Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Blood Pressure and Complete Blood Count in Hemodialysis Patients

Objectives: Zinc is an important trace element in human nutrition and its deficiency is a worldwide problem. Zinc deficiency incidence is predominantly high in many diseases such as ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) patients undertaking hemodialysis (HD). Beside, hypertension and cardiac output, is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. This study investigated the effects of zinc supplementation on blood pressure (BP) and complete blood count (CBC) in HD patients.

Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial, Sixty-five HD patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in group I and group II received placebo and Zn supplementation (100 mg/day) respectively for two months. After withdrawing for the duration of the next two months, the study was continued as a crossover design for another two months (group I and II received zinc supplementation and placebo, respectively). Systolic and diastolic BP, cardiac ejection fraction (EF), and CBC were measured at the 0th, 60th, 120th, and 180th days. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results: Zinc supplementation resulted in a significant increase in the mean red blood cell (RBC), Hematocrit (Hct), whereas a significant decrease was seen in systolic and diastolic BP. Changes observed in the placebo group were not significant.

Conclusion: Zinc supplementation for two months improved the systolic and diastolic BP, RBC, and Hct in HD patients.