The kidneys are responsible for filtering metabolic by-products and toxins out of the bloodstream, regulating blood volume and pressure and helping to maintain a proper balance of electrolytes and water in body fluids. According to proponents, supplementing with a number of nutrients, including methionine, inositol and choline, can support proper kidney function and treat a number of kidney problems.
Methionine
Methionine is an amino acid that provides the sulfur essential for a variety of metabolic processes, including the production of the antioxidant compounds believed to be instrumental in preventing cellular damage by free radicals, according to the Natural Therapy Pages website. Methionine is also thought to help the liver metabolize fat. Methionine cannot be synthesized in the body; it must be consumed in foods such as whole grains, meat, fish, onions, and legumes such as beans or lentils. However, the Puristat Digestive Wellness Center website reports that additional methionine supplementation can help repair the oxidative that the kidney experiences while it filters potentially harmful toxins out of the blood.
Inositol
In the body, inositol is responsible for regulating blood circulation, blood pressure and maintaining proper mental health, as well as being an integral part of the phospholipids that make up cell membranes, particularly in neural tissue, according to the Nutritional Supplements Health Guide. Inositol can be made within the body but is also found in grains such as oat flakes, wheat bran and brown rice; beans, especially soybeans; seeds; and fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, cabbage and citrus fruits like oranges. According to Diagnose Me.com, supplementing with the form of inositol known as inositol hexaphosphate can help prevent the development of kidney stones and, because of the antioxidant properties inositol is believed to display, it is also thought to prevent tissue damage in the kidneys, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website.
Choline
According to the World's Healthiest Foods site, choline is an essential B vitamin that is found primarily in foods such as cauliflower, oats, eggs--especially egg yolks--soybeans, peanuts, lentils and seeds like flax and sesame seeds. Choline is an important component of molecules that make up cell membranes and in acetylcholine, one of the most common neurotransmitters in the nervous system, according to Anyvitamins.com. The website reports that choline is required for the production of betaine, a compound used by the kidneys to regulate water levels in the body. Insufficient amounts of choline in the body are linked to impaired kidney function, including problems with filtering and concentrating urine, and possible kidney failure.
Amounts
No specific limits have been set on the proper supplementation levels of methionine, inositol or choline. However, Natural Therapy Pages advises using between 200 mg to 1,000 mg of methionine daily, Diagnose Me.com recommends between 2 to 4 g of inositol if you are attempting to prevent the development of kidney stones, and the Anyvitamins.com site recommends using no more than 3.5 g of choline daily.
Considerations
Although supporters of methionine, inositol and choline supplementation believe these nutrients can enhance and heal the kidneys, these claims are not supported or advocated by the Food and Drug Administration. According to the FDA, not enough clinical studies have been conducted on the three supplements and should not be used as a treatment for any medical condition. Before using methionine, inositol or choline, always consult your doctor.
