Effects of zinc in chronic hemodialysis.

Ten male patients requiring maintenance hemodialysis were given zinc in the dialysate (400 micrograms/liter) or placebo in a double-blind crossover experiment. Sexual activity, depression ratings, and hematocrit were unchanged while subjective appreciation of food taste and smell was significantly less during zinc than placebo condition. No patients who were sexually inactive while receiving placebo became sexually active while receiving zinc.