Vitamins are important for everyone. The human body functions best when in balance. The best way to achieve optimum health is through a balanced diet, but with our busy lives and often unhealthy eating habits, diet alone may not work for many people. This is especially true for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is why good vitamins are important.
Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to help them with our most basic and critical bodily functions. It would be great if we could simply get everything we need from the foods we eat, but when that is not possible, vitamins will work to help your body repair tissue and get as much energy as possible from the foods you eat, so you maintain a healthier life. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the overall health of your body.
People suffering from kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, may not be getting enough of the daily vitamins needed to increase their health and assist with keeping CKD under as much control as possible. This can lead to issues such as skin lesions, fatigue, muscle weakness, and nerve pain.
When dealing with CKD, there may be a variety of reasons why a patient may not be able to get all the recommended vitamins needed. Some water-soluble vitamins will have more stringent requirements to work well with issues CKD may cause. Some kidney medicines may not play well with specific vitamins. If you have CKD, your waste products will likely build up and affect how vitamins react to your body. Your physician will likely make changes in your diet so you may not get some of the vitamins from certain foods no longer part of your day-to-day foods and eating habits will change based on how well you feel day-to-day. Some days your appetite may not be robust.
Vitamins that are typically recommended for CKD patients:
B1, B2, B6, B12, 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. Oxalate can cause build-up in bones and soft tissue and can be painful over time.
You will often see B complex vitamins grouped together, but each of the B vitamins plays a different role. Pantothenic acid and niacin are part of the B complex group and are taken so that the food you eat can more easily be turned into the energy your body will need. B1, B2, B6, B12, and folic acid work in conjunction with iron, preventing you from becoming anemic. Your doctor will decide if you need to take iron and, if so, what dosage.
Vitamin C can help bruises heal faster, and your doctor will probably recommend adding this to your vitamin regimen. Vitamin D is also significant, especially in maintaining healthy bones. If you’re dealing with CKD, your doctor will recommend what type of vitamin D and dosage is needed.
You will likely need to avoid some vitamins if you have kidney disease. A, E, and K can cause nausea and dizziness at the very least if too much of these build up in your system over time.
What about herbal remedies and supplements?
It is best to avoid herbal remedies and supplements sold over the counter if you suffer from chronic kidney disease and are on dialysis. These remedies may cause issues when interacting you’re your doctor-prescribed medicines and may cause serious side effects. Always ask your doctor before taking any vitamin or supplement.
What is the best way to get the vitamins I need if I am dealing with CKD?
No one wants to take several pills every day. Filling pillboxes and remembering to take every vitamin needed to stay as healthy as possible can be cumbersome. Dealing with CKD is a challenge. If it is at all possible, you will be better off taking one vitamin formula that includes everything your body needs.
PRINE Health has created a formula called PRINE VITE, which includes vitamins B1, B2, B6, B 12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin, as well as a small dose of vitamin C. PRINE VITE also includes Vitamin D 1000 IU and a higher dosage of B1 which has been shown to decrease and potentially reserve early diabetic kidney disease. This formula also contains two herbs, Dandelion Extract, known for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and cholesterol-lowering effects, and Uva Ursi, which has a history of aiding the urinary tract and UTIs. This formula is also gluten-free and non-GMO.
For more information on PRIVE VITE, or if you seek the advice of a Nephrologist, visit us at https://prinehealth.com/
