Evidence Check

Myth & Evidence Check

Fact-checking the questions patients actually ask: does a supplement really have research behind it? Does a dietary rule circulating online apply to every kidney patient? Every article states evidence level, sources, who it applies to and its limits — no scare headlines.

Evidence levels

A
High
Multiple randomized trials or systematic reviews / meta-analyses with consistent results
B
Moderate
A single randomized trial or several good-quality observational studies
C
Low
Small studies, case reports, animal or in-vitro work, or expert opinion
D
Very low / none
No verifiable human research — marketing claims or hearsay only

How we check

1Go to primary sources: PubMed, Cochrane, KDIGO/KDOQI guidelines and drug-regulator databases — not second-hand articles
2Separate three populations — pre-dialysis CKD, hemo/peritoneal dialysis, and transplant — because the same claim can be opposite for each
3State study size, population, follow-up and conflicts of interest; if there is no human research, say so
4Verdicts are "largely accurate / partly true / no evidence", never "shocking truth" or "never eat this"
5Every check is dated and versioned; we update and keep the history when new evidence appears

All evidence checks (2)

Evidence Check 8 min read

Fact check: Is there research behind "cordyceps, reishi and astragalus protect the kidneys and lower creatinine"?

The supplement category most often sold to kidney patients in Asia. We reviewed the Cochrane systematic reviews and Chinese randomised trials: low-quality evidence suggests cordyceps preparations may slightly lower creatinine, but trials were small, short and reported no hard outcomes — and for transplant recipients there are immune-stimulation and drug-interaction concerns.

Kidney transplant Anti-rejection drugs

October 13, 2026 Read more

Evidence Check 9 min read

Fact check: "Every kidney patient must strictly limit potassium — no bananas, tomatoes or potatoes." Is that true?

The most widely shared rule in patient groups — yet KDOQI 2020 and KDIGO 2024 actually recommend individualising potassium to blood levels. We separate CKD 1–3, CKD 4–5, dialysis and transplant, explain who needs restriction and how much, and what blanket restriction can cost.

Potassium Kidney transplant

October 13, 2026 Read more

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