The Effect of a Nutritional Supplement on Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of UNECE U-LP200 on nutritional status and physical function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. From November, 2010 to March, 2011, 33 participants (17 males and 16 females) with mean age 80.7±10.0 years old were recruited from three nursing homes in New Taipei City, Taiwan. All participants were diagnosed with CKD with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels ≧ 20 mg/dL or creatinine (Cr) levels ≧1.2mg/dL. The study was divided into three periods: the observation (month 0), intervention (month 1), and follow-up (month 2). During the intervention period, UNECE U-LP 200 was given to participants as a substitute for a snack. Anthropometric measurements, nutritional status, and biochemical measurements were obtained. Body weight and body mass index (BMI), as well as a nutritional indicator, geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), all increased after one month of the UNECE U-LP200 intervention (p < 0.05). Most of the biochemical measurements were within the normal range, with no significant differenced during the experiment, but plasma fasting blood glucose and triglyceride both improved after one month of the UNECE U-LP200 intervention (p < 0.05). The results thus show that UNECE U-LP200 was well-tolerated and could help the participants to maintain a good nutritional status and prevent physical damage.