Onion vs Lentils: Which Is Better for Kidneys?

Q: Which has more phosphorus, onion or lentils?

Per 100 g, onion contains 29 mg and lentils contains 173 mg of phosphorus.

Q: Is onion or lentils better for kidney disease?

Based on CKD stage 3-4 daily limits, onion 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: onion sits at 3% of the daily limit versus 17% for lentils. See each food page for the full mineral profile.

Looking at the three rated minerals, Onion lands in the Kidney-friendly tier and Lentils in the Moderate tier. Onion carries the lighter mineral load overall, driven mainly by Phosphorus (3% vs 17% of the limit).

Onion
Kidney-friendly Lentils
Moderate

Phosphorus

29 mg

173 mg

17%

Sodium

4 mg

<1%

11 mg

<1%

Potassium

146 mg

322 mg

16%

See Onion details See Lentils details

Frequently asked questions

Which has more phosphorus, onion or lentils?

Per 100 g, onion contains 29 mg and lentils contains 173 mg of phosphorus.

Is onion or lentils better for kidney disease?

Based on CKD stage 3-4 daily limits, onion 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: onion sits at 3% of the daily limit versus 17% for lentils. See each food page for the full mineral profile.