Adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals are needed for a healthy body; however, obtaining enough of many of these nutrients may be difficult for a patient who has renal disease, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Renal patients often have to take supplements to get enough vitamins but a regular multivitamin is not an acceptable substitution. Certain vitamins are more difficult for the renal patient to eliminate and could lead to physical problems. These patients should work with their physician and dietitian to determine which supplements are needed and the dosage.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb both calcium and phosphorus; a vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakening in the bones and teeth, according to KidneyPatientGuide.co.uk. In kidney failure, the body loses the ability to activate the form of vitamin D that comes in the average multivitamin. Patients with renal disease are often prescribed an activated form of vitamin D; however, the amount that the doctor prescribes depends on the levels of phosphorus and calcium in the body, according to DaVita.com. The physician will monitor the levels of the minerals in the body and adjust the dose of the activated vitamin D as needed.
B Vitamins
Patients with renal disease are often prescribed water-soluble vitamins like vitamin B or C; water-soluble vitamins can be lost from the body each day or during the dialysis process, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Examples of B vitamins include vitamin B1 and B12 which help the nervous system; vitamin B2 and niacin which help the cells produce energy; and vitamin B6 and folate which help create red blood cells, according to DaVita.com. Patients can use regular supplements for vitamin B but they may need more than what typical supplements may contain; the doctor may prescribe a special renal vitamin that contains higher levels of these vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another water-soluble vitamin; patients with chronic kidney disease may need additional doses of this nutrient. Vitamin C assists in the repair of tissues and helps the body absorb iron, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. The physician will work with the patient to determine how much extra vitamin C is needed.
Iron
Patients with kidney disease often have problems with anemia, according to the National Kidney Foundation. These patients need extra iron supplementation which is generally prescribed by the physician. The amount of iron needed will be monitored along with the blood count. The iron can be taken by mouth or be given by injection.
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