In conclusion,
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. This may occur because injured kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D into its active form.
Low vitamin D levels have been implicated in both progression of kidney disease and proteinuria in national studies in the United States (7,11). Ravani et al. showed that serum 25(OH)D was an independent inverse predictor of kidney disease progression and death in 168 patients with early stages of CKD (8).
A decrease or decline in the GFR implies progression of underlying kidney disease or the occurrence of a superimposed insult to the kidneys. This is most commonly due to problems such as dehydration and volume loss. An improvement in the GFR may indicate that the kidneys are recovering some of their function.
Taking too much vitamin D can cause problems such as constipation and nausea and, in more serious cases, kidney stones and kidney damage.
Vitamin D supplements
It's not unusual for people with kidney failure to have low levels of vitamin D. Your doctor may check your vitamin D level and if it's low, order a supplement.
Vitamin D receptor activation has been associated with increased serum creatinine and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rates, raising concerns that its use may be detrimental to kidney function.
People with mildly low gFR (between 60 and 89) may not have kidney disease if there is no sign of kidney damage, such as protein in their urine. these people should have their gFR checked more often.
More than half of patients with eGFR less than 60 have an eGFR of 45 to 60, and in that group there are a lot of false positives, meaning the eGFR based on creatinine says they have CKD, but their kidney function may be normal.
Several observational studies have demonstrated an important link between vitamin D deficiency, impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and increased mortality in patients with CKD [8,9,10].
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
A GFR of 60 or higher is in the normal range. A GFR below 60 may mean kidney disease. A GFR of 15 or lower may mean kidney failure.
Vitamin D treatment was associated with decreased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD not requiring dialysis and patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis.
In CKD, supplementation with 25-(OH)-vitamin D is recommended at the inception of the disease, with the addition of calcitriol replacement beginning in Stage 3.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But also heart disease and obesity can contribute to the damage that causes kidneys to fail. Urinary tract issues and inflammation in different parts of the kidney can also lead to long-term functional decline.
An increase in renal arterial pressure (or renal blood flow) causes an increase in GFR. A reduction in renal arterial pressure (or renal blood flow) will have the opposite effect (1).
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is variable and it relies on a blood test, which may have day to day variations and it is an "estimation". Hence, the more times you do the test, the more accurate will be the estimate. It can depend on some food that you eat.
Increased blood volume and increased blood pressure will increase GFR. Constriction in the afferent arterioles going into the glomerulus and dilation of the efferent arterioles coming out of the glomerulus will decrease GFR.
Avoid processed foods and choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Follow a low-salt diet. Salt should be limited especially if you have high blood pressure, protein in your urine, or swelling, or difficulty breathing. Eating less than 2000 mg a day of sodium is recommended.
As kidney failure advances and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below 30 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared, then more symptoms may manifest such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss, poor appetite, itching, fluid weight gain, shortness of breath, lassitude and fatigue.
Conclusion. GFR improvement is possible in CKD patients at any CKD stage through stage 4–5. It is noteworthy that this GFR improvement is associated with a decrease in the number of metabolic complications over time.
A normal eGFR is 60 or more. If your eGFR is less than 60 for three months or more, your kidneys may not be working well. Use this chart to see what your eGFR may mean.
Several studies have indicated that short- or long-term intervention with omega-3 fatty acids might reduce the risk of ESRD and proteinuria and increase the creatinine clearance rate (CCR) 8,9.