17th November 2008

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Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher

Taking multi-vitamins could help improve the health of kidney disease patients undergoing blood dialysis - according to new research from the University of Ulster.

Kidney disease is relatively common among people with long-term diabetes, resulting in the need for frequent dialysis. The combination of a restricted diet and constant dialysis means patients are often malnourished and at a higher risk from suffering stroke or heart attack. 

Researchers at the University of Ulster have teamed up with the Western Health and Social Care Trust to investigate the effect of taking a multi-vitamin supplement on kidney function and nutrient status in dialysis patients in the Trust over a three month period.

They found that the multi vitamin produced an increase in folate levels – a B vitamin important for a healthy heart – and antioxidant enzymes – which remove or limit oxidative damage, helping protect membranes, including that of the heart.  

They also found that there was a reduction in the production of homocysteine – a harmful amino acid which increases the risk of cardio-vascular disease.

Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher, from Ulster’s School of Biomedical Sciences, who is leading the study, said: "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.” 

The research team, which also includes renal dietician Twyla Moffitt and Dr Peter Garrett, renal consultant, are currently seeking funding to extend this pilot study to a larger number of patients for a longer duration of time.

"We hope that this type of intervention may provide the evidence base required to introduce this type of regime into clinical care in haemodialysis patients in Northern Ireland,” Dr Hannon-Fletcher added.  

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter