Vitamins and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Chronic renal failure (CRF) patients often experience altered vitamin levels.
• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) can lead to nutrient losses, particularly water-soluble vitamins.
• Understanding vitamin status in CAPD patients is crucial for managing nutritional complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess serum levels of vitamin A, C, and E in patients with CRF undergoing CAPD.
• To evaluate the peritoneal transfer and loss of these vitamins during CAPD.
• To determine the adequacy of vitamin supplementation in CAPD patients.

Main Methods:

• Serum and dialysis fluid samples were collected from 10 CRF patients over 6-12 months.
• Levels of vitamin A, its protein carriers, vitamin C, vitamin E, B1, B2, and B6 were measured.
• Patients received oral vitamin C (200 mg/day) and B vitamin supplementation.

Main Results:

• Serum vitamin A, its carriers, and vitamin E remained elevated despite significant peritoneal loss.
• Oral vitamin C supplementation prevented hypovitaminosis C, even with substantial losses.
• B vitamin supplementation (B1, B2, B6) was adequate for CAPD patients.

Conclusions:

• Patients on CAPD can maintain adequate vitamin A, C, and E levels despite peritoneal losses.
• Oral vitamin C supplementation is effective in preventing deficiency in CAPD patients.
• Current B vitamin supplementation protocols appear sufficient for CAPD patients.