FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Santa Barbara Nutrients Announces Publication of Peer-Reviewed Study Reporting Real-World Outcomes of Ren-Nu™ Program for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Santa Barbara, CA — January 21, 2026 — Santa Barbara Nutrients, Inc., a science-driven biotechnology and nutrition company focused on evidence-based interventions for kidney and metabolic health, today announced the publication of a new peer-reviewed research article in Frontiers in Nutrition reporting real-world outcomes from the Ren-Nu™ program, a remotely delivered nutrition and lifestyle intervention designed for individuals with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). 

The paper, titled “Real-world outcomes of managing autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease using a medical food as part of a nutrition and lifestyle program to improve renal and metabolic health,” was published as an Original Research article and is openly available under a Creative Commons license. 

Key findings from the study

The publication reports outcomes from a retrospective, longitudinal analysis of 103 participants with ADPKD who completed the Ren-Nu™ program between 2021 and 2023. The 3-month intervention included structured education, ongoing support from dietitians and nutritionists, and supplementation with KetoCitra®, SBN’s medical food for the nutritional management of individuals with ADPKD and other conditions controlled by the ketogenic diet.  KetoCitra® provides the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), citrate, minerals, and alkaline base. 

Among the findings reported in the study:

• Renal function improved significantly, with eGFR increasing 6.3% (from 58.4 to 61.6 ml/min/1.73 m²; P < 0.001). 

• Participants achieved high adherence to nutritional ketosis, alongside a significant improvement in body mass index (BMI). 

• There was a notable reduction in anti-hypertensive medication use among participants. 

• Participants reported reductions in symptom burden, including improvements in kidney pain and headaches/dizziness. 

• Safety markers remained stable, including lipid profiles, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. 

A graphical abstract in the publication summarizes the program structure—remote education, medical food supplementation, hydration and nutrition practices, and home monitoring—and highlights associated improvements in renal function, weight/BMI, pain, and blood pressure medication reduction. 

Addressing unmet needs in ADPKD

ADPKD is a common hereditary kidney disease with limited pharmacologic options. In the paper, the authors note growing evidence that metabolic and lifestyle strategies—including ketogenic dietary approaches and reducing lithogenic stressors—may influence disease progression and patient quality of life. 

“KetoCitra® supported by nutrition and lifestyle changes in the Ren-Nu™ program demonstrates feasibility, safety, and clinically meaningful improvements in metabolic health, renal function, and quality of life in individuals with ADPKD,” the authors conclude. 

About the Ren-Nu™ Program and KetoCitra®

Ren-Nu™ is a 100% virtual program developed in collaboration with scientists and nutrition experts and delivered with structured coaching and monitoring. The program integrates ketogenic nutrition education, reduction of renal lithogenic stressors, and daily use of KetoCitra®, a medical food intended for dietary management of individuals with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease including ADPKD. 

Looking ahead

The authors note that a larger prospective, controlled clinical trial with 1-year follow-up is underway at Juntendo University in Tokyo, Japan (UMIN000052907) to further examine long-term outcomes of the intervention. 

 

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Publication Details

Muensterman E, Torres JA and Weimbs T. (2026) Real-world outcomes of managing autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease using a medical food as part of a nutrition and lifestyle program to improve renal and metabolic health. Frontiers in Nutrition 12:1624639.

Link to publication: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1624639

 

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About Santa Barbara Nutrients, Inc.

Santa Barbara Nutrients, Inc. is a biotechnology and nutrition science company based in Santa Barbara, California, dedicated to developing evidence-based medical foods and nutrition programs that address metabolic and renal health.

For more information, please visit www.SantaBarbaraNutrients.com, Ren-Nu.org or contact info@sbnutrients.com.

 

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Media Contact:
Santa Barbara Nutrients, Inc
Email: info@sbnutrients.com
Phone: +1 805-272-0029
Website: www.sbnutrients.com