Micronutrient supplementation in maintenance haemodialysis patients enhances activity of antioxidant enzymes.

BACKGROUND Haemodialysis patients are exposed to high levels of oxidative stress, perhaps contributing to increased rates of cardiovascular and malignant disease. In this context, the body's defence mechanisms against oxidative insult, including activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), are known to be deranged. METHODS This randomised double-blind study assessed the effects of a novel micronutrient cocktail containing physiological doses of antioxidant vitamins and trace minerals on antioxidant enzyme activity in maintenance haemodialysis. Thirty-seven patients were randomised to receive placebo or micronutrient. SOD and GPx activity was analysed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. RESULTS SOD levels did not change in the treatment group but fell significantly (p=0.0443) in controls, while activity of GPx remained unchanged in controls but rose significantly (p=0.0123) in treated patients. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with a beneficial effect of the cocktail on antioxidant enzyme activity and may contribute to an indication for large-scale studies to assess clinical outcome measures.