Nutrient intake in adult haemodialysis patients and influence of dialysis treatment day and patient age.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the variation in food intake during dialysis and non-dialysis days and to assess the nutritional status of elderly haemodialysis patients.

Methods: An observational multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 311 patients aged ≥18 years were recruited. Multiple 24-h recalls were collected, appetite levels were assessed through self-reporting, and biochemical and anthropometric data were obtained. Data were collected via a face-to-face interview during haemodialysis sessions at four major dialysis centres.

Results: The findings of this study revealed higher consumption of sodium (2570.25 ± 74.15 vs. 2106.25 ± 77.39, p-value < 0.001) and potassium (1456.59 ± 47.42 vs. 1137.41 ± 35.40, p-value < 0.001) on dialysis days compared to non-dialysis days. Superior appetite levels were significantly associated with higher protein and energy intake and better serum albumin levels on days with versus without dialysis. Patients who reported a better understanding of the importance of their dietary recommendations had lower consumption of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Further, patients aged ≥60 years had significantly lower albumin levels and consumed considerably lower levels of protein and sodium but had higher body mass index and waist circumference compared to young patients.

Conclusions: Dialysis treatment schedules could affect nutrient intake and compliance rates with renal guidelines; thus, nutritional education must be performed individually to eliminate barriers to adherence. Elderly haemodialysis patients might be prone to a high risk of nutritional deficiencies and require special continuous and in-depth dietary provisions.