contain potassium. On average, one ounce of cheese provides about 35 milligrams of potassium. |
| Which cheeses are high in potassium? | High-potassium cheeses are those with more than 200 mg in a single serving. Examples include low-fat cottage cheese (217 mg of potassium per cup) and ricotta cheese (205 mg of potassium per 2/3 cup). |
| Which cheeses are low in potassium? | Cheddar, blue cheese, low-fat cream cheese, feta cheese, and low-sodium cheeses like Colby and cheddar are considered low-potassium options. |
| Recommendations for kidney patients | Kidney patients with high potassium levels should consult a nephrologist or renal dietitian before consuming cheese. Patients with kidney disease may need to monitor their intake of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium in dairy products. |
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What You'll Learn
Different cheeses have different potassium levels
While cheese is generally not considered a high-potassium food, different cheeses have different potassium levels, and the amount of cheese consumed also plays a role. On average, one ounce of cheese provides about 35 milligrams of potassium. However, a half-cup of cottage cheese, which is a larger serving size, contains 264 milligrams of potassium, making it a high-potassium food. Similarly, 2/3 of a cup of ricotta cheese is considered high in potassium, with 205 milligrams.
Cheeses that are typically consumed in smaller portions, such as cheddar, blue cheese, and low-fat cream cheese, are considered low-potassium options. For instance, one ounce of cheddar contains 28 milligrams of potassium, while blue cheese has 73 milligrams per ounce, and a tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese has 28 milligrams. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes, as consuming large quantities of these cheeses can still lead to excessive potassium intake for those who need to restrict their potassium intake.
For individuals with kidney disease, the relationship between cheese and potassium levels becomes particularly important. Dairy products, including cheese, are known to contain potassium, and those with kidney issues may need to monitor their intake of this mineral. The National Kidney Foundation recommends that kidney patients with serum potassium levels above 5.0 mg/dl limit their milk consumption to one cup or their yogurt intake to 1/2 cup per day. While cheese is not specifically mentioned, it is derived from milk, so it may be advisable for kidney patients to monitor their cheese intake as well.
It is worth noting that some cheeses, such as low-sodium cheddar or Colby cheese, may have potassium chloride added to them, increasing their potassium content. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the ingredient labels when purchasing cheese, especially if you are mindful of your potassium intake. Consulting with a renal dietitian can be helpful in determining whether and what types of cheese can be included in your diet while aligning with your health goals.
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Kidney patients should check with a specialist before eating cheese
Cheese is a source of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. While cheese is not considered a high-potassium food, it is made from milk, which is high in potassium, and some cheeses contain more potassium than others. For example, low-fat cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are considered high-potassium foods, while cheddar and blue cheese are low-potassium options.
If you have kidney disease, it is important to monitor your intake of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. This is because the kidneys filter excess potassium from the blood, and if they cannot perform this function properly, waste can accumulate in the blood. Therefore, a kidney-friendly diet can help to improve kidney function and prevent further damage.
Some cheeses are more suitable for people with kidney disease than others. For example, goat cheese, grated parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and Brie are low-phosphorus options. However, many cheeses are high in phosphorus, including firm and hard cheeses like Gouda. If you are struggling with high phosphorus levels, it is best to avoid these cheeses.
Processed cheeses are generally lower in protein, and some are also lower in sodium, such as spreadable cheeses like ricotta. However, some processed cheeses are high in sodium, with over 400 mg per ounce. Therefore, it is important to check the ingredient labels of low-sodium cheeses, as potassium chloride may have been added to enhance the flavour.
In conclusion, kidney patients should check with a specialist before eating cheese, as different cheeses contain varying levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. A renal dietitian can help kidney patients determine if and how cheese can be incorporated into their meal plan.
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Processed cheese is the cheese with the most potassium
Cheese is a dairy product, and dairy products are known to be a source of potassium. However, not all cheeses have the same potassium content. This depends on the type of cheese and the serving size.
High-potassium cheeses are those that have more than 200 mg in a single serving. For example, 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese is considered a high-potassium food, with 217 mg of potassium. Similarly, 2/3 of a cup of ricotta cheese is also considered a high-potassium food, with 205 mg of potassium.
On the other hand, cheeses that are customarily eaten in small servings are considered low-potassium foods. For instance, 1 oz of cheddar has only 28 mg of potassium, while blue cheese has 73 mg per ounce, and 1 tbsp of low-fat cream cheese has 28 mg.
While cheese is not considered a high-potassium food, the potassium content can vary significantly between different types of cheeses. The cheese with the most potassium is processed cheese, such as cheese-in-a-can products. These processed cheeses are also considered to be lower in protein, providing about 4 grams of protein per ounce.
It is important to note that for individuals with kidney disease, monitoring potassium intake is crucial. While not all individuals with kidney conditions need to restrict potassium, as it is an essential nutrient for maintaining normal blood pressure, those with high potassium levels should consult with their nephrologist or renal dietitian for specific dietary recommendations.
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Portion control is important when eating cheese with high potassium
While cheese is not considered a high-potassium food, it does contain potassium. On average, one ounce of cheese provides about 35 milligrams of potassium. However, different types of cheese have different potassium levels. For example, one cup of low-fat cottage cheese is considered a high-potassium food, with 217 mg of potassium. Similarly, 2/3 of a cup of ricotta cheese is also considered high in potassium, with 205 mg. On the other hand, cheeses typically consumed in small servings, such as cheddar, are considered low-potassium foods. An ounce of cheddar contains only 28 mg of potassium.
For individuals with kidney disease, monitoring potassium intake is crucial. Dairy products, including cheese, are known to contain potassium, and high levels of potassium can be harmful to those with kidney issues. Therefore, portion control is essential when consuming cheese with high potassium levels. For those with kidney disease, limiting dairy intake is often recommended, and guidance from a renal dietitian can help determine if and how cheese can be incorporated into the diet.
In addition to potassium, cheese also contains sodium and phosphorus. Some varieties of cheese are high in sodium, such as Gouda, with 230 mg/oz, while others are lower, such as Brie, cream cheese, goat cheese, and ricotta. Similarly, some cheeses are higher in phosphorus, and those on a low-phosphorus diet may need to be selective about the type of cheese they consume.
It is worth noting that a low-potassium diet typically involves choosing foods with low potassium content and avoiding those with moderate to high levels. While potassium is essential for the body, excessive levels can lead to muscular and nervous system damage and even fatal cardiac arrest. Therefore, for individuals with kidney disease or those on a low-potassium diet, portion control when consuming cheese with high potassium levels is crucial to maintaining health and preventing potential complications.
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Some cheeses are suitable for people with kidney disease
While cheese is generally a high-protein food, some cheeses are suitable for people with kidney disease. The type and amount of cheese that can be consumed depend on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis. People with kidney disease may need to monitor their intake of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and protein.
Cheeses that are customarily eaten in small servings are considered low-potassium foods. For example, 1 oz of cheddar contains only 28 mg of potassium, while blue cheese has 73 mg of potassium per ounce, and 1 tbsp of low-fat cream cheese has 28 mg. However, eating too much of these cheeses can introduce too much potassium for people who need to restrict their total potassium intake.
Some cheeses are lower in phosphorus and sodium, making them more suitable for people with kidney disease. For example, brie, cream cheese, goat cheese (soft), natural sharp cheddar, natural Swiss cheese, and ricotta are among the lowest in sodium (35 to 200 mg per ounce). On the other hand, processed cheeses tend to be higher in sodium, with some containing over 400 mg per ounce.
Cream cheese is considered a lower protein cheese, with one ounce containing approximately 2 g of protein. Other low-protein cheeses include ricotta, neufchatel, and parmesan. People with kidney disease may need to limit their protein intake, so these lower-protein cheeses may be suitable options.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not considered a high-potassium food, but it does contain potassium. The amount of potassium varies depending on the type of cheese. For example, one ounce of cheddar has 28 mg of potassium, while a cup of low-fat cottage cheese has 217 mg. People with kidney disease may need to monitor their potassium intake and choose lower-potassium cheeses.
Feta cheese is one of the lowest potassium cheeses, making it a kidney-friendly option. Other low-potassium cheeses include cream cheese, ricotta, and Neufchatel cheese.
Yes, cheese is also a source of phosphorus and sodium. Some cheeses are higher in these nutrients than others. For example, hard cheeses like Gouda tend to be high in phosphorus and sodium. If you are following a low-phosphorus or low-sodium diet, it is important to choose your cheeses accordingly.
