Ren-Nu^TM Program – Frequently Asked Questions

Developed by the scientists behind the research, alongside experienced dietitians, nutritionists and individuals living with PKD, Ren-Nu translates laboratory science into practical, real-world nutrition. It provides a structured, evidence-based framework that empowers participants to take control of their health by offering:

• A kidney-safe ketogenic approach tailored specifically to PKD
• Management of renal stressors such as oxalate and uric acid
• Tools to monitor biomarkers and track lab data
• Education rooted in the metabolic, inflammatory, and cellular mechanisms of PKD
• Flexible dietary options (plant-based and animal-inclusive)
• Real support—from scientists, dietitians, and fellow patients

Ren-Nu is more than a nutrition program—it is the direct result of translational science, created by the very team that discovered and validated the dietary approach it teaches. It exists to close the gap between research and patient outcomes, providing real tools, education, and hope for those living with PKD.

Ren-Nu is designed for people with PKD who are ready to make lifestyle changes that support their long-term kidney health. Whether you’re new to nutrition-based approaches or already experimenting with nutrition, this program provides structure, education, and support for anyone interested in a more empowered, science-informed path.

Yes. The Ren-Nu Program is grounded in research from peer-reviewed studies on ketogenic metabolic therapy, kidney physiology, and nutrition science. It was developed by scientists, dietitians, nutritionists, and individuals living with PKD to ensure the program is both scientifically sound and personally relevant. A comprehensive review article providing an overview of all the research underlying the Ren-Nu Program, authored by members of our team, can be found here.

• A structured, step-by-step plan for implementing kidney-safe ketogenic nutrition and lifestyle while also reducing renal stressors
• Rolling admission—start when you’re ready and go at your own pace
• Expert guidance, weekly live Q&A sessions, and 1-on-1 dietitian/nutritionist support
• Mobile-friendly, interactive learning courses as part of a comprehensive curriculum
• A 3-month supply of KetoCitra®, the medical food specifically created for the nutritional management of individuals with PKD, is included in the program
• Learn to use tools for tracking your progress at home: nutrient intake tracking, blood ketones and blood sugar, blood pressure monitoring, urine pH, and body weight
• Evidence-based strategies to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and the risk of kidney stones
• Reported benefits from participants include improved kidney function (eGFR), better blood pressure control, mental clarity, energy, and reduced pain
• Be part of a study to measure long-term outcomes for reporting in scientific publications

The Ren-Nu Program Clinical Care Team requests the following labs to help personalize your nutrition plan.

At program enrollment, you will receive additional instructions on how to upload labs to our electronic health record (Biocanic)

Please click here to download the required list 

Yes. A foundational Ren-Nu publication detailing the principles and structure of the program was published here. Outcome data of over 150 participants were presented at scientific conferences including the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2024 (abstract). A full manuscript reporting these outcome data is currently in preparation.

Yes. In addition to our patient-reported outcome studies, several clinical trials and research efforts are already underway, including:

• An ongoing clinical trial in Japan evaluating the effects of ketogenic therapy in PKD (click here for details).
• A completed clinical study investigating the effects of ketogenic therapy in PKD (click here for details). 
• A retrospective study evaluating the feasibility, safety, & effect of ketogenic interventions in PKD (click here for details).  
• Multiple clinical studies are in development across different countries and academic institutions.

These studies are essential for building the medical community’s understanding of how KetoCitra, and nutrition and lifestyle changes can be used to support kidney health. Ren-Nu participants are a vital part of this movement.

We’re not just researchers, clinicians, or educators—we’re also patients, caregivers, and people who live this lifestyle every day. Our team includes:

• Scientists who have published extensively on PKD, metabolism, and inflammation
• Dietitians who are licensed and certified in clinical nutrition and specialize in ketogenic and kidney-safe approaches
• Individuals who have personally implemented this lifestyle for their own PKD management
• People with deep empathy for what it means to live with a chronic disease and the practical challenges of nutrition change

This rare blend of lived experience + scientific expertise + clinical training is what makes Ren-Nu one of a kind. We don’t just teach the research—we’ve lived it, translated it, and turned it into something real for the PKD community.

Both! The program includes rolling admission and self-paced courses, but also offers weekly live Q&A sessions where participants can ask questions, connect with experts, and build community. Additionally, there are three one-on-one live meetings with Ren-Nu dietitians/nutritionists.

Yes. Many participants balance the Ren-Nu Program with full-time jobs, caregiving, or other responsibilities. The mobile-accessible courses and practical tools are designed to fit into real life. While the beginning requires more time and focus, we provide tips and strategies to make it sustainable.

No prior experience is needed. We guide you step-by-step through what you need to know, including how to use tracking tools like Keto-Mojo (for blood ketones and glucose) and Cronometer (for macros and micronutrients).

 You’ll have access to:

• Weekly live group Q&A sessions with program experts
• A Private Facebook Group for peer-support between past and present Ren-Nu participants
• 1-on-1 personal support from a program dietitian/nutritionist
• Weekly email feedback from a program dietitian/nutritionist summarizing your progress and recommending adjustments if needed
• Detailed nutrition education and practical tools like checklists, cooking recipes, meal planning guides, and food label tips

After graduating the 16-week program, participants retain access to recipe guides, meal plans, and any downloads provided during the program. You’ll also remain part of the Ren-Nu Private Facebook Group and may continue to use your personal tracking tools, such as Keto-Mojo and Cronometer. Graduates will be invited to subscribe to KetoCitra® at a discounted alumni rate. Private-practice dietitians, nutritionists and health coaches – who are very familiar with kidney disease, KetoCitra® and the nutrition and lifestyle changes of the Ren-Nu Program – will be available to you for follow-up care if desired. These experts offer private coaching hours or custom packages to Ren-Nu alumni.

While the structured 16-week curriculum is not designed to be repeated in full, you will have continued access to community support, practical tools, and alumni-specific resources. Our goal is to equip you to maintain your progress independently.

Ren-Nu is not fully vegan compatible, but flexibility exists for clients with a vegetarian preference. Our experts may also be able to accommodate a vegan lifestyle upon request and if other criteria are met. Please ask.

The program tuition includes a 3-month supply of KetoCitra®, a medical food that supports kidney health by providing citrate, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and key electrolytes without added sodium. KetoCitra® helps maintain acid-base balance, prevents damaging crystal formation, and supports safe and sustainable ketosis. Additional supplements beyond KetoCitra® may be recommended during the program if nutrient deficiencies cannot be addressed with nutritional changes alone. However, our first priority is always to recommend whole foods, and we recommend nutritional supplements as a last resort.

No. Ren-Nu is not a replacement for medical care. You will remain under the supervision of your doctor, who can monitor labs, medications, and other health needs. Our team works alongside your care, not in place of it.

Yes. If you have advanced kidney disease, uncontrolled electrolyte imbalances, or other complex health issues, you should consult your physician before beginning the program.

The Ren-Nu Program is designed to complement—not replace—your existing medical care. However, dietary changes, especially those involving ketogenic lifestyle changes, can impact how your body responds to certain medications. It is important to be aware of the following:

Medication Adjustments May Be Needed: Certain medications may require close monitoring or dose adjustments, particularly:

• Blood pressure medications – High blood pressure (hypertension) often improves during the Ren-Nu Program with nutritional changes. To avoid the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension), participants regularly monitor their blood pressure at home and will work with their physician to adjust the doses of their blood pressure medications as needed.

• Diabetes (blood sugar) medications (e.g., insulin, metformin) – Blood sugar control often improves significantly due to the very low-carb, ketogenic approach in the Ren-Nu Program. Therefore, dosages may need to be reduced by your physician accordingly

• Sodium bicarbonate or citrate medications – If you’re taking these, KetoCitra® may replace the need for some or all of them (under your doctor’s guidance).

Work Closely with Your Healthcare Provider: We strongly recommend that participants:

• Share the program materials and goals with their healthcare provider before beginning.

• Monitor labs and vitals regularly during the program.

• Keep an open dialogue with their doctor regarding any symptoms, medication changes, or improvements in health markers.

We Do Not Prescribe or Adjust Medications: Ren-Nu is an educational nutrition program and does not provide medical prescriptions or medication management. All medication decisions should be made in collaboration with your physician.

You’ll use Biocanic to track health markers throughout the program, including:

• Blood ketones and glucose (via Keto-Mojo or similar device that integrates with your smartphone)

• Nutrition data (keep track of your micro- and macro-nutrient intake via a smartphone app)

• Urine pH, blood pressure, and body weight

• Symptom assessments (e.g., energy, pain, sleep, and digestion)

All health data are stored securely and managed through HIPAA-compliant systems. Your data are used to give you feedback on your progress, personalize your experience and support your progress throughout the program.

With your informed consent, your de-identified data may also be used to track overall aggregate outcomes of the Ren-Nu Program for scientific publications and clinical research. This is a vital part of establishing the effectiveness of this nutritional approach in the broader medical and kidney research communities. Participation in research is completely optional, but highly valuable for building the evidence needed to improve care for others with PKD.

You’ll use a provided nutrition tracking app that helps you monitor both macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) and micronutrients (like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and many others). This allows you to:

• Understand how different foods impact your kidney health

• Track hidden ingredients such as phosphate additives, and oxalates

• Monitor electrolyte intake and nutrient sufficiency

We’ll walk you through how to set up the app on your smartphone  and use it effectively. The program dietitians/nutritionists will see your nutrient intake and will give you weekly feedback and recommend adjustments to your food choices if necessary.

Yes! Both Ren-Nu Academy and Biocanic are fully optimized for use on any device. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can access your courses, tools, and trackers with ease.

Yes. Ren-Nu Academy is designed with accessibility in mind and is compatible with features like screen readers, voice commands, and adjustable text sizes. Additionally, all video content is delivered with audio and subtitles. The Biocanic mobile app also supports standard smartphone accessibility tools to ensure ease of use for a wide range of users.

The Ren-Nu Program is currently only available in English. We plan to offer our course content and coaching soon in additional languages to better serve the global PKD community.

Yes. Select resources—like checklists, food lists, and meal planning templates—are available as downloadable and printable PDFs. All resources are also mobile-optimized for ease of access on your phone or tablet.

You’ll have access to all Ren-Nu Academy course content for the duration of the 16-week program. After the program ends, you’ll retain access to:

• The Ren-Nu Recipe & Meal Plan Library

• The Ren-Nu Private Facebook Group

• Your Biocanic dashboard and tracking history

• Any files you downloaded during the course

You absolutely can—and we encourage it! You’ll keep access to your Biocanic dashboard even after the program ends, so you can continue tracking your nutrition, labs, and symptoms over time.

Using our Biocanic platform and recommended tools, you’ll track:

• Food intake and nutrients (smartphone app)
• Blood ketones and glucose (using a fingerprick device)
• Body weight using your own body scale
• Blood pressure using your own home blood pressure monitor
• Urine pH (acidity) using special pH testing strips that are included in the program
• Pain, fatigue, and other symptoms via self-assessment questionnaires with symptom scales

• The KetoCitra® Starter Pack includes a 3-month supply of the medical food KetoCitra®, urine pH measuring strips, a hydration bottle (1 L or 32 oz) 
• Access to Ren-Nu Academy and all educational content
• Progress-tracking tools via Biocanic
• Premium access to Cronometer for the duration of the program
• Checklists, grocery guides, meal plans, and recipes
• Access to a private online peer support group

Because PKD progression varies from person to person, and because lifestyle factors interact with many other variables (medications, genetics, life stage, etc.), individual results will vary and specific outcomes cannot be promised. 

What we can offer is:

• A science-backed, structured approach
• Ongoing education, tracking, and support
• Tools to help you monitor changes and adjust over time
• Access to a team that’s deeply invested in both your success and your safety

Participants who fully engage with the program and consistently apply the principles are more likely to experience positive results, but this is a long-term lifestyle, not a quick fix.

Yes. Ren-Nu is not a weight-loss program, but many participants do experience weight changes as a natural outcome of shifting to a ketogenic, anti-inflammatory way of eating.

If your goal is:

• Weight loss: We provide guidance on adjusting macronutrients, tracking progress, and identifying metabolic patterns that support fat loss while protecting lean mass.
• Weight gain or maintenance: Our approach is flexible enough to support nutritional adequacy and caloric needs for those aiming to gain weight, maintain muscle, or avoid unintended loss—especially important for those at lower body weights or managing other health concerns.

Whether your focus is on kidney function, body composition, or general well-being, Ren-Nu gives you the tools to personalize the approach to fit your goals.

Yes. Many participants find that the Ren-Nu approach helps them save money over time—especially by reducing reliance on takeout, snacks, and convenience foods. We emphasize simple, whole ingredients and teach meal prep strategies that are budget-friendly and time-efficient. While there’s an initial investment in stocking your pantry, the long-term savings (and health benefits) can be significant.

No. While you may come across specialty “keto” products in stores, they are not required, and often not recommended. Ren-Nu focuses on real, nutrient-dense food rather than packaged alternatives. All the nutritional goals of the program can be met with whole foods you can find at most grocery stores.

Only if you want to. The Ren-Nu Program provides a robust database of meal plans and recipes, each with full nutrient breakdowns and kidney-safe guidance. You’ll learn how to plan meals on your own over time, but we make it easy to get started with step-by-step templates and practical examples you can build on.

Social situations and travel are often the biggest challenges when changing how you eat, but they don’t have to derail your progress. Ren-Nu includes dedicated lessons and tips on:

• Dining out and choosing restaurant options
• Managing food at events and holidays
• Planning ahead for travel
• Communicating your needs with confidence

This is meant to be a long-term, sustainable lifestyle—so we help you build the skills to navigate real life, not just ideal conditions.

We generally recommend avoiding alcohol, as it can interfere with ketosis, hydration, and overall kidney health. However, we also recognize that life includes celebrations and social moments. That’s why we provide clear guidance on what to do if you choose to drink, including lower-impact options and how to plan around them safely.

Not at all—but it helps when they’re supportive. Many participants find that family members naturally get involved in meal prep, pantry redesign, and learning about healthier habits. We provide guidance on how to talk to your loved ones, so they can understand why you’re doing this—and how they can help.

To emphasize the educational and scientific nature of Ren-Nu, we call the fee tuition. Think of it like a college course. The Ren-Nu Program tuition is $1,600, which costs less than most college courses and includes everything listed above—including a 3-month supply of KetoCitra® (a $417 value by itself), educational materials, weekly Q&A access, and 1-1 dietitian support.

Traditional health insurance plans are currently unlikely to cover the costs of Ren-Nu. It is one of our priorities to get more and more health plans to cover Ren-Nu in the future. HSA/FSA funds may be eligible for certain components, such as nutrition counseling. Receipts can be provided for reimbursement where applicable.

We’re currently revamping the Ren-Nu Program. To get started, visit https://ren-nu.org/ren-nu/ and join the waitlist. Once enrollment opens, you’ll be notified by email with the next steps.

Before you can officially join, you’ll be asked to complete an interest form. After we review your form and confirm you meet the eligibility criteria, we’ll process your payment and officially enroll you in the program. Once enrolled, you will have immediate access and can start the program when you are ready.

Because program materials are delivered immediately upon enrollment, we are unable to offer refunds once access has been granted. Please reach out with questions before enrolling to ensure the program is right for you. Also, feel free to attend one of our regular webinars where you can learn more about the Ren-Nu program and can ask questions. Stay tuned for webinar announcements.

While your Ren-Nu tuition includes a robust set of educational materials, support resources, a 3-month supply of KetoCitra®, pH testing strips, and a water bottle, there are a few important tools and services that are not included and may need to be purchased separately if you do not have them yet to get the most out of the program:

Lab Work:

• Lab tests (e.g., creatinine, eGFR, electrolytes, uric acid, urinalysis) are not included. Most clients are able to get labs prescribed by their own doctor. We can also recommend lab services where you can order your own labs for an out-of-pocket fee if you prefer.
• Participants are highly encouraged to coordinate with their own healthcare provider to order and monitor relevant lab work throughout the program.

Ketone Testing Device:

• A blood ketone and glucose meter is essential for tracking your progress into nutritional ketosis. We recommend the Keto-Mojo device, but other blood ketone meters are acceptable. The device and test strips must be purchased separately.

Additional Supplements:

• Based on your individual needs, you may be advised to temporarily add supplements, e.g. to overcome any detected micronutrient deficiencies you may already have. These supplements are not included in the program fee. We usually recommend to overcome micronutrient deficiencies with foods and will only recommend supplements as a last resort.

 Additional Monitoring Tools:

• Body weight scale. Any consumer-grade scale will work and most clients already have one.
• Kitchen scale and measuring spoons/cups (for weighing food and portions). Most clients already have these.
• Blood pressure monitor. Most clients already have one.

Additional dietitian support:

• You may require or wish to increase individual support by a dietitian, nutritionist or health coach. The program includes three personal, one-on-one dietitian meetings. Any additional support is not included but can be requested. We will recommend our network of qualified practitioners familiar with PKD and ketogenic interventions. Most clients will not need additional personal coaching. However, some clients may want more individual coaching, e.g. due to more advanced kidney disease or other preexisting health conditions.

Groceries:

• Groceries needed to restock your pantry, fridge, and freezer are not included. Most clients find that the recommended foods cost less than their previous foods.

The Ren-Nu Program is designed to be safe and supportive for most individuals with PKD, particularly those in stages 1–3. However, as with any lifestyle or dietary change, especially one involving metabolic shifts like ketosis, there are potential risks if not implemented carefully. That’s why we:

• Use a kidney-safe ketogenic approach that avoids harmful additives, excessive protein, and oxalates
• Include regular tracking of symptoms, electrolytes, ketones, and labs
• Encourage close communication with your healthcare provider throughout the program
• Provide optional 1-on-1 support from a Ren-Nu dietitian

Not always. While many people with early-stage PKD tolerate nutritional ketosis well, there are some individuals for whom this approach may not be appropriate. This includes those with:

• Significant dietary restrictions that limit nutritional adequacy, such as eating or alcohol use disorder, rare genetic disorders, including inborn errors of metabolism, and enzymatic defects.  
• Disorders of fat metabolism, such as CPT1/CPT2 deficiency, inherited causes of severe hypercholesterolemia, severe liver disease, or liver failure. 
• A history of severe hypertriglyceridemia with or without associated acute pancreatitis
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Primary carnitine deficiency
• Active urinary tract infection
• Porphyrias
• Elevated apoB (apolipoprotein B) levels
• Individuals with active gallbladder disease or who have had their gallbladder removed need to let the dietitian know so adjustments can be made to the diet.    

If you fall into any of these categories, it’s important to consult your physician before enrolling. We review all participant intake forms and lab work to help identify potential risks early.

At this time, the Ren-Nu Program is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. While the core principles of whole-food, nutrient-dense eating remain beneficial, the nutritional demands during these life stages are unique and should be guided by your OB/GYN or maternal health provider.

No, the current version of Ren-Nu is designed for adults aged 18 and older. The ketogenic approach used in Ren-Nu is specifically structured for adult PKD physiology, and we do not currently offer a pediatric version of the program. Parents of children with PKD should consult with their pediatric nephrologist or nutritionist for appropriate guidance.

Some participants may experience mild, temporary side effects as the body adapts to ketosis or changes in electrolyte intake. These can include:

• Headache, fatigue, or brain fog
• Muscle cramps or lightheadedness
• Digestive changes
• Temporary changes in sleep or appetite

These effects are temporary, preventable, and are often due to electrolyte imbalances or dehydration, which we help you prevent and manage with KetoCitra®, symptom tracking, and detailed hydration guidance. If you ever feel unwell, we encourage prompt communication with your physician and the Ren-Nu team.