Role of keto acids in the prophylaxis and treatment of renal osteopathy.

KA administration given in addition to a low-protein diet leads to a reduction of PTH secretion followed by diminishing of osteofibrosis. Osteomalacia will also be reduced by a better control of the calcium-phosphate metabolism, an increase of 1,25-(OH)2-D levels, and a lower burden of aluminum. Therapeutic levels of 25-OH-D and calcitonin (caused by simultaneous administration of vitamin D) are probably necessary to achieve this effect. KA are not only the optimum form of substitution in the nutritional treatment of chronic renal failure, but they seem to be very effective in the treatment of renal osteodystrophy.