Vitamins are the essential nutrients that everybody needs to be healthy. Vitamin intake is often fully met with a balanced, average diet, but for some, additional support is needed. Often those living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) find that due to the necessary lifestyle and diet adjustments they must make, they are unable to reach the advised vitamin thresholds. Certain types of supplements can help one maintain a healthy balance of vitamins; however, others can actually be harmful to those with compromised kidneys or immune systems. To support the health of a compromised kidney, it’s essential to understand the role vitamins play in one’s overall well-being and how supplements can be used safely.
At South Texas Renal Care Group, we understand exactly how difficult it can be to navigate the supplement aisle, especially for someone with specialized dietary needs. Before starting a supplement regimen, always consult your care team to ensure it’s the right plan for you; the following guidelines are for general advisement only and are intended to guide your discussion with your nephrologist.
The Role of Vitamins in Holistic Fitness (H2)
There are 13 types of vitamins needed in varying amounts to maintain the body’s functionality. These are divided into two classes of vitamins:
- Fat-soluble vitamins, which build up in the body and therefore need to be ingested less often.
- Water-soluble vitamins, which must be replaced daily as they do not accumulate within the body over time.
For those living with CKD or other kidney issues, fat-soluble vitamin needs are likely already met through their daily diet; they are more likely to be missing the correct mix of water-soluble vitamins to maintain optimal health.
Should a Kidney Patient Take Supplements? (H3)
The decision to take additional supplements to meet your vitamin needs is best made with proper medical advice from a team that is intimately familiar with your condition. Taking supplements that happen to contain those fat-soluble vitamins you are already ingesting through meals could result in a too-heavy buildup that your compromised kidneys are not able to handle. Call to schedule a consultation at one of our South Texas kidney care clinics if you suspect you may have kidney issues that require medical intervention.
Vitamin Supplements Kidney Patients Should Avoid (H2)
The following types of fat-soluble vitamin supplements are not generally recommended for those with kidney disease or on dialysis.
| Vitamin | Function |
| Vitamin A | Promotes tissue and cell growth |
| Vitamin E | Protects against heart disease by preventing cell oxidation and blocking free radicals |
| Vitamin K | Makes essential blood-clotting proteins and supports healthy bone formation |
Vitamin D is an unusual case among fat-soluble vitamins. While, like the others, too much of it can create an unhealthy buildup in the body, with CKD the body actually loses the ability to activate vitamin D as the kidneys lose their utility. Therefore, in certain cases of stage 4 or 5 renal disease, a qualified nephrologist may prescribe a vitamin D pill or injection formulated specifically for under-functioning kidneys.
Types of Vitamins a Nephrologist May Prescribe (H2)
Water-soluble vitamins may be recommended by your doctor or care team to help support kidney function.
| Vitamin | Function |
| Vitamin B1 | Promotes cell energy production and supports nervous system function |
| Vitamin B2 | Helps cell energy output, supporting skin and vision |
| Niacin | Helps process sugars and fatty acids, supports enzyme function, and promotes cell energy production |
| Vitamin B6 | Supports protein and red blood cell production |
| Folate | Promotes red blood cell output and DNA creation in new cells |
| Vitamin B12 | Important for new cell creation and nerve cell maintenance |
| Vitamin C | Supports iron absorption and immune system functionality, including the ability to heal cuts and wounds |
| Biotin | Promotes cell energy production and protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolization |
| Pantothenic Acid | Helps metabolize protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the body and increase cell energy output |
Ingesting the proper mix of these vitamins daily is essential for maintaining various body functions at the molecular level. With the dietary restrictions faced by someone with CKD, meals alone may not be enough to maintain the correct levels of each. Ask your doctor if taking a vitamin supplement may be beneficial in your circumstances.
Questions to Ask Your Kidney Team About Vitamin Supplements (H2)
Before adding vitamin supplements to your routine, be sure to consult your doctor, as they are medically qualified to address your unique needs.
- Do I need to take vitamin supplements?
Since not everyone with CKD needs supplements, you may not need to take them.
- Should I adjust my diet to ingest more vitamins?
Following a kidney-friendly diet may be sufficient to meet your vitamin needs.
- Are my vitamin levels currently too high or too low?
A blood test may reveal the answer; your healthcare team will have insight on how to check what supplement dose is right for you.
- Are over-the-counter supplements safe for me to take?
Over-the-counter supplements are generally safe, but a prescribed supplement specifically designed for kidney disease may be better for your condition.
Contact Texas Renal Care Group Today to Learn More (H2)
There is no ‘one size fits all’ multivitamin that meets the needs of everyone who faces Chronic Kidney Disease or otherwise reduced kidney function. While certain vitamin supplements are known to be recommended for kidney patients in general, a qualified nephrologist with intimate knowledge of your medical history will know precisely what mix of vitamins will best support your health. Call South Texas Renal Care Group today or request an appointment online to speak with our team.