Malnutritionis common among dialysispatients, butther eis in sufficient literature on the problem from resource-poorsettings. Saharanregion, We conduct edacrosssectional investigation of dietary intake and nutritional status of haemodialysis(HD)patients to inform the current status of this population group in the region.HDpatientsaged≥18 years, with dialysis vintage of ≥3 months, at one nephrology unit in Tanzania were assessed for their habitual dietandnutrientintake.Anthropometricmeasuresandbiochemistrytestswerealsoperformed.Thedietwaspredominantlystarchy food based, accompanied by a limited selection of vegetables. Fruits and animal protein were also minimallyconsumed (1 portion/day each). Fruit consumption was higher in females than males (median (25th, 75th) = 2 (1, 2.3) versus 0.5 (0, 1.7) portions, = 0.008). More than 70% of participants had suboptimal measures for protein and energyintake, dietaryiron, serumalbumin,musclemass, andhandgripstrength(HGS).In adequacies inprotein and energy in take and dialysis clearance (URR) increased with the increase in body weight/BMI and other specific components (MAMCand FMI). Consumption of red meats correlated significantly and positively with serum creatinine (r = 0.46, = 0.01),potassium (r = 0.39, = 0.03), and HGS (r = 0.43, = 0.02) and was approaching significance for a correlation with serumiron (r = 0.32, = 0.07). C-RP correlated negatively with albumin concentration (r = −0.32, = 0.02), and participants with CRP with in acceptable ranges had significantly higher levels of haemoglobin (=0.03, effectsize = −0.28). URR correlatednegatively with haemoglobin concentration (r=−0.36, =0.02). Patients will benefit from improved nutritional servicesthat deliver individually tailored and culturally practical dietary advice to enable them to make informed food choices whilstoptimizing disease management.
