Effect of oral protein supplementation on nutritional status in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral protein supplementation on malnutrition risk, as assessed by the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), in patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 52 hemodialysis patients at risk of malnutrition (MUST score >1) were recruited from a single center. The intervention group received 24 g of oral vitamins, minerals and casein protein (V.M. protein) daily for 4 months immediately after dialysis sessions on dialysis days. The control group continued their usual diet without supplementation. All participants received standard dietary counseling. The primary outcome was a change in mean body weight. Secondary outcomes included changes in MUST score, bioimpedance parameters (phase angle, body fat mass, visceral fat area, extracellular water-to-total body water ratio [ECW/TBW]), and laboratory markers. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 59.10 ± 14.09 years, and 69.57% were male. A significant improvement in MUST score was observed within the intervention group but not in the control group. Changes in body weight and other secondary outcomes were assessed, with trends suggesting improvement in body composition parameters. CONCLUSION: Oral protein supplementation may improve nutritional status and reduce malnutrition risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis, with potential benefits for body composition and overall health.