Food Frequency Questionnaire to Estimate Dietary Adherence in Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study used a food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary habits of hemodialysis patients and found that while average intake was adequate, some individuals had nutritional deficits.

Contribution

The study introduces a validated food frequency questionnaire tailored for hemodialysis patients to estimate dietary adherence.

Findings

64% and 82% of patients met energy and protein reference values, respectively.

Sensitivity analyses showed energy and protein shortfalls in heavier patients.

Diets were high in fat and sodium, with low fiber and calcium.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requires renal replacement therapy, commonly hemodialysis (HD). This treatment necessitates dietary changes due to impaired excretory function and protein-energy wasting (PEW). A structured diet with adequate energy, protein, electrolytes, and fluids is essential. The aim was to characterize habitual dietary intake in adults on HD relative to KDOQI and ESPEN recommendations. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 adults on maintenance HD at the Medical University of Warsaw completed a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (55 items, nine frequency categories). The study was questionnaire-based and did not collect, link, or analyze dialysis efficacy indices, residual diuresis, or anthropometric measurements; all dietary estimates are independent of these clinical parameters. Estimated intakes of energy, macronutrients, fiber, electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, P), and fluids were compared with KDOQI 2020 and ESPEN 2021 recommendations. Sensitivity analyses included deterministic scenarios and Monte Carlo simulations. Results: Mean intakes were 2696.9 ± 1392.7 kcal and 87.7 ± 35.3 g protein; 64% and 82% met reference values. Sensitivity analyses revealed per-kg shortfalls in heavier patients (>75 kg): Monte Carlo medians were 37.8 kcal/kg/day and 1.28 g/kg/day. Diets were fat-dominant (~46%E), with low carbohydrates (~40%E) and low fiber, about 8 g per 1000 kcal. Sodium and phosphorus were elevated, about 1119 mg and 498 mg per 1000 kcal, while calcium was low (~346 mg/1000 kcal). Conclusions: Despite adequate mean intake, sensitivity analyses revealed per-kg energy/protein deficits and elevated sodium and phosphorus. Individualized counseling with electrolyte and fluid management, greater dietary diversity, and psychosocial support is warranted in HD.