Beer and your kidneys
Potassium, phosphorus, protein and salt in beer, 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 beer good for your kidneys?
No, beer does not protect the kidneys. Half a litre of lager gives around 150 mg of potassium and 45 mg of phosphorus, and alcohol free beer has about twice as much phosphorus as lager. Alcohol raises blood pressure over time.
Per 100 grams
- Potassium
- 30 mgLow potassium
- Phosphorus
- 9 mg
- Protein
- 0.4 g
- Salt
- 0 gLow salt
Per portion
| Portion | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass (500 g) | 150 | 45 | 2 | 0 |
| 100 ml (100 g) | 30 | 9 | 0.4 | 0 |
How much potassium is in beer?
Beer: 30 mg of potassium per 100 grams, which is low 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.
How much phosphorus is in beer?
Beer: 9 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 drinks
All figures per 100 grams. Tap a food to see it.
Drinks (9)
| Food | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | 99, low potassium | 8 | 0.1 | 0 |
| Tea | 27, low potassium | 2 | 0.1 | 0 |
| Orange juice | 164, medium potassium | 16 | 0.6 | 0 |
| Apple juice | 119, low potassium | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Cola | 0, low potassium | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Sugar free cola | 2, low potassium | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Beer | 30, low potassium | 9 | 0.4 | 0 |
| Red wine | 110, low potassium | 13 | 0.1 | 0 |
| Hot chocolate | 303, high potassium | 132 | 4.2 | 0.1 |
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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