Vitamin C supplementation in patients on maintenance dialysis

摘要

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.