In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys sometimes slow down and are not able to filter out all of the toxins in your blood stream. If you have chronic kidney disease, you may have to follow a certain diet due to your slow kidneys. Because this diet may limit the amount of nutrients you receive, certain vitamins and minerals supplements may be necessary. Consult your physician before taking any supplements.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex is actually a group of different vitamins from the B family. These vitamins play different roles in helping your body maintain healthy functioning. You may need more of some types of B vitamins, depending on the state of your kidneys. Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-12, niacin, pantothenic acid and biotin are usually taken in recommended daily amounts, according to The Nephron Information Center. You may need an increased dose of vitamin B-6 and folic acid. Patients on dialysis often need at least 800 mcg of folic acid and 10 mg or more of vitamin B-6 per day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for immune system functions. Many people believe that more of vitamin C is healthy, but that is not necessarily true for people with slow kidneys. People with chronic kidney disease have high levels of oxalate, which vitamin C increases. The recommended dose of vitamin C is 60 mg per day. If you have slow kidneys, you should take the recommended dose of vitamin C. Many vitamin C supplements contain far higher amounts of vitamin C, which should be avoided if you have slow kidneys.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Vitamin D is produced in the kidneys and is necessary for bone function and calcium absorption. People with slow kidneys often are deficient in vitamin D and often need supplementation. Calcium is generally taken with vitamin D to help with absorption of the vitamin. The amount of vitamin D and calcium you should take depends on your individual needs. Your physician will need to monitor you as you take vitamin D to make sure that you are not absorbing too much calcium.
Vitamins to Avoid
Vitamin A is usually higher than normal in people with slow kidneys. Too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity and a number of potential serious side effects. Vitamin E is another vitamin that is often high in kidney disease. Vitamin E is not processed by slow kidneys and can build up in your blood. Vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting, is not necessary if you have slow kidneys. If you are on blood thinners, you need to avoid foods high in vitamin K because of a potential interaction.
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