A pilot study conducted at the University of Ulster in Ireland found multi-vitamins could help improve the health of dialysis patients. Results of the study discovered multi-vitamins produced an increase in folate levels and antioxidant enzymes, which help the heart.  A reduction in a harmful amino acid called homocysteine, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, was also noted. 
 
Frequent dialysis removes essential antioxidants, vitamins and elements. The improvements found by taking multi-vitamins could be beneficial in replacing these lost nutrients for dialysis patients.
 
More research is needed to further examine the benefits of multi-vitamin use in dialysis patients.

This article originally appeared in the December 2008 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.