NZ clinical team develops specialised nutrient

NZ clinical team develops specialised nutrient support for kidney patients

New Zealand patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) will benefit from a unique collaboration between renal and nutrition specialists and a local supplements company on a specialised nutrient support which is now funded by PHARMAC.

Many patients with stage 5 CKD or those on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis can now access on prescription, Clinicians Renal Vit, a specialised combination of nutrients to support their overall health.

The product is unique to the New Zealand market and is suitable for patients with all stages of kidney disease. The supplement is also available for purchase over-the-counter at pharmacies. Around 400,000 New Zealanders have mild to severe CKD.

Renal Vit was developed by Douglas Pharmaceuticals under its Clinicians health supplements brand following an approach by a renal dietitian Lyn Lloyd and two kidney specialists Emeritus Professor Ian Simpson and Dr David Voss. The specialists were concerned that patients with reduced kidney function were not receiving the correct combination of nutrients to help with their condition.

There is clinical evidence for better survival of people who have CKD when they take appropriate supplements. There is also evidence of inadequate nutrient intake in New Zealanders with CKD including Maori and Pacific people.

For a number of reasons, people with reduced kidney function are less able to get sufficient nutrients from their diet. They can also lose vitamins during their dialysis treatment. This can leave people with CKD deficient in some nutrients compounding their health issues.

Renal dietitians and renal physicians have been concerned for some time that supplements available for patients with CKD were inadequate in some areas and contained some vitamins and minerals that should be avoided altogether.

“We are delighted that our patients will now have access to a suitable supplement that meets their daily needs,” say the specialists.

“We were pleased to work with the specialists to develop a clinically-researched blend of essential vitamins and minerals in safe and appropriate doses for people with CKD. We applied to PHARMAC for funding for Clinicians Renal Vit as we believe this unique product offers innovation and benefits for many patients,” says Carl Petersen, general manager, Douglas Pharmaceuticals NZ.

Always read the label and use as directed. Supplementary to a balanced diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their Doctor before taking supplements. RRP for bottle of 30 capsules is $17.50.

ENDS

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