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Improvement of uremic hypogeusia by zinc: a double-blind study.

Abstract
Diminished taste acuity may account for the persistence of protein and caloric malnutrition observed in a majority of hemodialysis patients inspite of liberalization of the prescribed amount of dietary protein. Twenty-two patients undergoing thrice weekly hemodialysis for more than 6 months were tested for taste acuity and plasma zinc concentration, after which a double-blind study was instituted using a zinc supplement (50 mg of elemental zinc as zinc acetate per day) or a placebo. The threshold of taste detection and recognition for salt (NaCl), sweet (sucrose), and bitter (urea) but not for sour (HCl) improved significantly in all patients on zinc supplementation. None of these parameters improved in those taking placebo. During the study period, the mean plasma zinc level increased from 75 +/- 8 to 97 +/- 10 microgram/dl (P less than 0.001) in patients receiving zinc acetate. There was not significant change in plasma zinc level in the placebo group (75 +/- 15 to 80 +/- 15). The results of this study show that uremic hypogeusia improved in association with zinc supplementation and elevation of plasma zinc concentration.
AuthorsS K Mahajan, A S Prasad, J Lambujon, A A Abbasi, W A Briggs, F D McDonald
JournalThe American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 33 Issue 7 Pg. 1517-21 (Jul 1980) ISSN: 0002-9165 [Print] United States
PMID6772011 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
Chemical References
  • Placebos
  • Zinc
Topics
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic (complications)
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos
  • Protein-Energy Malnutrition (etiology)
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Taste Disorders (drug therapy, etiology)
  • Taste Threshold
  • Zinc (blood, therapeutic use)

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