A new study led by Dr. Keith Baar at UC Davis shows that chronic kidney disease (CKD) can directly weaken tendons, even without detectable changes in tendon size or collagen content. In a rat model of CKD, tendon strength dropped by up to 25%, alongside declines in muscle and bone function—suggesting that kidney dysfunction alone can impair key systems that support mobility and physical health. This is the first mechanistic evidence that CKD directly impairs tendon function, underscoring the need for supportive nutritional interventions to help protect musculoskeletal health in people with CKD.
