Your guide to supplements for kidney health

Many vitamins and supplements are available on the market to support your health, but they all have different benefits and are good for different purposes. Some may be better than others to support kidney health.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that happens when your kidneys are damaged and can no longer filter blood as they should. There’s no cure for CKD, but the proper treatment can help reduce symptoms and slow its progression.

Vitamins and supplements may form part of a healthy lifestyle in CKD management, and they may address some deficiencies that could be contributing to your condition. Understanding the benefits and risks of different supplements can help you on your treatment journey.

It’s important to always speak with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine. They will be able to guide you and provide advice about what to take and avoid.

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Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for your body. It helps with various processes, including maintaining bone health, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall immune function. Vitamin D deficiency is very common, but it can have a range of effects on your health.

According to some 2024 research, up to 80% of people with CKD also have a vitamin D deficiency. This may be because your kidneys can no longer effectively convert the vitamin into its active form for your cells to use. What’s more, vitamin D deficiency may worsen kidney function with CKD.

According to a 2023 research review, supplementation with vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is effective and safe for people with CKD, preventing complications associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D supplements are available OTC, or doctors may prescribe an injectable form if your deficiency is severe.

Too much vitamin D can result in some adverse effects, including:

• muscle weakness
• dehydration
• nausea and vomiting

It’s also important to note that too much vitamin D may damage your kidneys by causing a buildup of calcium in your blood. If you have CKD, only take vitamin D supplements if a doctor has advised you.

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B vitamins

B vitamins are a group of vitamins that help with your metabolism, immune function, and overall growth and development. Examples of B vitamins include:

• thiamine (vitamin B1)
• riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• niacin (vitamin B3)
• pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
• cobalamin (vitamin B12)

There is a link between deficiencies in B vitamins and CKD and diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, doctors might recommend supplementation with B vitamins to help support your overall health while you receive treatment for CKD.

However, there may be some risks with vitamin B supplementation. High levels of B vitamins may cause some side effects, such as:

• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• fatigue
• high blood sugar levels
• dehydration

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart health, brain health, and immune function. Your body cannot produce them naturally, so it’s important to get omega-3 from food and supplements. Food sources include fatty fish, seafood, and some nuts and seeds.

Some 2023 research suggests that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood sources are associated with a lower risk of CKD, so it’s likely that they’re also beneficial in supporting kidney health. And a 2021 review suggests that omega-3 intake can help prevent CKD from progressing to end stage kidney disease.

The side effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements are usually mild and include:

• an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• bad breath
• foul-smelling sweat
• heartburn
• headaches

Probiotics

Probiotics supplements contain healthy, live bacteria and yeasts that can help balance the bacteria in your gut, known as the microbiome.

Probiotics may be beneficial because they may reduce inflammation in people with CKD. They can also support immune function and your overall health.

Probiotics are available in some foods, but you can also get them as OTC dietary supplements.

Speaking with a doctor

It’s always important to speak with a healthcare professional before adding any new vitamins or supplements to your regimen, especially if you have a chronic condition like CKD. There are some vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, and K, that doctors may recommend avoiding.

For this reason, it may be best to avoid OTC multivitamins, as it can be difficult to know exactly what vitamins they contain. If you have any concerns, speak with a healthcare professional for advice.

Summary

OTC dietary supplements can be a good option to support your overall health and kidney function. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition like CKD.

For example, many people with CKD have vitamin D deficiencies, so vitamin D supplementation is recommended. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of your condition.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your diet, especially if you have a condition like CKD.

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