# Beneficial Impact of Kaempferol on Kidney Function and Long‐Term Prognosis in Overweight or Obese Adults

**Authors:** Lin Shi, Yiquan Sang

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.71393 · 2026-01-27

## TL;DR

Higher kaempferol intake is linked to better kidney health and lower mortality in overweight or obese adults.

## Contribution

This study identifies a novel association between dietary kaempferol and improved kidney function and survival in obese individuals.

## Key findings

- Each 5 mg/day increase in kaempferol intake reduces kidney damage risk by 7%.
- Higher kaempferol intake correlates with a 7% lower mortality rate over 117 months.
- Kaempferol shows protective effects on renal function in obese populations.

## Abstract

Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid, has the ability to alleviate oxidative stress in animal models. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between kaempferol intake and renal function, as well as its impact on long‐term prognosis in the obese population. This is an observational, cross‐sectional, and longitudinal analysis based on NHANES data (2007–2018). Data regarding flavanol consumption were obtained from FNDDS. Prognostic information was sourced from the NCHS. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were used to investigate the relationship between dietary kaempferol and kidney function and prognosis. A total of 9816 participants with a median follow‐up of 117 months were included. The stratified analysis revealed that kaempferol was a protective factor for renal function. For every 5 mg/day increment in kaempferol intake, the prevalence of kidney damage declined by 7% [OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99]. Additionally, at a median follow‐up duration of 117 months, for every 5 mg/day increase in kaempferol intake, the mortality rate decreased by 7% [HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.85–0.98]. Our findings suggested that higher kaempferol intake is associated with a reduced risk of kidney damage and improved long‐term prognosis in obese individuals.

Higher kaempferol intake is associated with reduced kidney damage prevalence and improved long‐term survival in overweight or obese adults. Each 5 mg/day increase in dietary kaempferol correlates with a 7% lower risk of kidney impairment and a 7% decrease in mortality over a median 117‐month follow‐up. These findings highlight kaempferol's potential renal and prognostic benefits in this population.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** kaempferol (PubChem CID 5280863)
- **Diseases:** chronic kidney disease (MONDO:0005300), obesity (MONDO:0011122)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Obese (MESH:D009765), Overweight (MESH:D050177), kidney damage (MESH:D007674), CKD (MESH:D051436)
- **Chemicals:** flavanol (-), Kaempferol (MESH:C006552), flavonoid (MESH:D005419)

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12836288/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12836288