A Review of Dietary Intake Studies in Maintenance Dialysis Patients

Protein-energy wasting affects many maintenance dialysis patients (MDPs) and decreases survival. Suboptimal dietary energy intake (DEI) and dietary protein intake (DPI), secondary to reduced dietary intake (DI), are important risk factors in the development of protein-energy wasting. Multiple investigations of DEI and DPI in MDPs have occurred but few authors have synthesized these data. A comprehensive review of DI studies in MDPs was completed with the purpose of providing timely data on DI in MDPs until updated clinical practice guidelines for nutrition in nephrology care are published. A majority of DI investigations in MDPs confirm that DEI and DPI are below current nutrition guidelines. MDPs also have significantly lower DEI and DPI when compared with healthy controls. These findings inform the direction of further guidelines for nutrition in nephrology care as well as spark future research interests.