APEEL and CKD: NOT appealing!!!

by Robin Rose MD July 21, 2025

TRY TRY AGAIN!

I wrote this blog post earlier this week. Edited and fine tuned. Then I added a graphic and hit Save and Publish...AND!!! My piece totally DISAPPEARED!!! Only the title was left - and an announcement automatically went out as an email.

But I'm baaaack and going to try and re-write this important information. Here goes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you? Know? - that Apeel and the [so called] organic version Organipeel has been approved as a post-harvest coating on the fruits and vegetables you buy in the store?

WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Apeel is a coating applied after the food is harvested and is derived from mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids [M100 Wax byproduct] used to “extend shelf life,” so that old produce remains pretty on the shelves - organic and conventional both. It is not required to be washed off and is designed to be eaten. [Remember that the longer produce sits around, the more the nutrients become depleted. Eat up!!]

It was approved as GRAS [generally accepted as safe] by the FDA and marketed as “safe" -- but that was based on industry studies, not long‑term independent human data.

SO FIRST: WHAT EXACTLY ARE MONO- & DIGLYCERIDES

These are emulsifiers used in many processed foods and in coatings [like Apeel/Organipeel] -- created by partial glycerolysis of triglycerides, usually from soy, canola, cottonseed, or palm oils [often GMO and solvent‑extracted]. Industrial processes use catalysts (nickel, palladium) and solvents (hexane).

SIDE BAR: Glycerolysis is an enzymatic reaction in which glycerol reacts with other compounds like triglycerides, esters, or polymers - breaking bonds and forming new products.

SIDE BAR: Hexane is an organic solvent used to extract oils from seeds, used in some supplements, adhesives, paints, industrial cleaners. Residual hexane remains in these products. So what? Neurotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy is known to occur due to damaged axons. Chronic exposure has been associated with renal effects including tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, proteinuria, oxidative stress burden. Even low-level chronic exposure is dangerous in CKD.

MONO- & DIGLYCERIDE RISKS RELEVANT TO CKD [and others]

1. Oxidized lipid load → inflammation & oxidative stress

Industrial processing creates oxidized fatty acids, peroxides, and aldehydes.

CKD patients already endure intense oxidative stress and impaired clearance of lipid peroxidation products.These oxidized lipids promote endothelial dysfunction [a serious risk in CKD] which contributes to atherosclerosis [worsening renal perfusion].

2. Trace contaminants

With the industrial manufacture, nickel or other catalyst residues have been documented in some glyceride additives. Because in CKD there is reduced clearance of metals → there is increased risk of accumulation and danger. Nickel nephrotoxicity has been described in animal models [tubular injury, oxidative damage]. And sadly - even small chronic exposures may matter in compromised kidneys. Toxin mal-effects are cumulative and additive.

3. Gut microbiome disruption

Mono‑ and diglycerides act as emulsifiers, which have been shown to erode intestinal mucus, alter the microbiota, and increase systemic inflammation. We know how, in CKD, gut dysbiosis is already an aggressive driver of uremic toxins (indoxyl sulfate, p‑cresyl sulfate). Further dysbiosis makes it all worse → increased uremic toxins → worse renal inflammation.

4. Hidden phosphate and sodium

Some of the commercial mono‑/diglycerides are blended with phosphate-based emulsifying salts or stabilizers. In CKD, limiting phosphate or sodium load and cumulative exposure matters a lot.

5. Metabolic effects

Long-term intake of emulsifiers has been linked to insulin resistance and obesity in animal models. Again, in CKD, patients are already at higher risk for metabolic syndrome, which worsens kidney outcomes in a vicious cycle .

BOTTOM LINE: WHAT THIS MEANS

Mono‑/diglycerides may not be acutely nephrotoxic at typical dietary levels.

BUT CKD is... well - chronic... and the risk of the mono‑/diglycerides is chronic, subtle, and cumulative, with increased oxidative stress, increased uremic toxemia and microbiome shifts, along with trace contaminants and exposure to phosphates and sodium.

What to do? Minimize exposure whenever possible. Insist on whole and unprocessed foods and products using simple fats [olive oil, coconut oil] without emulsifiers. Wash and peel coated produce if you have to,

Avoid processed and treated products like coated produce, baked goods, margarine, ice creams). Read labels: “mono‑ and diglycerides” often appear in breads, frozen desserts, and coatings.

SO NOW BACK TO APEEL and CKD

This post‑harvest coating presents risks for those with reduced kidney reserve and CKD.

Kidney success means choosing a path of precision - especially with toxins that damage the delicate kdney tubules - our lifeline to healthy balance.

This coating isn't just “lipids.” It often includes residual processing agents, metals, or solvents from manufacturing the mono- and diglycerides. Stabilizers and preservatives are proprietary [and so not fully disclosed].  There have been references to sodium bicarbonate washes, acids, chelators, and surfactants used in formulation.

For CKD, here are some real concerns [with CKD's impaired clearance and heightened sensitivity]:

1. Lipid-derived contaminants

Mono- and diglycerides, sourced from seed oils [often GMO], can carry oxidized fatty acids and lipid peroxides which increases the pro‑inflammatory and oxidative stress burden.

In CKD, with already-elevated oxidative stress, additional lipid peroxidation products can accelerate vascular and renal injury.

2. Heavy metals or catalysts from processing

Manufacturing of these glycerides sometimes uses nickel, palladium, or other catalysts. Even trace residues matter in CKD, where metal clearance is impaired and toxic accumulation can worsen tubular injury, proteinuria, chronic inflammation - all pathways to failure.

3. Hidden additives

Some internal documents [from regulatory filings and patents] show the use of surfactants [polysorbates, Span-type (sorbitan ester) emulsifiers] and antimicrobials [like citric acid, sorbates]. In CKD, even small amounts of extra potassium, phosphates, or certain organic acids are undesirable with chronic exposure.

4. Biofilm & gut-kidney axis

Because Apeel and Organipeel are not washed off to resist spoilage, we see an altered gut microbiome caused by introducing preservative coatings in the diet. And with CKD, gut dysbiosis is already present, driving uremic toxin production [indoxyl sulfate, p‑cresyl sulfate]. Anything further skewing of the gut flora will harm the kidneys over time.

How come these risks are not officially acknowledged?

Regulatory bodies look only at acute toxicity and short-term safety at low doses.

There have been no long-term renal studies in humans chronically ingesting Apeel.

And there has been no requirement to disclose the entire formulation because of “trade secrets.”

These trade secrets & disclosure loopholes mean that Apeel Sciences does not disclose all of the processing aids and stabilizers. Even in the “organic” Organipeel version, there are proprietary ingredients that they do not list publicly -- some critics have flagged the patent filings that show inputs that clearly are not organic.

The company line: Organipeel uses only inputs 'compliant with USDA organic regulations." That is not reassuring to me. Realistic concerns have been voiced by independent researchers.

1. The patents for Apeel technology describe using feedstocks from GMO vegetable oils and processes involving solvents or catalysts.

   
   

2. Whether Organipeel batches truly avoid these has not been independently verified - because the specific supply chain is protected as confidential business information..

Evidence gaps

There also are no peer‑reviewed studies directly testing Apeel/Organipeel in CKD patients. Animal data on chronic emulsifier exposure [mono‑ and diglycerides, polysorbates] has shown Increased gut permeability, low-grade inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis and fatty liver changes - all of which are known to stress kidneys.

WHAT'S THE TRUTH for CKD?

Although Apeel and Organipeel have not been "proven" to be directly toxic to kidneys, there is enough mechanistic plausibility to be very cautious in CKD. Why? Because in CKD, and in Renology, achieving kidney success includes minimizing hidden oxidized oils, emulsifiers that disrupt the microbiome, and trace metals or additives that add renal burden

The safest approach is to avoid or minimize produce treated with Organipeel/Apeel.

NOW WHAT?

First - let's look at labeling.

In the U.S., the USDA organic rules still allow Apeel’s Organipeel as a post‑harvest treatment, but it is supposed to be disclosed [and often is not]. You may have to look at stickers or fine print on shelf tags. Phrases like “Treated with Apeel™ to maintain freshness” or “Organipeel coating” may appear on a sticker, band, or signage - sometimes printed in very small font on a clear label around the produce.

You need to ask the produce manager at your grocery store to verify what has this coating: Whole Foods and Costco have admitted to using it on some organic cucumbers, avocados, apples, limes, and lemons.

Clues:

Unusually long shelf life, with no signs of spoilage even after weeks - avoid.

Cucumber skins that feel slightly “waxy” but don’t scrape off easily with fingernail.

Mitigation strategies

You cannot just rinse Organipeel off — it’s designed to be a cross‑linked lipid barrier.

But you can reduce exposure and support your body.

1. Physical removal

   Always peel the skin: Remove the outer layer entirely (cucumber, apple, lemon zest).

   For avocados and citrus, the peel is discarded anyway, so risk is minimal.

   
   

2. Trim surfaces:

   Cut away a thin layer of flesh under the peel where coating might have penetrated micro-cracks.

   
   

3. Aggressive washing:

   → Standard rising does not fully remove it, but you can reduce surface residues and microbes with warm water soak, using a mild abrasive scrub, or a clean brush with warm water + a dash of baking soda or unscented castile soap.

   → Acidic rinses (vinegar or citric acid): 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water, soak for 5–10 minutes, scrub, then rinse.This can break down some emulsifier bonds and remove residues from crevices.

   
   

Binders and internal support for CKD detox

Sometimes ingestion is unavoidable. So consider adding safe, kidney‑friendly binders or antioxidants to reduce the burden of potential contaminants:

1. Kidney‑safe toxin binders [always check with your kidney-wise clinician first]

   →activated charcoal (low dose) after known exposures [don't use this chronically without medical guidance]

→chlorella or broken cell wall algae: bind metals and some organics [low‑phosphorus brand - start low]

→pectin (from apples): mild binder and gut-soother; consider Modified Ctrus Pectin

2. Support oxidative stress reduction:

   →N‑acetylcysteine (NAC): boosts glutathione [safe for many CKD patients when properly dosed]

   →liposomal glutathione or precursors (if tolerated).

   →antioxidant‑rich foods (berries, red cabbage, turmeric in moderation) — with mindfulness of one's unique renal diet requirements

   
   

3. Gut microbiome support

Emulsifiers disrupt gut flora - options to reduce the hazard:

→Probiotics [renal‑safe strains like Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum].

→Prebiotic fibers [in moderation for the potassium/phosphorus load]:

guar gum [PHGG] is gentle and acacia senegal has been studied for CKD.

Summarizing the Plan to Stay Safe from Apeel

• Avoidance is best: Ask your grocer to point out what products are safe, and look carefully for explicit “Treated with Apeel/Organipeel” notices and labels.

• Express your need for the store to eliminate products with this unappealing coating - in writing if you are moved to do so.

  
  

• Grow your own, and find organic growers who are committed to purity.

• Cook from scratch and avoid processed foods - and sadly this includes avoiding restaurants that may likely not be aware or transparent with ingredients that may harm kidney tubules.

  
  

• Mitigate physically: Peel skins, soak in vinegar/baking soda, scrub thoroughly.

• Mitigate internally: occasional binders (charcoal, chlorella), antioxidant support (NAC, glutathione), and microbiome maintenance

Celebrating kidney success comes with our honest inner commitment and intention to live the renal detoxicology that keeps us safe.

We can do this. Together.

REFERENCES

1. Viennois et al., Gut 2017

2. Chassaing et al., Nature 2015

3. Ramezani & Raj, Nat Rev Nephrol 2014

4. Sunderman FW, Environ Health Perspect 1981

5. Kalantar‑Zadeh et al., Kidney Int Suppl 2011

6. Grootveld et al., Food Funct 2012

7. Chassaing et al. Nature 2015

8. Lippi et al. Clin Chim Acta 2012

9. WHO Technical Report Series on food additives and residual catalysts.