Cathy J. Walker R.D., L.D.N.

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Protein Supplements in Renal Dialysis. Do they
Really Work?

• Cathy J. Walker R.D., L.D.N.
• Renal Dietitian
• Provena St Marys Dialysis Centers
• Kankakee, IL 815-937-3077

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Our Ideal Renal Supplement

• Maximum improvement in Albumin with minimal
  increase in Phosphorus
• Protein without unnecessary Calories
• Easy to use / Add to foods
• Acceptable taste and texture
• Affordable, covered by insurance

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Right Place, Right Time?

• Involved w/ Development of Protein Supplement
  specifically for Renal Pts.
• Whey Protein Isolates
• Calcium Caseinate (Phosphate binder)
• Arginine
• Carnitine

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Albumax Information

• 1 serving / scoop is one Tablespoon
• 125 scoops per container
• Low in Na, K, P and Ca
• www.albumax.com

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Full Disclosure

• Theoretically, I stand to gain financially from
  the Sale of Albumax
• Involved in the design of the product
• So farno plans to quit my day job

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Taste Test at Dialysis

• Cases of Protein Supplement arrive at the
  Dialysis unit ?
• Pts get free Protein Supplement ?
• Develop recipes
• Track results

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Taste and Texture

• Most Pts found no taste / flavor
• Strong odor from Whey Protein
• Approx. 75 of pts who tried the product used it
  successfully
• Reasons for drop-outs hospitalization or NH
  placement, disliked odor/ taste, didnt want to
  use any supplements, its just one more thing I
  dont want to do
• Company decides to add vanilla (for scent)

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OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE
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Controlled Studies Needed

• Potential factors effecting results
• pt compliance to Albumax dose
• pt compliance to phosphate binders
• hospitalizations (Albumax not available)
• complications that reduce albumin
• changes in prescribed binders/dose
• dietary changes in phosphorus food intake
• dietary changes in protein intake (up or down)

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Conclusions

• Albumax improved albumin levels by 10 compared
  to 3 for other proteins
• Other Proteins increased phosphorus by 16
  compared to only 6 for Albumax

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Questions?