Wholemeal bread and your kidneys
Potassium, phosphorus, protein and salt in wholemeal bread, per 100 grams and per portion, and what it means when you have kidney disease. The figures come from the Norwegian food composition table.
Is wholemeal bread good for your kidneys?
Yes, for most people. Wholemeal bread is recommended in the Norwegian dietary advice, and one slice (40 grams) gives around 90 mg of potassium, 70 mg of phosphorus and 0.4 grams of salt. Bread is one of the largest sources of salt in the Norwegian diet, so the number of slices counts when you aim for under 5 grams of salt a day.
Per 100 grams
- Potassium
- 226 mgMedium potassium
- Phosphorus
- 171 mg
- Protein
- 9.3 g
- Salt
- 1.1 gMedium salt
Per portion
| Portion | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slice (40 g) | 90 | 70 | 3.7 | 0.4 |
How much potassium is in wholemeal bread?
Wholemeal bread: 226 mg of potassium per 100 grams, which is medium by Metodebok's grouping: under 150 mg per 100 grams is low, 150 to 300 mg medium, and over 300 mg high. What you eat is the portion, so see the numbers per portion above.
With less potassium
If you need to limit potassium, these foods in the same group are low in potassium, per 100 grams.
- Boiled rice: 14 mg
- Boiled brown rice: 53 mg
- Wholegrain pasta: 92 mg
- White bread: 149 mg
How much phosphorus is in wholemeal bread?
Wholemeal bread: 171 mg of phosphorus per 100 grams. Phosphorus from plants is absorbed less than phosphorus from meat, milk and additives. Phosphate added to processed food (E338 to E341, E450 to E452) is absorbed almost completely and is not in the table, so check the ingredient list.
What does this mean for you?
How much potassium, phosphorus and protein you should eat depends on your blood tests, your stage and whether you are on dialysis. Many people with kidney disease do not need to limit potassium at all. Do not cut out fruit and vegetables unless your doctor or a clinical dietitian has asked you to.
Salt applies to everyone with kidney disease: under 5 grams a day helps blood pressure and the kidneys.
Compared with other bread, cereals, rice and pasta
All figures per 100 grams. Tap a food to see it.
Bread, cereals, rice and pasta (10)
| Food | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiled rice | 14, low potassium | 33 | 3 | 0 |
| Boiled brown rice | 53, low potassium | 91 | 3 | 0 |
| Wholegrain pasta | 92, low potassium | 113 | 4.5 | 0.5 |
| Oats | 413, high potassium | 438 | 14.1 | 0 |
| Porridge with milk | 194, medium potassium | 151 | 4.8 | 0.8 |
| Wholemeal bread | 226, medium potassium | 171 | 9.3 | 1.1 |
| White bread | 149, low potassium | 96 | 8.5 | 1.1 |
| Crispbread | 520, high potassium | 570 | 17 | 1.5 |
| White roll | 158, medium potassium | 101 | 9.2 | 0.7 |
| Tortilla wrap | 150, medium potassium | 156 | 8.5 | 1.8 |
Source: the Norwegian Food Composition Table 2026 (Matvaretabellen), from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the Directorate of Health and the University of Oslo. The potassium levels follow Metodebok. Salt is calculated from sodium (1 gram of sodium is 2.5 grams of salt).
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