Plasma Vitamin-A Levels in Children on CAPD

Abstract

Accumulation of vitamin A in patients with renal failure was first described in the 1940's. This study reports dietary intake and plasma concentration of vitamin A in children undergoing CAPD. Dialysate loss of vitamin A was also evaluated. Eight children (mean age 12 years) were studied who had been on CAPD from nine months to five years. Vitamin supplements were discontinued for three weeks before the study and a three-day dietary record was obtained.

Mean plasma vitamin A concentration was 617 μg/dl with a range of 342 to 1051 μg/dl. No vitamin A was detected in the dialysate. Mean dietary intake was 944 retinol equivalents per day, which is equivalent to a mean per cent RDA of 125. Dietary vitamin A ranged from 62 to 262% of the RDA.

Not only should these patients avoid supplements containing vitamin A but the individual should monitor dietary intake of vitamin A and avoid intake in excess of the RDA.