Key Things To Know Before Taking Supplements
Getting enough nutrients every day is important for health. Nutrients give you the energy to complete daily tasks, build muscle, repair body tissue, prevent infection and maintain a healthy weight. The key nutrients are protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Your body needs all of these every day.
Most people get enough nutrients by eating a wide variety of foods each day. However, if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, you may need to limit some foods that would normally give you enough nutrients for good health. Also, kidney disease and kidney failure can change the way your body processes certain nutrients, so supplements can help ensure that youre getting all of the nutrients you need. Many supplements are available, but some are made just for people with kidney disease, diabetes, or kidney failure.
Its very important to check with your healthcare provider or dietitian before taking any supplements because some can actually be quite harmful to people with kidney disease or kidney failure. Your healthcare provider can tell you which specific supplements are right for you. Here are 8 key things to know:
At any stage of kidney disease, talk with your healthcare provider before you take any kind of nutritional supplement.
COVID-19 patients can become kidney patients.
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Enjoy This Triple Berry Recipe
This summer, we want to make a difference for yourself or someone you love who struggles with kidney disease and enjoy this Triple Berry kidney-friendly smoothie recipe with multi-benefits.
-Ask your nephrologist and renal dietitian before preparing and consuming this recipe. Every person has different needs.-
You can also download the FREE FKP recipe book with 13 KIDNEY-FRIENDLY DELICIOUS SMOOTHIES that can be enjoyed with the whole family we created in collaboration with the Renal Dietitian, Chelsea Couceiro, RDN, LDN.
Your kidneys regulate the daily balance between your intake of water and salt.
Getting sufficient nutrients from a healthy diet can help you improve kidney function, but you donât typically need vitamin supplements for this purpose, according to a March 2014 review in Sports Medicine.
In fact, overloading your body with vitamins can damage your kidneys. Speak with your health care provider before using dietary supplements.
Read More: Signs and Symptoms of Enlarged Kidneys
Kidney Absorption And Storage
Your kidneys are responsible for filtering many nutrients out of the blood and lymph, including vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins, such as folate. In addition to vitamin conservation, tubular uptake by the kidneys is important for vitamin metabolism, storage and homeostasis, according to a study published in a 2006 edition of the medical journal “Renal Physiology.” For people with chronic kidney failure or acute kidney injuries, higher levels of vitamins and other nutrients typically are excreted in urine. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood indicate tioo little B-12 in your body. Homocysteine damages blood vessels and is linked to cardiovascular disease.
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Too Much Of A Good Thing High Doses Of Vitamin D Can Lead To Kidney Failure
- Date:
- Canadian Medical Association Journal
- Summary:
- A 54-year-old man, after returning from a trip to Southeast Asia where he spent much of his holiday sunbathing, showed increased levels of creatinine, suggesting kidney damage or malfunction. After referral to a kidney specialist and further testing, it was discovered that he had been prescribed high doses of vitamin D by a naturopath, who recommended a dose of 8 drops every day. Over 2 ½ years, the patient, who did not have a history of bone loss or vitamin D deficiency, took 8-12 drops of vitamin D daily, totalling 8000-12,000 IU. As a result, he had very high levels of calcium in the blood, which left him with significant kidney damage.
A 54-year-old man, after returning from a trip to Southeast Asia where he spent much of his holiday sunbathing, showed increased levels of creatinine, suggesting kidney damage or malfunction. After referral to a kidney specialist and further testing, it was discovered that he had been prescribed high doses of vitamin D by a naturopath, who recommended a dose of 8 drops every day. Over 2 ½ years, the patient, who did not have a history of bone loss or vitamin D deficiency, took 8-12 drops of vitamin D daily, totalling 8000-12,000 IU. As a result, he had very high levels of calcium in the blood, which left him with significant kidney damage.
The recommended daily allowance is 400-1000 IU, with 800-2000 IU recommended for adults at high-risk of osteoporosis and for older adults.
Test Your Kidney Function If Youre At High Risk:
If you fall into a high-risk category for kidney disease or damage, regular testing is a great way to be sure of your kidney health and check for damage or early warning signs. If youre worrying over what vitamins are good for kidneys and fit into one of the following categories, you might want to get screened:
- People over 60
- People who suspect they have kidney damage
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Renoprotective Effects Of Vitamin C
In a recent animal study, 24 adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three groups: Group I received sevoflurane only, whereas Groups II and III additionally received moderate and high doses of ascorbic acid. The study found a dose-dependent reduction of acute tubular necrosis in the ascorbic acid group . In patients with severe sepsis and septic shock treated with colistin according to a modified pharmacokineticspharmacodynamics -based dosing strategy, Dalfino et al. identified baseline renal impairment and older age as strong predictors of AKI occurrence. Concomitant administration of ascorbic acid markedly reduced AKI risk . In the beforeafter study of Marik, less patients received RRT for AKI in the group receiving ascorbic acid .
Exercise And Kidney Health
Research has demonstrated several benefits of physical activity for individuals with CKD. A recent meta-analysis found that aerobic exercise is associated with improved cardiorespiratory function, exercise duration, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and quality of life in patients with CKD. Physical activity can also contribute to prevention by improving metabolic risk factors, which may protect kidney function.
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Staying Fit And Physically Active
Regular exercise has been shown to improve almost every aspect of health, from reducing blood pressure to improving mental health, but thankfully you dont have to run marathons to benefit: Even low-impact exercise like walking and dancing are good for your health, so find an activity that keeps you active and having fun and stop worrying about what vitamins are good for kidneys.
Our Top Ten Product Review
After our thorough research, countless hours of digging through the labels and manuals of different supplements, and going through different fact sheets, we were finally ready to present you with our list of top 10 kidney supplements. So, sit back and read on to find the supplement that would suit your needs the best.
The Founders of Nested Naturals, Mr. Kevin and Mr. Jeremy sought out a way to get stronger and fitter and decided that supplements were an integral part of this journey. What seemed like an easy task turned out to be very difficult to achieve: Finding the right supplement. They came across supplements and different companies but were hard-pressed to find one that had transparency and honesty.
So, in an attempt to reverse this situation and actually find the right supplements for their fitness routine, they established Nested Naturals. Unwilling to repeat the mistakes by other manufacturers, Nested naturals chose to set an example by using natural ingredients of the highest quality, combined with scientific research to produce the perfect formulae. They label all their ingredients properly and mention their products shortcomings openly.
Top Choice
This supplement improves all aspects of kidney function using a varied, expertly put together range of effective, potent ingredients. It has the added bonus of curing UTIs in most males!
Benefits:
Directions:
Side-Effects:
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What Is A Good Breakfast For Kidney Disease
For a change, try hot cereal like oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream of rice, or Malto-meal. Buy the original versions without added salt. Add brown sugar, blueberries, or a scattering of raisins. Southern favorites like corn meal mush and grits, with a dab of butter or honey, make great breakfast cereals too.
What Is Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is critical to tissue growth and repair in our bodies. Vitamin C helps to heal wounds, form scar tissue, maintain structure of bones and teeth, and absorb iron. Signs of vitamin C deficiency, commonly known as scurvy, include leg weakness, easy skin bruising, and swollen gums. Vitamin C deficiency is relatively uncommon in the United States and Canada because many food items such as juices are fortified with vitamin C. Vitamin C is found naturally in foods such as oranges, guavas, sweet peppers, grapefruits, and kiwis.
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Vitamin B Pantothenic Acid
Function
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B, assists in the process of creating and breaking down fatty acids. Making these fatty acids is essential for humans and helps us create our own cholesterol, store energy, and more.
Forms of Pantothenic Acid
About 85% of pantothenic acid in food is in the form of CoA or phosphopantetheine. Your body then breaks it down and shifts around the molecules to create a usable form for itself to help carry out necessary bodily functions.
The good bacteria in your gut, known as the microbiome, also create pantothenic acid but not in significant amounts.
Some dietary supplements contain pantethine, which is a byproduct of pantothenic acid and is commonly marketed as a way to lower cholesterol.
Recommended Intake and Deficiency
The adequate intake for pantothenic acid for adult men and women 14 years and older is 5mg per day. Since pantothenic acid is found in such a wide range of foods, deficiency is uncommon, especially in the US.
Deficiency is mostly reserved to those who are experiencing overall severe malnutrition and is accompanied by other vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A deficiency presents itself with numbness and burning in extremities, headache, fatigue, and irritability.
Tolerable Upper Level Intake
Drug-Nutrient Interactions with Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid may alter the effects of the medications listed below. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new supplement routine.
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Can Vitamin C Cause Kidney Stones
Some people who take high amounts of vitamins C and E have been shown to be at increased risk of developing stones in their kidneys. People who have had calcium oxalate stones in the past or have a family history of these stones are more likely to be this way.
Contents
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Eating Healthily And Monitoring Your Diet
An unhealthy diet high in sugar and sodium can damage much more than your waistline, as overweight or obese people are at much higher risk of diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. In order to support healthy kidneys, you should try to eat a low sodium diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables such as whole grains, blueberries, and fish.
Calcium: The Excess Settles In Your Arteries
Calcium is essential for strong bones and a healthy heart, but too much is not a good thing. In fact, an excess of calcium, which is described by the NIH as more than 2,500 mg per day for adults ages 19 to 50, and more than 2,000 mg per day for individuals 51 and over, can lead to problems.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Researchers believe that without adequate vitamin D to help absorb it, the extra calcium settles in the arteries instead of the bones.
In addition, an analysis of 10 years of medical tests on more than 2,700 people in a federally funded heart disease study, published October 10, 2016, in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggested that taking calcium supplements may increase plaque buildup in the aorta and other arteries. In contrast, a diet high in calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products and leafy greens, appeared to be protective.
Get calcium from your diet if you can, advises Dr. Millstine, noting that research shows that calcium is better absorbed through food than through supplements.
Calcium deficiency, or hypocalcemia, may be detected by routine blood tests. If you have low calcium blood levels, your doctor may prescribe a calcium supplement.
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How To Improve Kidney Health
Your kidneys are responsible for flushing toxins out of our body by filtering blood and expelling excess water and other impurities into the bladder, where they are expelled in urine. By keeping your kidneys healthy, your body will be able to properly expel waste and regulate blood pressure, so make sure to follow these tips if you want to keep your kidneys working better for longer:
How To Strengthen Liver And Kidneys Naturally
Because your kidneys are so important to your general health, you should take steps to improve their health wherever possible, though you might be wondering exactly how to do this. The best way to improve or maintain your kidney health is by leading an active, health-conscious lifestyle, but if you have a chronic health condition that increases your risk of kidney damage, there are other ways to naturally strengthen your liver and kidneys, such as:
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Vitamin D: The Kidney Vitamin
Many Americans are deficient in an important vitaminvitamin D. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionâs latest information has found that more than one-half of Americans of all ages have low levels of vitamin D. More and more information is pointing to how important vitamin D is to the body, especially the strength of bones.
In addition to maintaining healthy bones, newer research shows that vitamin D may also protect against heart disease. In fact, people with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular disease in one study.
Talk with your doctor or dietitian before taking any vitamins that are not ordered for you. There are different types of vitamin D. Your doctor will be very specific about the type and amount you should be taking.
Why is vitamin D connected to the kidney? The kidneys are an important part of helping the body use vitamin D. Vitamin D comes from two sources in people. It could either be exposure to the sunâs ultraviolet B radiation. Or, it is absorbed from food or food supplements. The kidneys have an important role in making vitamin D useful to the body. The kidneys convert vitamin D from supplements or the sun to the active form of vitamin D that is needed by the body. With chronic kidney disease, low vitamin D levels can be found, sometimes even severely low levels. This may occur because injured kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D into its active form.
COVID-19 patients can become kidney patients.
Monitor Your Over The Counter Pill Intake
If you regularly take over the counter pain meds, you could be damaging your kidneys without realising it: Regular use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen can cause kidney damage, but if you dont have any existing kidney issues and only take these drugs occasionally, youre probably okay.
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Vitamins For Kidneys: B
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Its easy to think that grabbing any daily multivitamin at the store would better your health. However, in the case that you have CKD, this isnt all that true. Everyone with kidney problems has different needs for various vitamins and minerals, but how do you know what vitamins for kidneys to get?
There are varying dosages, different names for the same vitamins, store brands vs name brands, and the list goes on.
Dont stress! This is the second to a multi-series guide that lays out all the essential vitamins and minerals. This articles gives special attention to the best vitamins for kidneys.
This article was written by dietetic student Alexia Davila and reviewed by Jen Hernandez RDN, CSR, LDN.
This article contains affiliate links in which I earn a small percentage of sales, at no expense to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This supports my website and ability to write up more helpful content thank you for your support!
Please note: the dosage recommendations in this post are based on the Dietary Reference Intakes , which include Adequate Intake , Recommended Daily Allowance , and Estimated Average Requirements that are developed by the Institute of Medicine and serve as a base guideline for vitamins and minerals in this article. Recommendations are not meant to be taken as medical advice. Talk with your medical provider about what dosages are right for you.
Oxalate Stones And Nephropathy
High-dose vitamin C increases oxalate excretion and may cause oxalate crystallization, stone formation and nephropathy in susceptible patients. Several cases have been reported in patients receiving vitamin C supplements . Gender is a risk factor for dose-dependent oxalate stone formation . A vitamin C dose above 1000 mg/day was not associated with renal stone formation in women, yet 700 mg/day sufficed to induce stones in men . Apart from primary hyperoxaluria, a rare inborn error of metabolism, risk factors include fat malabsorption due to small bowel resection, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis or gastric bypass , underlying chronic kidney disease, urinary outflow obstruction . However, in a recent prospective case series exploring high-dose vitamin C , no renal stones or kidney injury were reported .
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