A role for oral nutrition supplements in the malnutrition of renal disease

Objective: To review information regarding the incidence, causes, and effects of malnutrition in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to discuss the current studies of oral enteral nutrition supplementation in this patient population. Data Sources: Published references, conference proceedings, and personal observation. Conclusions: Individuals with ESRD have significant malnutrition, and the negative results of this malnutrition contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with renal disease. Preliminary studies indicate that oral nutritional supplementation has a positive effect on nutritional status of patients with ESRD and could potentially decrease Medicare costs in this population. The role of the renal dietitian in evaluating and counseling these patients regarding nutrition places this profession in a forward role for preventing and intervening malnutrition. Therefore, continued research to determine the impact of oral nutritional supplements requires the involvement of renal dietitians and will establish justifications for Medicare reimbursement. The Council on Renal Nutrition actively promotes research regarding oral nutritional supplements in patients requiring renal replacement therapy.