Gut Microbiome Mediated Effects of Inulin Supplementation on Mineral and Bone Metabolism in Hemodialysis Patients

In this randomized controlled cross-over study, twenty HD patients (10 male/10 female, aged
20-80) will be recruited from local dialysis clinics in Champaign-Urbana, IL. After baseline
testing, patients will be randomized to the intervention group or placebo group
(maltodextrin). Patients will consume inulin (females 10g/day, males 15g/day) or maltodextrin
(females 10g/day, males 15g/day) for one month, rest for two weeks (washout period), and
continue with the other treatment (either inulin or maltodextrin) for another month. Outcomes
will be assessed at the beginning of each period and after a month of supplementation at both
periods.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Receive HD therapy 3 days per week and for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

- Sustained hypercalcemia (>3months).

- Previous major gastrointestinal disease diagnosis (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease
and celiac disease).

- Antibiotic treatment < 2 weeks prior the start of the study.