The kidneys and gallbladder are part of your body's filtration and digestive systems. According to the National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, your kidneys filter about 200 quarts of blood daily. It adds that anemia, the decreased production of red blood cells, is common in people with kidney disease. Certain groups of vitamins, particularly B6, B12 and folate can help prevent or reverse anemia by improving the functioning of iron in your blood. The gallbladder stores excess bile, a substance used to break down fats you consume. Supplemental vitamins may help maintain or improve the health of both the kidneys and gallbladder. See your doctor before using any vitamin supplement.
B Complex
The B-complex family of vitamins, which includes thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) and cobalamin (B12), are water-soluble vitamins that help keep your tissues and organs healthy. The gallbladder's effect in facilitating digestion to make food into fuel is similar to that of a subgroup of the B-complex vitamins. Thiamine, riboflavin and pantothenic acid also work synergistically to convert food into usable fuel for your body. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you eat foods rich in B vitamins such as whole-grain products to decrease the incidence of gallbladder problems.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can prevent byproducts of metabolism called free radicals from causing cellular damage. If you have kidney disease, the National Kidney Foundation explains that your doctor may prescribe a vitamin C supplement to help maintain your immunity and help your body heal. Antioxidants, adds the University of Maryland Medical Center, can also be consumed by eating fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods also tend to be rich in vitamin C and low in fat, which can sometimes cause increased discomfort from gallbladder disease.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral found in nearly every part of your body and makes up the majority of the structure of your teeth and bones. The National Kidney Foundation explains that people with kidney-function impairment can also experience bone and joint pain. This occurs, it adds, when phosphorous levels in the body rise, causing accumulation of calcium in areas where it doesn't belong. Calcium however, is still necessary for your health and can be included in your diet by eating dairy products. Gallstones, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center are largely made from cholesterol and a small amount of calcium. According to a 1999 review published in "Public Health Nutrition," calcium in the diet does not appear to effect the incidence of gallstones.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for your body's regulation and absorption of calcium. The National Kidney Foundation states that vitamin D appears to play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. If you have kidney problems, check with your doctor for the appropriate amount and ratio of vitamin D to calcium you should take. A 2010 bulletin published by the Ontario Provincial Programs Branch explains that individuals who have had gallbladder removal may also experience a vitamin D deficiency due to absorption problems. Additionally, if you have gallbladder disease or gallstones, you may also be at risk for a deficiency of this vitamin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center, is a fat-soluble antioxidant found in foods such as eggs and nuts. A deficiency of this vitamin is associated with increased incidence of gallstones, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, a 2004 article published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" found that men who regularly consumed vitamin E-rich nuts had a significantly decreased risk of developing gallbladder disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that although a severe vitamin E deficiency is not common, many people have a slight deficiency. Chronic deficiency of vitamin E can lead to impaired functioning of both the liver and kidneys.
References
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The Kidneys and How They Work
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gallstones
- National Kidney Foundation: Vitamins and Minerals in Kidney Disease
- Ontario Provincial Programs Branch: OHIP-insured Vitamin D Testing
- "Public Health Nutrition"; Dietary Intake and Gallbladder Disease: A Review; M. Tseng, et al.; 1999
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Anemia
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; A Prospective Cohort Study of Nut Consumption and the Risk of Gallstone Disease in Men; Tsai Chung-Jyi, et al.; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin E
- MayoClinic: Gallstones: Alternative Medicine
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