A study of dietary practices of chronic renal failure patients treated by haemodialysis at home

This study was initiated to investigate the dietary practices and to determine adherence to dietary prescription of patients with chronic renal failure treated by haemodialysis at home. Current dietary prescription is reviewed and actual intakes compared with prescribed intakes. Fifty patients were studied (34 men, 16 women) and dietary details obtained using the seven-day weighed method and dietary history. The most significant finding is the poor intake of dietary fibre, particularly amongst women. Aspects of this finding and other dietary observations are discussed.