Effect of Vitamin D on Iron Availability and Inflammation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of the effectiveness of cholecalciferol supplementation in haemodialysis patients: the impact on iron availability and inflammation
IRAS ID
161575
Contact name
Sharon Huish
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UHCW NHS Trust
Research summary
The kidney makes the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) which is required, along with iron to produce red blood cells (RBCs) which carry oxygen around the body. Kidney failure results in a lack of EPO causing a shortage of RBCs known as anaemia. EPO can be given as an injection but the problem is that EPO only works well if there is enough iron available and if levels of inflammation in the body are low. Treatment resistant patients (patients that remain anaemic) need much higher EPO doses. This has been linked to high blood pressure and premature death.
Low vitamin D blood levels are very common in people with advanced kidney failure and are associated with higher EPO requirements. There is evidence that vitamin D has a role in iron transport and inflammatory process. We propose that vitamin D supplementation will reduce blood markers of inflammation and blood levels of the iron transport inhibitor known as hepcidin.
Vitamin D is cheap and supplementation in this patient group is proven to be safe. Our NHS Trust have decided to introduce vitamin D supplementation as part of routine care for patients requiring a kidney replacement therapy known as haemodialysis. This research project has been designed around this planned change in routine care.
Blood samples before and after the introduction of vitamin D supplementation will be collected and compared in order to assess whether increased vitamin D blood levels results in reduced inflammation and improved iron availability. It is hoped that positive outcomes will inform further research and influence national guidelines for vitamin D supplementation in haemodialysis patients.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1088
Date of REC Opinion
28 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion