Food intake in patients on hemodialysis

Objective: To evaluate the intake of energy and nutrients by individuals on hemodialysis, following especific recommendations for this population and according to Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. Methods: A cross-sectional study, 118 adult patients, considered stable from, ten dialysis centers in Goiânia, Goiás. Dietary intake was estimated by six 24-hour recalls, and classified as adequate or inadequate, according to specific recommendations for individuals undergoing dialysis and that recommended for a healthy diet. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Average dietary intake of 2022.40 ± 283.70 kcal/day; 31.18 kcal/kg/day; 55.03 ± 4.20% carbohydrate; 30.23 ± 3.71% lipid, 1.18 ± 0.23 g protein/kg/day. Important prevalences of inadequacy were observed for the intake of calories (39.0%), protein (39.0%) and other nutrients such as retinol (94.9%), saturated fat (87.3%), cholesterol (61,9%), iron (61.0%), potassium (60.2%) and zinc (45.0%). Patients had a low intake of fruit food group (1.22 ± 0.89 servings) and vegetables (1.76 ± 1.01 servings), dairy products (0.57 ± 0.43 servings) and high intake of food group of oils and fats (3.45 ± 0.95 servings), sugars and sweets (1.55 ± 0.77 servings). Conclusion: Observed food consumption imbalance, characterized by excess of oils and fats, especially saturated oils and cholesterol, sugars and sweets, parallel to low intake of fruits and vegetables and dairy products. A considerable percentage of patients did not intake the minimum recommended of calories, protein, retinol, iron, zinc and potassium