3. Status of vitamin E in HD patients

The level of vitamin E in HD patients is influenced by dietary intake, particularities in metabolism and clearance. The plasma level of vitamin E is usually normal, even though there are studies that found predialysis low levels of alpha-tocopherol. However, the number of patients included was small and similar results have not been identified in other larger studies. Gastrointestinal disturbances in uremic patients might lead to poor absorption and this could be an explanation for low plasma levels of vitamin E identified in some HD patients, while increased consumption is another one [1–4].

Profile of vitamin E status in these patients is as follows:

