Assessment of the realisation of individual dietary guidelines in patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment in the context of nutrient level and energy requirements

Introduction
Following specified dietary guidelines has a significant influence on the proper course of dialyses, medical examination results, and general well-being of a patient. Starting haemodialysis therapy requires a change in the patient’s former diet. Aim of the research: Analysis of energy consumption and nutrients in a group of patients that participate in haemodialysis therapy, by introducing individual dietary recommendations and assessing their execution in the context of the energy and nutrient requirements within a year of introducing the therapy.

Material and methods
The study was conducted at the Nephrology Department in Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony in Kielce and at the Dialyses Station at Świętokrzyskie Centrum Onkologii in Kielce. The study involved 48 patients (24 men and 24 women). The average age in men was 57.58 12.15 years (28–77 years), and in women 58.92 13.00 years (34–78 years). The assessment of the daily food rations was conducted by noting the patients’ diets for the 3 days preceding the haemodialysis. There was an appropriate amount of energy and nutrients counted for each patient. Moreover, each patient received an individual diet plan. After a year of the study, the analyses of haemodialysed patients’ diets were conducted again and compared with the norm.

Results
In the comparison of the nutritional value of the patients’ diets at the beginning of the study and a year later, significant differences were noted. They concerned a statistical increase in the percentages of energy, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and phosphorus in the diet.

Conclusions
Haemodialysed patients need to be supervised by a dietician, because they require individually estimated values of energy, nutrients, vitamins, and mineral ingredients.