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1

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

May 13, 2025

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 …

April 21, 2025

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

April 4, 2025

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. 

March 18, 2025

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

November 15, 2024

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 …
Women in kitchen eating standing at kitchen island

October 25, 2024

Considerations for Post-Transplant Diet for IgA Nephropathy

Lauren Levy – MS, RDN, CSR, FNKF

Introduction IgA Nephropathy can be a progressive disease that requires a kidney transplant. It is …

May 9, 2025

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

May 1, 2025

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.

March 21, 2025

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.

March 12, 2025

Kidney-Friendly Blueberry Compote

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

Discover the natural sweetness of our Low Sodium Blueberry Compote, specially crafted for those managing IgA Nephropathy and kidney health.
Overhead photo of a kidney-friendly red bean chili

December 12, 2024

Easy Red Bean and Lentil Chili

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Easy Red Bean and Lentil Chili, a kidney-friendly recipe perfect for individuals with IgA Nephropathy.
Tofu Scramble with Avocado Toast for IgAN Patients

November 14, 2024

Tofu Scramble w. Avocado Toast

Cukebook.org – Culinary Nutrition for Kidneys

Enjoy a flavorful, kidney-friendly breakfast with this Tofu Scramble with avocado toast. This recipe features seasoned tofu, vibrant bell peppers, and warming spices, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish.
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References

  • Hall, Y.N., Fuentes, E.F., Chertow, G.M. et al. Race/ethnicity and disease severity in IgA nephropathy. BMC Nephrol 5, 10 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2369-5-10
  • Kiryluk K, Li Y, Sanna-Cherchi S, Rohanizadegan M, Suzuki H, et al. (2012) Geographic Differences in Genetic Susceptibility to IgA Nephropathy: GWAS Replication Study and Geospatial Risk Analysis. PLoS Genet 8(6): e1002765. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1002765