Cracking the Code on Anemia in CKD – A Practical Approach for Dietitians
Learn how to assess and use nutrition interventions to support better anemia management
Cost: $250
Why this course
Anemia is a common but often undiagnosed and untreated complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Current guidelines and research tend to focus on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or only intervene when hemoglobin drops below 10 g/dL—leaving little room for early detection, prevention, and nutrition-based interventions.
This course delivers a comprehensive overview of anemia in CKD, aligned with KDOQI and KDIGO guidelines. It covers erythropoiesis, hormonal regulation, and CKD-related disruptions, equipping dietitians to distinguish between iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, and erythropoietin deficiency.
Dietitians will gain practical skills to answer common clinical questions, such as:
“What if patients don’t respond to iron supplements?”
“How do I identify iron, B12, or folate deficiencies early?”
“Could iron supplements be causing harm?”
“What should I do if a patient seems resistant to epogen?”
Using real-world case studies, participants will refine their assessment skills and develop effective nutrition interventions tailored to different anemia presentations in CKD. This course bridges the gap between advanced scientific concepts and practical clinical application, ensuring dietitians are equipped with both the knowledge and tools to optimize anemia management for their kidney patients.
Important Details
- 3 CPE
- Anemia definitions and guidelines
- Normal Erythropoiesis: RBC structure, hormone regulation and nutrients needed
- Types of anemia and how to assess for the different types
- Anemia interventions
- Understanding what vitamins and minerals beyond B12, folate and iron are needed for anemia management
- 2 Case Studies
- Live and recorded
- Inflammation Assessment and Intervention Cheat Sheet
- Micronutrients Assessment and Intervention Cheat Sheet
- Anemia Clincial Guide for Dietitians
- Key studies and resources for anemia management
- Lifetime access so you can use as a reference when needed
Tools & Resources Included In This Course
Tools and Resources to Keep in your Renal RD Toolbelt!
Guides and favorite resources on micronutrients, inflammation and gut (important in anemia!) Key studies to have at your fingertips Picture-focused handouts for patients Iron-boost meal mlan Clinical Guide on Anemia and CKD
Your Instructor
Lindsey Zirker MS, RDN, LD
Lindsey is a renowned expert in nephrology nutrition who has dedicated her entire career to the renal field. With over 20 years of specialized experience, she currently serves as the lead clinical dietitian at Kidney Nutrition Institute, a position she has held for the past 5 years. Previously, she spent more than a decade as the dietitian at the Idaho Kidney Center.
Lindsey writes a monthly column for Renal, Urology and Transplant journal and has been published in multiple scientific papers. Her work is distinguished by her exceptional ability to analyze complex nutritional science and translate it into practical applications for clinical settings.
As an accomplished speaker and educator, Lindsey is known for her talent in making complicated renal nutrition concepts accessible and understandable. Her courses are particularly valued for combining cutting-edge scientific research with common-sense application, ensuring that clinicians understand both the “why” and “how” of effectively supporting their patients.
Colleagues and students alike praise Lindsey’s remarkable capacity to take deep dives into nutritional science and distill that knowledge into actionable strategies for patient care.
