Efficacy Study of Zinc Supplementation on Anemia, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients

Evaluation of the Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Health Status of Hemodialysis Patients

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of Zinc supplementation on health status of hemodialysis patients through measurement of the following before and after Zinc administration: Inflammatory markers, Oxidative stress markers and Anemia markers. Also, Evaluation of quality of life of hemodialysis patients before and after Zinc administration using Fatigue severity scale questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Under regular hemodialysis for at least 6 months.
• Clinically stable condition as outpatients.
• Zinc-deficient patients (plasma Zinc concentrations less than 80 mcg/dl).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients taking any antioxidant supplements including vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, green tea preparations or immunosuppressive medications within 2 months prior to enrollment in the study.
• Patients receiving Al hydroxide phosphate binders.
• Hospitalization in the previous month before the onset of the trial, or having active infection.
• Patients with malabsorption diseases (e.g, Crohn's disease), liver diseases, cancers, mental retardation, dementia or psychiatric illness.