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Welcome to your IgAN family.

Whether you or someone you love has been diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, you have come to the right place. You are not alone.
25 IGAN AWARE-3 (1)
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By patients, for patients

The IgA Nephropathy Foundation’s mission is to be a patient-centric organization focused on finding a cure for IgA Nephropathy. Using the power of the patient community, we are focused on funding research, using patient advocacy to empower our patients, and building a network of support.

Latest News & Resources About IgAN

Ambassador Program

The IgA Nephropathy Foundation Ambassador Program will bring together and train a select group of inspired patients and caregivers.

Ambassador Program

Guides & Fact Sheets

Use this guide to learn more about IgA Nephropathy, including common tests used to check your kidney health, what to look for and expect at different stages, and various treatment options.

Guides & Fact Sheets

International IgAN Network

Learn more about the International IgA Nephropathy Network. For Clinicians and Patients with IgA Nephropathy.

More About IIgANN

IgAN Care

IgANCare is a nephrology provider finder for patients with IgAN. If your provider is not on this list, you can encourage your provider to join. You can also nominate a provider for IgANCare!

IGAN Care

“Knowing you’re not alone is very powerful. So is knowing it’s not fully out of my control and I can take steps every day to help.”

CHRIS

IgA Nephropathy Facts

What is IgA Nephropathy?

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare, autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys. It affects how blood is filtered in the small blood vessels of the kidneys. IgAN occurs when an abnormal protein damages the filtering unit (glomerulus) inside the kidneys. It is estimated that 20-40% of the people who have IgAN will develop end-stage kidney disease, which means they will need dialysis or kidney transplantation to survive.

How is IgA Nephropathy Diagnosed?

The first sign of IgAN is often blood in the urine. Should this occur, you should immediately consult your doctor.

How is IgA Nephropathy Treated?

There is no current cure for IgAN and that is why the IgA Nephropathy Foundation was founded.

Explore More FAQ’s

Faces of IgA Nephropathy

Our mission is to be a patient-centric organization focused on finding a cure for IgA Nephropathy. Using the power of the patient community we are focused on funding research, using patient advocacy to empower our patients, and building a network of support.As a patient run organization, we will work together with the hope of finding better treatment options and ultimate cure. By patients, for patients.

What is IgA Nephropathy and How Does It Affect Your Kidneys?

IgAN occurs when abnormal antibody immunoglobulin A’s (IgA) are produced. The exact reason why Abnormal IgA’s are produced is unclear, but genetic factors likely play an important role. The body produces other antibodies (IgG) to attack the IgA antibodies that it no longer recognizes as ‘self’.

The IgG antibodies form a complex with the abnormal IgA antibodies and this complex often gets trapped at sites of filtration, specifically the kidneys. As a result, the body’s immune system attacks the abnormal IgA antibodies in the kidney, and affects the kidney’s ability to filter the wastes from your blood and produce healthy urine.

Take the Risk Quiz Find a Nearby Kidney Screening

Latest From The IgAN Foundation

The IgAN Blog

Photo of a woman hydrating for CKD

Hydration Guide for IGA Nephropathy: Beyond Plain Water

Lauren Levy – MS, RDN, CSR, FNKF

If you have IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), your doctor and healthcare team have likely encouraged you to drink more—or perhaps less—water. But how much is the right amount? And what if you don’t enjoy plain water? This article explores why hydration is essential, which foods and drinks count as fluids, and how to stay hydrated when water alone isn’t satisfying.

Building community following a rare kidney disease diagnosis: Ruchi’s story

Gisela

Patient Voice spoke with Ruchi Ambike about her search to find community after being diagnosed …

IgA Nephropathy Foundation Announces the Launch of Go Global Network to Support for IgA Nephropathy Patients Worldwide

Gisela

Expanding Global Support: IgA Nephropathy Foundation Launches Go Global Network to Connect and Empower IgAN …
Salt in wooden bowl

Understanding Salt/Sodium Restrictions in IGA Nephropathy: A Comprehensive Guide

Lauren Levy – MS, RDN, CSR, FNKF

Many people with IgAN experience swelling in their hands and feet and protein and/or blood in their urine. Doctors typically recommend a low-sodium diet regardless of kidney function, but why? This article reviews what sodium is, why it is important to limit it, and how best to identify and make changes. 

IgA Nephropathy Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Advocacy, Research, and Patient Support

Gisela

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ, UNITED STATES, March 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) Foundation marks its …
Doctor holding urine sample cup for Kidney-Patient

5 Ways to Lower Protein in the Urine with IgAN

Lauren Levy – MS, RDN, CSR, FNKF

Introduction IgA Nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disorder where the immune …
Zucchini noodles with chickpeas and peas and low-sodium marinara

Zucchini Noodles with Chickpeas and Sweet Peas Served with Marinara Sauce

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

Transform your dinner into a kidney-friendly feast with this vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This recipe combines tender zucchini noodles with protein-rich chickpeas and sweet peas, all brought together with a savory marinara sauce.
Kidney Friendly Marinara Sauce Recipe

Marinara Sauce

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

Take control of your sodium intake without sacrificing the rich, authentic flavors you crave. This simple marinara sauce delivers all the classic Italian taste with less than 200mg of sodium per serving—that’s 85% less than store-bought alternatives! Made with no-salt-added crushed tomatoes, fresh garlic, aromatic basil, and quality olive oil, this kidney-friendly sauce proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean bland eating.
3 Ingredient Kidney Friendly Chia Seed Pudding

Simple Chia Seed Pudding w. Berries

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

Simplicity meets nutrition in this effortless IGAN-friendly dessert that transforms just three ingredients into a powerhouse of kidney-supporting benefits. Top with berries for a burst of natural sweetness and color that makes this feel like an indulgent treat. Perfect as a make-ahead breakfast, guilt-free snack, or light dessert, this recipe proves that eating for kidney health doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience.

Simple 4-Ingredient Chocolate Tofu Pudding

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

This gentle, creamy dessert is perfectly suited for those managing IgA Nephropathy. It features silken tofu, a kidney-safe protein source that’s naturally low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Sweet & Spicy Steamed Vegetables W. White Rice

Sweet & Spicy Steamed Vegetables W. Crispy Tofu and White Rice

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

This kidney-conscious meal combines gentle steamed vegetables and crispy tofu served over white rice, creating a satisfying dish that’s IgAN-Friendly.

Lemon Oregano Chicken

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

Experience the bright, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our Low Sodium Lemon Oregano Chicken. This kidney-healthy dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with the fresh zest of lemon and aromatic oregano, creating a delicious meal without the excess salt.
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