Micronutrient supplementation in maintenance haemodialysis patients enhances activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Background: Haemodialysis patients are exposed to high levels of oxidative stress, perhaps contributing to increased rates of cardiovascular and malignant disease. In this context, the body's defence mechanisms against oxidative insult, including activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), are known to be deranged.

Methods: This randomised double-blind study assessed the effects of a novel micronutrient cocktail containing physiological doses of antioxidant vitamins and trace minerals on antioxidant enzyme activity in maintenance haemodialysis.