A Simple Mineral Could Help Dialysis Patients Eat Better and Stop the Constant Itching

A daily zinc supplement could offer relief for two of the most frustrating problems facing dialysis patients: poor appetite and relentless itching. A new study found that taking 210 mg of zinc gluconate daily for 12 weeks significantly improved hunger, desire to eat, and reduced the severity of pruritus (persistent itchy skin) in 75 adults undergoing hemodialysis.

Why Do Dialysis Patients Struggle With These Problems?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the world's population, and when it reaches advanced stages, dialysis becomes necessary to remove excess fluid and waste from the body. While hemodialysis is life-sustaining, it comes with a heavy burden of complications. Malnutrition affects an estimated 30% to 70% of dialysis patients, while skin problems like severe dryness and persistent itching plague up to 50% to 80% of individuals undergoing treatment.

These aren't just minor inconveniences. Poor nutrition in dialysis patients is closely linked to muscle wasting, reduced quality of life, and lower survival rates. Meanwhile, zinc deficiency is incredibly common in this population, affecting 40% to 80% of hemodialysis patients.

What Did the Study Find About Zinc Supplementation?

Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 75 hemodialysis patients over 12 weeks. Half received daily zinc gluconate tablets containing 30 mg of elemental zinc, while the other half took identical placebo tablets. The results showed significant improvements in several key areas:

• Hunger Levels: Participants taking zinc showed marked improvement in their overall hunger sensation compared to those taking placebo
• Desire to Eat: The zinc group experienced a significantly stronger desire to eat, with researchers noting a confidence interval of 7.03 points improvement
• Future Food Planning: Prospective food consumption improved, meaning patients were more likely to think ahead about eating meals
• Itching Relief: Pruritus severity decreased significantly in the zinc group, with a reduction confidence interval of −0.52 points even after adjusting for baseline values

Interestingly, the study found no significant changes in body composition, muscle mass, or handgrip strength over the 12-week period. However, researchers noted that most participants weren't severely malnourished at the start, which may have limited detectable changes in these areas.

Why Zinc Gluconate Instead of Other Forms?

Previous studies have mostly used zinc sulfate, which has lower bioavailability and tends to cause more gastrointestinal side effects. Zinc gluconate, the form used in this study, is more easily absorbed by the body and appears to be better tolerated. This essential trace element plays crucial roles in gene expression, protein synthesis, immune function, and neurological processes.

The study also required participants to follow standardized dietary guidance, avoiding fried foods, processed foods, and limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and high-phosphorus foods. No adverse effects were reported from the zinc supplementation during the 12-week trial period.