Dietary Recall and Nutritional Index in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Maintenance of good nutrition forms an important component of management of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) patients and can be achieved through regular assessment of dietary nutrient intake, appropriate dietary advice and monitoring of patient compliance with respect to adherence to dietary advice. Thirty one patients (18 males and 13 females) undergoing CAPD were studied. Information on their dietary intake was collected by dietary recall method. Data was analysed using nutrition software, “dietsoft” and dietary intake of various food components was compared with the prescribed and recommended allowance. Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) score was calculated to assess severity of malnourishment. Mean calorie intake was as per recommendation; carbohydrate and protein intake was lesser and fat intake was more than recommended intake in males and females. All essential amino acids measured in the diet of females was more than recommended levels; in males, intake of lysine, threonine, tryptophan and histidine was more and that of methionine was less than the recommendation. Among minerals measured, both groups of patients consumed lower amounts of sodium, potassium, iron, zinc and magnesium, and higher amounts of phosphorus than recommended. The intake of riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin and vitamin A was lower in both groups, whereas in males, there was a deficient intake of thiamine, vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin C also. 27% of the patients were at risk of severe malnourishment. Findings showed deficient intake of a majority of nutrients by CAPD patients which might result in adverse clinical outcomes. Thus, there is a need for periodical evaluation and appropriate modification of the diet plan of patients undergoing CAPD. The dietary assessment helps in monitoring adherence of patients to dietary advice, timely identification of deficient intake, and initiation of supplementation, if required.