Corn vs Lentils: Which Is Better for Kidneys?

Q: Which has more phosphorus, corn or lentils?

Per 100 g, corn contains 41 mg and lentils contains 173 mg of phosphorus.

Q: Is corn or lentils better for kidney disease?

Based on CKD stage 3-4 daily limits, corn is rated kidney-friendly and lentils is rated moderate. Ratings reflect mineral load per 100 g only — individual advice should come from your healthcare team.

Q: What is the main difference for a CKD diet?

The largest difference is phosphorus: corn sits at 4% of the daily limit versus 17% for lentils. See each food page for the full mineral profile.

Looking at the three rated minerals, Corn lands in the Kidney-friendly tier and Lentils in the Moderate tier. Corn carries the lighter mineral load overall, driven mainly by Phosphorus (4% vs 17% of the limit).

Corn
Kidney-friendly Lentils
Moderate

Phosphorus

41 mg

173 mg

17%

Sodium

163 mg

11 mg

<1%

Potassium

116 mg

322 mg

16%

See Corn details See Lentils details

Frequently asked questions

Which has more phosphorus, corn or lentils?

Per 100 g, corn contains 41 mg and lentils contains 173 mg of phosphorus.

Is corn or lentils better for kidney disease?

Based on CKD stage 3-4 daily limits, corn is rated kidney-friendly and lentils is rated moderate. Ratings reflect mineral load per 100 g only — individual advice should come from your healthcare team.

What is the main difference for a CKD diet?

The largest difference is phosphorus: corn sits at 4% of the daily limit versus 17% for lentils. See each food page for the full mineral profile.