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World J Clin Urol. Nov 24, 2014; 3(3): 344-350
Published online Nov 24, 2014. doi: 10.5410/wjcu.v3.i3.344
Vitamin C supplementation in patients on maintenance dialysis
Kun-Ying Zhang, Li Zuo
Kun-Ying Zhang, Department of Nephrology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, Weifang 261031, Shandong Province, China
Li Zuo, Department of Nephrology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
Author contributions: Zuo L designed the study and involved in editing the manuscript; Zhang KY performed the acquisition of data and wrote the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Li Zuo, MD, PhD, Department of Nephrology, Peking University People’s Hospital, 11th Xi Zhi Men South Street, Beijing 100044, China. zuoli@bjmu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-10-88324008 Fax: +86-10-66181900
Received: April 27, 2014
Revised: May 28, 2014
Accepted: September 6, 2014
Published online: November 24, 2014
Abstract

As one of the most important water-soluble non-enzymatic antioxidants, vitamin C consists of ascorbic acid and its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid. Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients have a generally lower plasma vitamin C level compared with general population. Moreover, dialysis patients also exhibit a low plasma vitamin C level, which is largely related with increased inflammation, refractory anemia and oxidative stress. In this review, we described, in great detail, the vitamin C deficiency in MHD patients and its effects on anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, pro-oxidation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In addition, we described the possible potential value of vitamin C in anemia, and the side effects of over-doses of vitamin C supplementation in this particular population. In summary, MHD patients may benefit from vitamin C administration. However, further research should be carried out to confirm its potential beneficial effects, optimal dosage and side effects from vitamin C supplementation.

Keywords: Vitamin C, Supplementation, Maintenance dialysis, Anti-oxidation, Anti-inflammation, Anemia, Oxalosis

Core tip: In this review, we described the vitamin C deficiency in maintenance hemodialysis patients and its effects on anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, pro-oxidation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In addition, we described the possible potential value of vitamin C in anemia, and the side effects of over-doses of vitamin C supplementation in this particular population.