Renal failure can be defined as the clinical state in which the functionally damaged kidney can no longer compensate for its decreased capacity. 1 Metabolic waste products are not removed completely, and the body can no longer maintain homeostasis. Renal function can be evaluated in terms of glomerular filtration rate (as measured by inulin or creatinine clearance), renal blood flow, tubular secretion, serum creatinine concentration, and the ability to concentrate urine. Conservative medical management has often involved the use of low protein diets to slow or prevent the progression of renal failure and associated uremic complications. Recent literature has argued against low protein diets, advocating normal to high protein diets instead. This paper will address the efficacy of low protein diets in the management of renal failure.