Automatic calculation for the renal failure diet.

Abstract

A logical scheme for algorithm for computation of the renal failure diet is presented along with its application to a programmable calculator. The program is user-interractive; the user may add or delete foods without re-entering previous data. Program outputs include water, protein, calories, carbohydrate, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and the essential amino acids (EAA) in absolute and percentage terms. As an index of relative protein quality, the chemical score is computed on a meal-by-meal basis. Individual EAA scores are available to permit designation of the limiting EAA of a meal. A major benefit of the program is the ability to explore and document rapidly a wide variety of meal plans. Improvements in "user-friendliness" will facilitate application with patients.