Effects of a plant-based protein supplement on body composition and biochemical indicators in hemodialysis patients with malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) ‒ A crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) is a common entity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo hemodialysis (HD). Oral nutrition supplementation (ONS) is indicated in such conditions. Plant protein has been proven to not only help comply with nutritional requirements but also reduce inflammation, thus MICS' detrimental effects on nutritional status may be mitigated.

METHODS

we conducted a crossover trial evaluating the effects of a plant-based protein ONS on body composition and biochemical markers in CKD-HD patients with MICS. Each patient underwent a 12-week period with and without supplementation. Bioimpedance measurements (muscle and fat mass, water, phase angle) and biochemical indicators (serum proteins, lipid profile, electrolytes, and inflammatory markers) were assessed at baseline, three and six months.

RESULTS

nineteen participants completed the trial. Supplementation resulted in attenuatnution of inflammatory markers, concomitant to significant muscle mass gain, correlating with intracellular water and phase angle improvement. Adipose tissue changes were non-significant although a decrease in visceral fat mass was observed. Calcium and phosphorus levels improved, as did serum proteins. HDL significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

plant-based protein ONS improved nutrition status in hemodialysis patients with MICS. Positive results were not found during control (i.e., no supplementation) period.