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.
Recently released Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome guidelines recommend using vitamin D in patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD (not on dialysis) who are vitamin D deficient and who have parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels above the normal range (16).
There was limited data available with respect to extra-skeletal outcomes. The National Kidney Foundation recommends an optimal serum/plasma 25(OH)D of greater than or equal to 30 ng/mL to define optimal vitamin D status in patients with CKD.
You may need to avoid some vitamins and minerals if you have kidney disease. Some of these include vitamins A, E and K. These vitamins are more likely to build up in your body and can cause harm if you have too much. Over time, they can cause dizziness, nausea, and even death.
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.
The vitamin D-endocrine system plays a key role in controlling the renal excretion of both calcium and phosphorus. The reabsorption of calcium in the kidney is controlled by several factors, including 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1α,25(OH)2D) [1–5].
1. Vitamin D. The kidneys are responsible for converting vitamin D into active metabolites and are essential for absorbing calcium and phosphorus. Those suffering from chronic kidney disease may have low vitamin D levels primarily because damaged kidneys have difficulty converting vitamin D into its active form.
high blood pressure – over time, this can put strain on the small blood vessels in the kidneys and stop the kidneys working properly. diabetes – too much glucose in your blood can damage the tiny filters in the kidneys.
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.
Interestingly, vitamin D itself may affect creatinine generation by muscle and therefore serum creatinine levels.
CKD is a risk factor for deficiency of vitamin D. It is common in patients with CKD, especially those with kidney transplant recipients and end-stage renal disease [5]. Vitamin D deficiency is present in all stages of CKD, and its prevalence is enhanced as renal function reduces [6].
Vitamin D has also been shown to modulate the immune system, regulate inflammatory responses, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Taken together, these pleiotropic effects of vitamin D may slow down the progression of CKD.
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.
Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Taking vitamin D for long periods of time in doses higher than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily is possibly unsafe and may cause very high levels of calcium in the blood.
High blood pressure damages the kidneys over time, and is a leading cause of kidney failure. Drinking large amounts of cola-based soft drink beverages: Studies have shown that drinking two or more colas a day-diet or regular-is linked to a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
In the United States, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure, accounting for 3 out of 4 new cases.
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.
Silybum marianum, known as “milk thistle” or silymarin, is a very safe herb that protects against kidney failure and end-stage diabetic nephropathy.