Requirements of macronutrients in hemodialysis subjects

Kidneys perform the important function of excreting nitrogenous waste products, regulating the volume and composition of body fluids. When kidney function is impaired, these functions are affected. There is retention of nitrogenous waste products and disturbance in fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Technology has improved a lot to improve the life status of patients suffering from end state renal disease like dialysis and transplantation. Dialysis is the artificial process of removal of nitrogenous waste products and excess water accumulation. In spite of merits in this treatment, nutrient loss like glucose and amino acids occur during the process of hemodialysis. Proper nutritional management is extremely important for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis because malnutrition is very common in these subjects. Macronutrients like carbohydrate, protein and fat are very crucial for the sustaining life of these subjects with several co-morbid conditions. The requirement of these macronutrients should be tailored in such as way to prevent from hospitalization. Nutrient education should be inculcated on nutrient loss occurring during hemodialysis and ways to replace the loss to prevent from further health risk.