Hamburger and your kidneys
Potassium, phosphorus, protein and salt in hamburger, 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 hamburger good for your kidneys?
For most people, yes. 213 mg of potassium per 100 grams is a medium amount. Per piece (100 grams) you get around 210 mg of potassium and 120 mg of phosphorus. This food is also rich in protein, 15.4 grams per 100 grams. If you have kidney disease and are not on dialysis, protein should not be higher than the body needs. Processed food like this often has added phosphate (E338 to E341, E450 to E452), which the body absorbs almost completely. Look for it in the ingredient list. If you need to limit potassium, you will find foods with less potassium further down.
Per 100 grams
- Potassium
- 213 mgMedium potassium
- Phosphorus
- 123 mg
- Protein
- 15.4 g
- Salt
- 0.4 gMedium salt
Per portion
| Portion | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piece (100 g) | 210 | 120 | 15.4 | 0.4 |
How much potassium is in hamburger?
Hamburger: 213 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.
- Liver pâté: 149 mg
How much phosphorus is in hamburger?
Hamburger: 123 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 meat and cold cuts
All figures per 100 grams. Tap a food to see it.
Meat and cold cuts (11)
| Food | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburger | 213, medium potassium | 123 | 15.4 | 0.4 |
| Chicken | 346, high potassium | 253 | 29.1 | 0.1 |
| Minced beef | 294, medium potassium | 171 | 25.1 | 1.4 |
| Pork chop | 387, high potassium | 244 | 26.7 | 0.2 |
| Lamb chop | 521, high potassium | 278 | 33.7 | 0.3 |
| Ham | 707, high potassium | 430 | 16.7 | 2.4 |
| Salami | 283, medium potassium | 185 | 17.6 | 4.9 |
| Sausage | 517, high potassium | 190 | 10.4 | 2 |
| Bacon | 320, high potassium | 237 | 30 | 0.2 |
| Liver pâté | 149, low potassium | 142 | 9.9 | 1.6 |
| Meatballs | 250, medium potassium | 150 | 11.9 | 2.1 |
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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