Dietary Patterns, Dietary Adequacy and Nutrient Intake in Adults Commencing Peritoneal Dialysis: Outcomes from a Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Optimal dietary intake is integral to good health in people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). We investigated how dietary patterns, dietary adequacy and nutrient intake may change over time in people commencing PD. (2) Methods: Participants were attending the PD training unit for the commencement of peritoneal dialysis, aged ≥18 years and willing to complete food records. Misreporters were excluded from the analysis. Dietary intake was compared at PD commencement and at 12 months. Intake was also compared to reference standards. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis. (3) Results: There were no significant changes between baseline and 12 months for grains, fruit, vegetables and meat. Dairy and added sugar intake was significantly lower (p = 0.01). The intake of energy and protein was adequate and did not change. There was a significant reduction in dietary phosphorus and calcium, and increased vitamin C intake. Three dietary patterns were identified: the ‘Bread and Cereal’ pattern; ‘Milk and Potatoes’ pattern; and the ‘Semi Vegetarian’ pattern. (4) Conclusions: In this longitudinal cohort study, the diet quality was suboptimal and there were limited changes in intake after the commencement of PD. Further exploration of how dietary patterns may impact outcomes and quality of life is warranted.