Iron, calcium and phosphorus mineral profile in chronic renal patients on hemodialysis

The main goal of this study was to verify the association between serum and dietary concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and iron, and to determinate whether patients with kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis had ina-dequacy in dietary intake. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Food consumption was determined by the 24-hour recall. The optical technology method was used to obtain hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations. Serum levels of iron, calcium and phosphorus were deter-mined by dry chemistry. We observed insufficient consumption of energy, macronutrients and minerals. Energy intake of patients with longer hemodialysis was higher. The sample presented hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia (except in the group >= 8 years of hemodialysis), higher iron concentrations and lower hemoglobin and hemato- crit values. The serum levels of minerals were not affected by dietary intake. There was a significant correlation between dietary phosphorus and calcium in patients undergoing hemodialysis for more than 8 years, those over 60 years old and, between calcium and phosphorus normal levels in patients over 60 years old. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and mineral serum levels were similar regardless of age and hemodialysis time. It was concluded that inadequacies of minerals reflected deregulation among metabolism and the pathophysiological changes inherent to Chronic Kidney Disease.