Zinc supplementation at conventional doses does not improve the disturbance of taste perception in hemodialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of zinc supplementation on taste perception in a group of hemodialysis patients.


METHODS
Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study in a teaching hospital dialysis unit.


METHODS
Fifteen stable hemodialysis patients randomized to placebo (6 male, 2 female; median age, 67; range, 30 to 72 years) or treatment (5 male, 2 female; median age, 60; range, 31 to 76 years).


METHODS
Treatment group received zinc sulfate 220 mg per day for 6 weeks, and the placebo group received an apparently identical dummy pill.


METHODS
Taste scores by visual analogue scales, normalized protein catabolic rate and plasma, whole blood and red cell zinc levels.


RESULTS
At baseline, sweet and salt tastes were identified correctly by both groups. Sour was often confused with salt. Sour solutions of different concentrations were not distinguishable. Taste scores were not different after 6 weeks for either group. There was no significant increment in zinc levels or normalized protein catabolic rate for either group.


CONCLUSIONS
We found a disturbance of taste perception in hemodialysis patients, particularly for the sour modality, which was not corrected by this regimen of zinc supplementation. These results cast doubts on the conclusions of earlier studies that indicated an improvement in taste after zinc supplementation.
Matson
Andrew
A
Leeds University Medical School, Leeds, UK.
Wright
Mark
M
Oliver
Alister
A
Woodrow
Graham
G
King
Neil
N
Dye
Louise
L
Blundell
John
J
Brownjohn
Aleck
A
Turney
John
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects*; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood; D019287:Zinc Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*
D019287:Zinc Sulfate; D015032:Zinc