Are we overfeeding hemodialysis patients with protein? Exploring an alternative method to estimate protein needs

Background & aimsSufficient protein intake is of great importance in hemodialysis (HD) patients, especially for maintaining muscle mass. Daily needs are generally estimated using bodyweight (BW), which individual differences body composition not accounted for. As mass best represented by fat free (FFM), there a rationale to apply FFM instead BW. The agreement between both estimations unclear. Therefore, the aim this study compare based on either or BW HD patients.MethodsProtein were 115 patients three different equations; FFM, and adjusted low high BMI. was measured multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy considered reference method. Estimations x 1.5 g/kg 1.9 compared with (adjusted)BW 1.2 1.5, respectively. Differences assessed repeated measures ANOVA Bland–Altman plots.ResultsMean higher those across all BMI categories (P < 0.01) most explicitly obese patients. In females >30, 69 ± 17.4 g/day 45 9.3 BW, FFM. males 51 20.4 23 20.9 respectively.ConclusionsOur data show large possible overestimations when comparing We emphasize more research discussion topic. Sufficient Protein plots. Mean Our