A balanced diet is the best way to get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals. However when you have kidney disease sometimes it is difficult to get enough. This might be because:
- you have dietary restrictions
- your appetite is poor and you find it difficult to eat
- treatments and appointments mess up meal times
- side effects of drugs
- you might loose vitamins during dialysis.
Some vitamins must be limited or avoided because levels build up in the body as the kidneys stop working. Below is an overview of the vitamins your body cannot do without and the dietary recommendations for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Fat soluble vitamins- special care needed - most likely avoid
| Vitamin | Role | CKD Recommendations |
|
Vitamin A
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Promotes growth of cells and tissues and protects against infection. Helps you to see in the dark!
|
Levels are usually up and not recommended, may cause toxic levels.
|
|
Vitamin D
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Helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus for bones and teeth; regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH)
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In CKD the kidney loses ability to make vitamin D active. Supplementation with active vitamin D depends on calcium, phosphorus and PTH levels. Dr prescription only.
|
|
Vitamin E
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Anti-oxidant; helps protect against illnesses like heart disease and cancer
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Supplement not needed and may interfere with clotting times
|
| Vitamin K |
Helps make blood clotting proteins, important for healthy bone formation
|
Supplements not needed unless long term poor intake combined with antibiotic therapy. May cause clotting problems.
|
Water soluble vitamins - take advice from your doctor - these may be required
| Vitamin | Role | CKD Recommendations |
|
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
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Helps the body’s cells produce energy from carbohydrates, helps nervous system work properly
|
1.5 mg/day supplement
|
|
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
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Helps cells produce energy, supports normal vision and healthy skin
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1.8 mg/day supplement for CKD on a low protein diet;
1.1-1.3 mg/day supplement for those on dialysis, especially with poor appetite
|
|
Niacin
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Helps the body use sugars and fatty acids; helps body cells produce energy; helps enzymes function in body; can be made from the amino acid tryptophan
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14 to 20 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD patients
|
|
Vitamin B6
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Helps the body make protein, for cells; also helps make red blood cells; changes tryptophan (an amino acid) into niacin
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Your doctor will advise the level for you to take.
|
|
Folate
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Helps make DNA for new body cells; works with vitamin B12 to make red blood cells
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1.0 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD (dialysis and non-dialysis).
Include vitamin B12 or check blood levels; folate supplements can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency
|
|
Vitamin B12
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Helps make new body cells; maintains nerve cells; works with folate to make red blood cells
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2-3 ug/day supplement recommended for CKD (dialysis and non-dialysis); deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage;
Always include B12 supplement with folate
|
|
Vitamin C
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Helps the body absorb iron; helps manufacture collagen, form and repair red blood cells, bones and other tissues; keeps capillary walls and blood vessels firm; protects against bruising; maintains healthy gums and heals cuts and wounds; keeps immune system healthy
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60-100 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD patients (dialysis and non-dialysis).
Excess intake may cause oxalate deposits in bone and soft tissues
|
|
Biotin
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Helps body cells produce energy; helps metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates in food
|
30-100 ug/day supplement recommended for CKD patients (dialysis and non-dialysis); dietary intake may be inadequate on a low protein diet
|
|
Pantothenic Acid
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Helps body cells produce energy; helps metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates
|
5 mg/day supplement recommended for CKD patients (dialysis and non-dialysis)
|
Which vitamins do I need if I have chronic kidney disease?
You may need to take additional water soluble vitamins - B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and a small dose of vitamin C.
Which vitamins do I need to avoid if I have CKD?
Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are more likely to build up in your body and should be avoided unless prescribed. Vitamin A is especially a concern, as toxic levels may occur with daily supplements.
Blood tests are carried out to decide if you need vitamin D supplements . Vitamin C supplements are recommended in a 60 to 100 mg dose.
Speak to your doctor and dietician if you have any concerns or questions.
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