Effect of oral supplementation on nutrition indicators in hemodialysis patients
Abstract Objective: To test the effectiveness of daily consumption of enteral nutrition supplement in improving serum levels of albumin, cholesterol, and creatinine, dietary intake of protein and calories, and anthropometrics. Design: Four-month prospective clinical trial with self-selected assignment to intervention (nutrition supplement and education) or control (nutrition education). Patients: Eleven maintenance hemodialysis patients who are routinely dialyzed at the University of Virginia Kidney Center. Six patients were selected for intervention group. Main outcome measure: Increase in serum albumin levels for patients consuming nutrition supplement. Results: All short-term nutritional parameters increased for the supplemented group. Serum albumin levels showed statistically significant ( P Conclusions: The nutritional status of hemodialysis patients is frequently compromised by uremia, catabolism, poor appetite, dialysis losses, dietary restrictions, and psychosocial constraints. The pilot trial shows the use of consistent intake of nutritional supplements in improving short-term nutrition indicators of hemodialysis patients, and suggests the potential for long-term use of these products in improving health and well-being.