1 Patry, C., Webb, N. J. A., Feißt, M., et al. (2024). Kidney Transplantation in Children and Adolescents With C3 Glomerulopathy or Immune Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis: A Real-World Study Within the CERTAIN Research Network. Pediatric Nephrology, 39(12), 3569–3580.
2 Latropoulos, P., Noris, M., Mele, C., et al. (2016). Complement gene variants determine the risk of immunoglobulin-associated MPGN and C3 glomerulopathy and predict long-term renal outcome. Molecular Immunology, 71, 131–142.
3 Bomback, A. S., Santoriello, D., Avasare, R. S., et al. (2018). C3 glomerulonephritis and dense deposit disease share a similar disease course in a large United States cohort of patients with C3 glomerulopathy. Kidney International, 93(4), 977–985.
4 National Kidney Foundation. (2025). Immune Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (IC- MPGN). Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/immune-complex-membranoproliferative-glomerulonephritis-ic mpgn
5 Noris, M., & Remuzzi, G. (2024). C3G and Ig-MPGN—treatment standard. Nephrology, Dialysis,Transplantation, 39(2), 202–214.
6 Dąbrowska-Bender, M., Dykowska, G., Żuk, W., Milewska, M., & Staniszewska, A. (2018). The impact on quality of life of dialysis patients with renal insufficiency. Patient Preference and Adherence, 12, 577–583.
Nourish Your Body: Eating Well with C3G and IC-MPGN
Living with a rare kidney disease like Complement 3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) or primary Immune Complex-Mediated Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), can bring new routines and considerations into your life. One simple, supportive way to care for yourself or someone living with a rare kidney condition is through the food and drink choices you make each day. Nourishing meals can help you feel more energised and support your kidney health.1
Why Personalised Nutrition Matters
This page explores how food can support your kidney health and offers practical ideas to help healthy eating feel both manageable and enjoyable. Everyone’s needs are unique, though. Your stage of kidney disease, age and lifestyle all shape what’s best for you or the person you care for, which is why personalised advice from your healthcare team, nephrologist or dietitian is so valuable. They’ll use blood and urine tests to tailor nutrition plans to you – so you can feel confident in your choices.
How Diet Supports Kidney Health
In C3G and primary IC-MPGN, the complement system, part of your body’s natural immune defence, can become overactive and damage the delicate filters in your kidneys2. Being mindful of your food choices is one way to support your kidney health alongside medical care.
A kidney-friendly approach doesn’t have to be complicated. For many people with C3G and primary IC-MPGN, eating a balanced diet with less salt and fewer processed foods can help support healthy blood pressure and reduce swelling3.
These small shifts can contribute to feeling better day to day.
Here’s how Enrique and Magally, parents of a son with C3G, describe their experience:
Magally: “A fundamental topic that was explained to us from the beginning was the subject of diet. We put a lot of emphasis on his diet, and we all follow the same diet, to support him in the process, and I think it has helped quite a bit.”
Enrique: “We decided that we will continue our life together, with any special consideration to him. I mean, if he couldn’t eat salt, nobody will or would eat salt. So, we made the changes for every one of us to adapt to the new situation.”
Healthy eating can help to improve quality of life and reduce the likelihood of hospital admissions when living with a chronic kidney disease4. It can also boost your overall energy and help you feel more like yourself – whether you’re studying, working, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying daily life.
Remember, this is just one part of your overall care plan. Your healthcare team can help you find the balance that works best for you and your body.
General Dietary Tips for C3G and primary IC-MPGN
Here are some friendly, everyday suggestions that you may find helpful in navigating a kidney-friendly diet.
SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM TO FIND THE DIETARY PLAN THAT WORKS FOR YOU.
Tip
Keep salt intake low.4
Why?
While salt (sodium) is essential in small amounts, excess consumption could harm kidney health5. Reducing salt consumption can reduce proteinuria by 30% in individuals with certain types of conditions that affect the kidney’s filtering system.6
How?
- Try flavouring food with herbs, spices or lemon juice instead of salt
- Check food labels- processed foods like crisps, canned soups, sauces and ready meals often contain more salt than expected
Tip
Enjoy a moderate amount of protein each day.7
Why?
Protein is essential for strength and repair, but too much can strain damaged kidneys and increase waste buildup.8
How?
- Aim for high-quality protein sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans or tofu
- Your dietitian can help you find the amount that suits you best
Tip
Go easy on processed foods
Why?
Processed foods can contain additives and preservatives, including high levels of phosphorus or potassium, which are harder for weakened kidneys to process.9
How?
- Build most meals around fresh foods - such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
- Include healthy fats like avocado and olive oil (as advised)10
Tip
Be mindful of potassium and phosphorus if advised9,11
Why?
If you’re living with kidney disease, imbalances in these minerals can occur and may affect overall health.12
How?
- Follow the guidance from your healthcare team on which foods to adjust
Looking Ahead: Support and Resources
There’s a wide range of helpful resources – recipes, tips and communities – designed to make kidney-friendly eating feel inspiring, supportive and adaptable to everyday life:
- CompCure: Learn about C3G and primary IC-MPGN through an international registry, awareness campaigns, and connections with experts and fellow patients
- National Kidney Foundation: Downloadable guides on low-sodium diets and protein management
- American Kidney Fund: A C3G guide with nutrition tips and patient stories
- Kidney-friendly African & Caribbean Recipes
- American Kidney Fund: Healthy eating with kidney disease
- Kidney-friendly ways to enjoy South Asian food
- NephCure Kidney International: Fact sheets on nutrition for rare kidney diseases, including meal ideas
- World Kidney Day: Education on living well with kidney disease