Renal Vitamins

The document discussed the importance of vitamin and mineral supplementation for dialysis patients, highlighting the lack of consensus on specific supplementation needs. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) involving 16,345 patients from 308 hemodialysis units across several countries found that patients taking water-soluble vitamins had a 16% lower mortality risk. Despite this, the study did not determine the optimal supplementation regimen. Various vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, cobalamin, pyridoxine, and biotin, were examined for their roles and recommended dosages, with specific attention to their benefits and potential risks in dialysis patients. The document discussed the role and effects of various vitamins and minerals in dialysis patients, particularly focusing on biotin, vitamins C, E, A, D, K, zinc, and copper. Biotin was found beneficial for managing uremic neurologic disorders and diabetes, with recommended doses up to 200 mg/day. Vitamin C, while an important antioxidant, posed risks of oxalate crystal deposition, complicating its use. Vitamin E supplementation showed potential in reducing erythropoietin needs due to its antioxidant properties. Vitamin A toxicity was a concern, especially in dialysis patients, due to elevated serum retinol levels. Zinc and copper deficiencies were noted, affecting taste, appetite, and immune function, with supplementation improving these conditions. The document highlighted the need for careful management of vitamin and mineral supplementation in dialysis patients to balance benefits and potential risks.