China: A recent meta-analysis, published in BMC Nephrology, has found that sugar-free chewing gum may help reduce xerostomia and thirst intensity. The researchers found that stronger effects were seen in interventions lasting six weeks or longer, though no significant duration-related outcomes were confirmed. Its effectiveness varied by control type, showing benefits over non-intervention but not over active controls. While no improvements were found in salivary flow rate, overall DTI score, or interdialysis weight gain (IDWG), chewing gum appears to be a practical, low-cost adjunct for symptom management.

Lei-Wen Tang and colleagues from the Nursing Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China , aimed to assess whether chewing sug

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