Correlation between dietary zinc intake and the development of renal osteodystrophy

Dietary zinc intake was examined by using a check list for estimating dietary habits in 48 non-diabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis, to determine if zinc metabolism has a role in the development of renal osteodystrophy. A significant correlation between the zinc intake score (zinc score), an increase in the serum parathyroid hormone level (PTH-c ng/ml/year; ΔPTH) and a decrease in bone density (ΣGS/D/year; Δbone density) was documented by multiple linear regression analysis using a mathematical model. The following regression equation was obtained: Δbone density=-0.070+0.016 zinc score -0.014 ΔPTH (r2=0.48, p=0.02). The probability and accuracy of this model was confirmed by the one-way analysis of variance method. These results suggest that adequate dietary zinc intake may prevent the development of renal osteodystrophy in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.