Open AccessDoes zinc supplementation improve dietary intake, symptoms of eating problems, and serum zinc levels in hemodialysis patients?
Author(s) -
Ghaemmaghami Jamal,
Mahdavi Reza,
Faramarzi Elnaz,
Mohammadpour Noshin,
Argani Hassan
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
dialysis & transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1932-6920
pISSN - 0090-2934
DOI - 10.1002/dat.20493
Subject(s) - medicine , zinc , placebo , micronutrient , hemodialysis , nausea , zinc deficiency (plant disorder) , appetite , gastroenterology , physiology , zoology , metallurgy , materials science , alternative medicine , pathology , biology
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on dietary intake, symptoms of eating problems, and serum zinc levels in hemodialysis patients. METHODS Thirty‐nine patients who received chronic maintenance hemodialysis were randomized to experimental (n = 21) and placebo (n = 18) groups given a daily supplement of 100 mg elemental zinc and corn starch, respectively, for 60 days. Dietary intake, body composition, and eating problems were assessed using 2‐day dietary records, bioelectric impedance tests, and a questionnaire, respectively. Serum zinc levels were determined by atomic absorption before and after intervention. RESULTS The mean daily macro‐ and micronutrients intakes and percentage of body fat in the supplemented group increased insignicantly. Administration of zinc improved appetite loss, dry mouth, nausea, and hypogeusia, while incidence of these symptoms increased in control group. A signicant increase (p < 0.01) was observed in the mean serum zinc levels in the experimental group (102 ± 4 vs. 76 ± 3 µg/dL) while changes in the placebo group were not signicant. CONCLUSIONS Despite observed improvement in symptoms of eating problems and serum zinc levels in the supplemented group, more study over a longer period must be carried out to achieve clearer results.