Multivitamins may help kidney patients

[Posted: Tue 18/11/2008 by Deborah Condon]

Taking multivitamins could help to improve the health of kidney patients undergoing blood dialysis, Irish researchers have found.

According to the team from the University of Ulster, kidney disease is relatively common among people with long-term diabetes, resulting in the need for frequent dialysis.

However the combination of a restricted diet and constant dialysis means patients are often malnourished and at a higher risk from suffering a heart attack or stroke.

The researchers set out to investigate the effects that taking a multivitamin supplement could have on the kidney function and nutrient status of dialysis patients. The participants were monitored for a three-month period.

The study found that the multivitamin produced an increase in folate levels – a B vitamin that is important for a healthy heart. There was also an increase in antioxidant enzymes, which remove or limit oxidative damage, helping protect membranes, including that of the heart.

The study also noted a reduction in the production of homocysteine – a harmful amino acid that increases the risk of heart disease.

“These improvements in status could be very beneficial for haemodialysis patients who have a very restricted diet due to their kidney disease. In addition, having to undergo frequent dialysis removes essential antioxidants, vitamins and trace elements, putting them at increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” explained lead researcher, Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher.

The researchers are currently seeking funding to extend this pilot study to include a larger number of patients for a longer duration of time.

Anonymous  Posted: 24/11/2008 12:13

More positives for multivitamins.

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