Photo: Alex Green

What vitamins can I take to help my kidneys?

CKD patients have greater requirements for some water soluble vitamins. Special renal vitamins are usually prescribed to kidney patients to provide the extra water soluble vitamins needed. Renal vitamins contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and a small dose of vitamin C.

kidneydoctornj.com - Nutrition: The ABCs of vitamins for kidney patients | Stuart M. Homer ...

Can prostatitis heal on its own?

In some cases, prostatitis can get better on its own, either because chronic prostate inflammation recedes or because the body is able to fight off...

Last updated Dec 6, 2019

Which ED pill Is Better Viagra or Cialis?

Effectiveness of all PDE5 inhibitors is similar; although reported effectiveness of Viagra, at 84% is slightly higher than that of Cialis at 81%....

Last updated May 28, 2020

Promotion

Kidney Disease Education | Nutrition:

The ABCs of vitamins for kidney patients BACK

According to the Institute of Medicine, the human body needs at least 13 vitamins to function properly. Following a balanced diet is the preferred way to get the recommended amount of these vitamins. People with kidney disease often cannot get enough of some vitamins.

necessary dietary restrictions

poor appetite

disruptions in meal times due to treatments and appointments

medication side effects

vitamin losses during the dialysis treatment

Reasons include:

Some vitamins must be limited or even avoided because levels build up in the body as the kidneys stop working. Below is an overview of the vitamins your body cannot do without and the dietary recommendations for patients with chronic kidney disease. Vitamin Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Vitamin B1 (thiamin) Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) Niacin Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Biotin Pantothenic Acid Role Promotes the growth of body cells and tissues; helps protect against infection, essential for night vision Helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus; deposits these minerals in bones and teeth; regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH) Antioxidant; helps protect body cells from oxidation and free radicals to protect against illnesses like heart disease and some types of cancer Helps make blood clotting proteins, important for healthy bone formation Helps the body’s cells produce energy from carbohydrates, helps nervous system work properly Helps cells produce energy, supports normal vision and healthy skin Helps the body use sugars and fatty acids; helps body cells produce energy; helps enzymes function in body; can be made from the amino acid tryptophan Helps the body make protein, which is then used to make cells; also helps make red blood cells; changes tryptophan (an amino acid) into niacin Helps make DNA for new body cells; works with vitamin B12 to make red blood cells Helps make new body cells; maintains nerve cells; works with folate to make red blood cells Helps the body absorb iron; helps manufacture collagen, form and repair red blood cells, bones and other tissues; keeps capillary walls and blood vessels firm; protects against bruising; maintains healthy gums and heals cuts and wounds; keeps immune system healthy Helps body cells produce energy; helps metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates in food Helps body cells produce energy; helps metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates CKD Recommendations Levels are usually elevated; supplementation not recommended, may cause toxic levels; if needed to treat deficiency, limit to the Daily Reference Intake (DRI) 700-900 ug/day In CKD the kidney loses the ability to make vitamin D active. Supplementation with special active vitamin D is determined by calcium, phosphorus and PTH levels and available only by physician prescription; dose must be individualized and monitored closely Supplement generally not needed; RDI is 8 to 10 milligrams per day. Very high doses (800 mg) may increase blood clotting time, especially for people on blood thinners. Supplements generally not needed unless long term poor intake combined with antibiotic therapy.

At what age is your brain the sharpest?

Scientists have long known that our ability to think quickly and recall information, also known as fluid intelligence, peaks around age 20 and then...

Last updated May 10, 2019

How can I improve my kidney and liver function?

Eat a balanced, whole foods diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy oils. Also, eat some foods specifically known for...

Last updated Aug 2, 2020

Promotion

Supplements can cause increased blood clotting and interfere with blood thinners 1.5 mg/day supplement recommended in addition to daily dietary intake 1.8 mg/day supplement for CKD on a low protein diet; 1.1-1.3 mg/day supplement for those on dialysis, especially with poor appetite 14 to 20 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD patients (dialysis and non-dialysis). Excess doses may cause flushing 5 mg/day supplement for CKD non-dialysis 10 mg/day supplement for dialysis. 50 mg/day when prescribed with folic acid and vitamin B12 to reduce homocysteine levels. Large doses (200 mg/day) over long period can cause nerve damage. 1.0 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD (dialysis and non-dialysis). Include vitamin B12 or check blood levels; folate supplements can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. 2-3 ug/day supplement recommended for CKD (dialysis and non-dialysis); deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage; Always include B12 supplement with folate. 60-100 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD patients (dialysis and non-dialysis). Excess intake may cause oxalate deposits in bone and soft tissues 30-100 ug/day supplement recommended for CKD patients (dialysis and non-dialysis); dietary intake may be inadequate on a low protein diet 5 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD patients (dialysis and non-dialysis)

Fat soluble vitaminsWhich vitamins do I need if I have CKD?

Vitamins fall into two classes: fat soluble and water soluble. Water soluble vitamins do not build up in the body and must be replaced daily from the diet. CKD patients have greater requirements for some water soluble vitamins. Special renal vitamins are usually prescribed to kidney patients to provide the extra water soluble vitamins needed. Renal vitamins contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and a small dose of vitamin C.

Which vitamins do I need to avoid if I have CKD?

The fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are more likely to build up in your body, so these are avoided unless prescribed by your kidney doctor. Vitamin A is especially a concern, as toxic levels may occur with daily supplements. The kidney doctor decides if a vitamin D supplement is needed based on blood tests that measure calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. As CKD progresses, the kidney’s ability to activate vitamin D is lost. A special activated vitamin D may be prescribed along with blood work to monitor calcium and PTH levels.

Where does prostate cancer usually occur first?

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland. It starts when cells in the prostate grow out of control. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of...

Last updated Aug 25, 2020

How often do couples in their 80s make love?

In the New England Journal of Medicine study, though just over a quarter of participants ages 75 to 85 said they had sex in the last year, more...

Last updated Apr 26, 2019

Promotion

Vitamin C supplements are recommended in a 60 to 100 mg dose. There is concern that if you have CKD, taking very high doses of vitamin C can cause a build up of oxalate, which can be deposited in the bones and soft tissues.

How do I find out if I need to take vitamins?

If your doctor has not prescribed a vitamin supplement, ask if you could benefit from taking one. Only use the vitamin supplement approved by your kidney doctor or dietitian. Supplements such as popular multivitamins and super-strength vitamin products may contain vitamins or minerals that should be limited or avoided in CKD.

kidneydoctornj.com - Nutrition: The ABCs of vitamins for kidney patients | Stuart M. Homer ...

What races live longer?

Racial gaps in life expectancy have long been recognized. The same CDC data show that nationally, Hispanic Americans have the longest life...

Last updated Apr 11, 2021

Is an enlarged prostate an emergency?

This is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. Even if this is corrected, you might still need a catheter to urinate. Another...

Last updated Feb 6, 2021

Promotion

What is the mortality rate of BPH?

The estimate of mortality risk after endourologic surgery for BPH varies significantly, even among large-scale studies: 0.1–0.62% after TURP,...

Last updated Dec 28, 2018

Promotion

How do I know if ashwagandha is working?

If you're feeling more calm and relaxed, that's a good sign that the ashwagandha is working. You may also notice an improvement in your sleep...

Last updated Sep 2, 2021