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Chronic inflammation and malnutrition are related in hemodialysis (HD) patients and represent a common threat to this population. Whey protein and vitamins may be great allies to mitigate inflammation.
This was a pioneer, randomized and double-blinded study. Patients were randomised into two groups and stratified by HD frequency. The supplementation group received 20 g of whey protein, 250 mg of vitamin C, and 600 IU of vitamin E; and the placebo group, 20 g of rice flour, and microcrystalline cellulose capsules. The interventions were given after HD, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks. The inflammatory markers were assessed: interleukin (IL) IL-12p70, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. For statistical analysis, the χ2 test, Student’s t-test, Mann - Whitney test, analysis of variance for repeated two-way measurements, paired t test, and Wilcoxon test were performed. P < 0.05.
Of the 50 patients in the HD clinic, 29 were eligible and randomized into two groups (supplementation and placebo). Finally, 23 individuals concluded the intervention and were analyzed. Table 1 shows the clinical variables and inflammatory markers of patients stratified by intervention group at baseline.
Whey protein combined with vitamins C and E reduced significantly IL-10 in the supplementation group and could be beneficial to reduce IL-6 in HD patients. Additional studies with larger numbers of patients, supplementation with different doses, and longer interventions are suggested.