Effects of a dietary intervention on the nutritional status of hemodialyzed patients: differences between men and women

Abstract

The growing interest in the nutritional status of dialyzed patients arises from the fact that it plays an important role in the evolution, morbidity and mortality of renal patients. In the current study the effects have been assessed of a dietary intervention lasting 6 months, based on a food exchange list, on the nutritional status of a group of 49 hemodialysis patients as well as the different effects between men and women. The initial and final evaluation of the nutritional status was performed by estimating energy and nutrient intake with a 24 hour recall, determination of body composition by anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance and infrared interactance and biochemical measurements related to the nutritional status of the patients undergoing hemodialysis. At the end of the study, a significant increase was seen in the energy and macronutrient intake, which was more prominent in females. The body composition analysis showed a favourable evolution as compared to other studies; which was better in women who maintained the muscle mass stable and increased fat mass. The biochemical profile showed an increase of the C3 complement, while other markers such as amino acid profile and IGF I remained unchanged at the end of the study, being both similar in males and females. The dietary intervention was found to be useful in the prevention of the progression of malnutrition in these patients, apparently with a more beneficial effect on females.