Trace element supplementation in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Kidney failure patients often exhibit deficiencies in essential minerals like zinc and selenium.
• Optimal supplementation strategies for these deficiencies remain unclear.
• This study investigated mineral supplementation in hemodialysis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) supplementation in correcting deficiencies in hemodialysis patients.
• To compare the effects of two different doses of Zn, Se, and vitamin E against a standard renal vitamin supplement.
• To assess blood mineral concentrations and safety outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind randomized trial was conducted with 150 hemodialysis patients in Alberta, Canada.
• Participants received either a standard vitamin supplement or a supplement with added Zn, Se, and vitamin E (low or medium dose).
• Blood levels of Zn and Se were measured at 90 and 180 days to assess nutrient status and safety.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with low or medium doses of Zn and Se did not significantly alter blood concentrations of these minerals compared to the control group at 90 or 180 days.
• The proportion of participants with low zinc or selenium status remained similar across all groups.
• No significant differences in adverse events were observed between the intervention and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Current low and medium doses of zinc and selenium supplementation are insufficient to correct deficiencies in hemodialysis patients.
• Future research should explore higher doses, specifically zinc (≥75 mg/d) and selenium (≥100 mcg/d), in conjunction with standard renal vitamin supplements.