Dietary intakes and biochemical status of B vitamins in a group of children receiving dialysis

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the dietary intake and biochemical status of B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) in a group of mainly unsupplemented children with endstage renal disease receiving dialysis, to determine if B vitamin supplementation is indicated.

Design: This was a cross-sectional, observational clinical trial.

Setting: Children with endstage renal disease were receiving dialysis, under the care of Renal Services, at Starship Children's Health (Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand).

Patients: We studied 12 children (including 7 girls, and 8 children receiving peritoneal dialysis) mean age 7.8 +/- 5.3 years (SD).

Intervention: Three-day diet records were collected and analyzed with FoodWorks software. Blood was collected for vitamin assay testing.

Main outcome measure: Dietary intake of B vitamins was measured as a percentage of recommended dietary intake (RDI) or adequate intakes (AIs) for age. Biochemical status was measured as the concentration of each B vitamin compared with reference ranges.

Results: Mean intakes from diet alone comprised <100% of the RDI or AI for each B vitamin. Mean intakes, with nutritional support, reached >100% of the RDI or AI for each B vitamin. All children achieved >100% RDI or AI for thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. Two children who were not receiving nutritional support received <100% of the RDI for vitamin B6. Blood levels of B vitamins were normal to high, compared with reference ranges, for each B vitamin in all children, indicating adequate status.

Conclusions: Intakes were adequate in the majority of children. Status was adequate in all children. In this group of children undergoing dialysis, B-vitamin supplementation was not indicated.