It is believed that vitamins B2 and B6 are important for a clean kidney. In addition, B6 is important for the prevention of kidney stones.
Renal vitamins contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and a small dose of vitamin C. Below is an overview of the fat- and water-soluble vitamins your body cannot do without, and the dietary recommendations for people with CKD.
How does vitamin B12 intake influence kidney function? B12, in general, is needed by all body organs for functioning since it controls the nervous system. B12 may not be a highly influencing factor for kidney function, but it is undoubtedly important when treating kidney diseases.
The calcium antagonistic effect of magnesium is also important for reducing the risk of kidney stones, and silent kidney stones significantly increase the risk of kidney failure. As low magnesium intake will reduce the urinary magnesium concentration, the beneficial effect of magnesium on stone formation is hampered.
In diabetes patients with advanced kidney disease, high daily doses of B vitamins (folate, B6 and B12) were found in one study to worsen kidney function and double the risk of heart attack stroke and death (see the Cautions section of the B Vitamins Review for more information).
Vitamins that are typically recommended for CKD patients:
B1, B2, B6, B 12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin, as well as some vitamin C, are essential vitamins for people with CKD. Vitamin C may be suggested in low doses as large doses can cause a buildup of oxalate.
You're more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate.
Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.
When your kidneys are failing, a high concentration and accumulation of substances lead to brown, red, or purple urine. Studies suggest the urine color is due to abnormal protein or sugar as well as high numbers of cellular casts and red and white blood cells.
The kidneys have an important role in making vitamin D useful to the body. The kidneys convert vitamin D from supplements or the sun to the active form of vitamin D that is needed by the body. With chronic kidney disease, low vitamin D levels can be found, sometimes even severely low levels.
Fish oil is used to slow the progression of kidney disease in people with IgA nephropathy. While fish oil capsules may be effective in many patients, some patients do not respond to it. How does it work? The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil prevent inflammation in the kidney to slow down progression of kidney disease.
Turmeric contains oxalates and this can increase the risk of kidneys stones. “The consumption of supplemental doses of turmeric can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, thereby increasing risk of kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.”
Vitamin D toxicity is a known cause of hypercalcemia and renal failure. The daily requirement of vitamin D is about 200–600 IU and the skin can only produce around 10,000 IU of vitamin D after total body exposure to UV light.
Some herbal supplements that act like a diuretic or "water pill" may cause "kidney irritation" or damage. These include bucha leaves and juniper berries. Uva Ursi and parsley capsules may also have bad side effects.
Zinc is considered an essential trace element for humans, and zinc deficiency has been linked to adverse outcomes in kidney disease.
Using probiotics (“good bacteria”) for removal of uremic toxins from the colon could help to maintain healthy kidney function.