Dietary records indicate an imbalance in micronutrient status in haemodialysis patients

Abstract

There is a high prevalence of malnutrition among HD patients due to the restrictive diet, dialysis loses and reduced appetite (1) . Sub-optimal nutritional status is found to be major risk factors for morbidity and mortality in Haemodialysis (HD) patients (2) . These factors lead to high levels of oxidative stress in HD patients (3) .The study aims to analyse food intake and compare recorded dietary intakes to Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) in males and females undergoing HD treatment.Twelve volunteers were recruited following ethical approval. Four day food diaries were completed (two dialysis and two non-dialysis days) and checked by the renal dietician all data were double entered to WISP (Wisp version 3, Tinuviel Software, Warrington) and exported to SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 17.00) for statistical analysis.Macronutrient intakes were unbalanced with a mean protein intake for all HD patients above the RNI and CHO and fat intake lower. The table below details the micronutrients that were below the RNI, of particular significance for females: a reduced folate, vitamin D, iron, selenium and copper with an elevated vitamin C intake. Males had a similar profile however vitamin C and iron were adequate.