ProSource Plus Liquid Protein Dosage Recommendations
For adults without chronic kidney disease, ProSource Plus can be dosed at 1-2 servings (30-60 mL) daily to supplement dietary protein intake, targeting a total daily protein intake of 0.8 g/kg body weight, though patients with impaired renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) should restrict total protein intake to 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day and use this supplement cautiously under medical supervision.
Dosing Algorithm Based on Renal Function
Normal Renal Function (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²)
For healthy adults, the recommended daily protein intake is 0.8 g/kg/day 1. ProSource Plus provides 15 g protein per 30 mL serving.
Calculation approach:
- Determine total daily protein needs: Body weight (kg) × 0.8 g/kg
- Subtract protein from regular diet
- Supplement remaining deficit with ProSource Plus (each 30 mL = 15 g protein)
Example: A 70 kg adult needs 56 g protein daily. If consuming 40 g from food, one serving (30 mL) of ProSource Plus would provide the remaining 15 g, meeting the 0.8 g/kg target.
Important caveat: Avoid exceeding 1.3 g/kg/day total protein intake, as higher intakes may increase glomerular hyperfiltration and pose long-term risks to kidney function, particularly in those with diabetes, obesity, or hypertension 1, 2.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3-5 (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²)
Without diabetes: Target 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day total protein intake 1, 2, 3. The most recent 2025 guideline from the Journal of Internal Medicine recommends 0.6 g/kg/day for metabolically stable non-dialysis CKD patients with GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² 1.
With diabetes: Target 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day to maintain nutritional status and optimize glycemic control 4, 1.
ProSource Plus dosing in CKD:
- Calculate total daily protein allowance: Body weight (kg) × 0.6-0.8 g/kg
- Account for all dietary protein sources first
- Use ProSource Plus sparingly (0-1 serving/day maximum) only if dietary intake is insufficient
- Critical: Requires close supervision by a registered dietitian and physician to prevent malnutrition 1, 3
Example: A 70 kg patient with CKD Stage 3 should consume 42-56 g protein daily. If achieving 50 g from food, no supplementation is needed. If only consuming 35 g from food, a half-serving (15 mL = 7.5 g protein) could be considered.
Dialysis Patients (CKD Stage 5D)
Protein requirements increase on dialysis due to protein losses during treatment 3.
Hemodialysis: Target 1.0-1.2 g/kg/day 3 Peritoneal dialysis: Target 1.0-1.2 g/kg/day (may require up to 1.3 g/kg/day) 4, 3
ProSource Plus dosing on dialysis:
- Calculate increased protein needs: Body weight (kg) × 1.0-1.2 g/kg
- ProSource Plus can provide 1-3 servings daily (30-90 mL) to meet these higher requirements
- Monitor for adequate energy intake (25-35 kcal/kg/day) 3
Critical Considerations and Pitfalls
Energy intake is essential: When restricting protein, ensure adequate caloric intake (>30 kcal/kg/day) to prevent protein-energy malnutrition 1. ProSource Plus provides protein but minimal calories, so additional caloric sources are necessary.
Avoid in metabolically unstable patients: Do not use protein restriction or supplementation strategies in acutely ill, malnourished, or metabolically unstable CKD patients 2, 3.
Weight considerations: Use actual body weight for calculations in most cases. For obese patients or those with significant fluid overload, adjusted body weight may be more appropriate—consult with a dietitian 1.
Monitor nutritional status: Regular assessment of albumin, prealbumin, body weight, and muscle mass is essential when using protein supplementation or restriction 3.
Contraindications for protein restriction: Do not restrict protein in children with CKD (risk of growth impairment), older adults with frailty or sarcopenia, or patients with sodium-wasting nephropathy 2.
Evidence Quality Note
The 2025 Journal of Internal Medicine guideline 1 and the 2024 KDIGO guideline 2 represent the most current evidence, both recommending 0.8 g/kg/day for CKD Stage 3-5, with the option for supervised reduction to 0.6 g/kg/day in metabolically stable patients at high risk of progression. The 2020 KDOQI guideline 3 provides the most detailed practical recommendations for implementation, including specific targets for dialysis patients.