A Current Look at Renal Multivitamins

Abstract

VITAMINS AND MINERALS are vital for everyone’s personal health. They are used for a variety of special functions in our bodies such as to use the food we eat, to make energy for cells, to promote growth, or to repair body tissues. However, for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), not any multivitamins, especially those available over the counter, will be appropriate. Over-the-counter supplements may contain large doses of specific minerals and vitamins, which could be toxic for someone whose kidneys are not working sufficiently. CKD patients on dialysis are encouraged to take a daily renal multivitamin. Whether a patient is on peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, or in-center hemodialysis, renal diet has limitations that may exclude some important nutrients needed. Also, water-soluble vitamins are removed from the blood during the dialysis process, leaving the CKD population more vulnerable for a deficiency. Those diagnosed with CKD have different needs for specific vitamins and minerals compared with those without CKD. This is due to a variety of reasons1National Kidney Foundation. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/vitamineral.cfm.Google Scholar:•The waste products that build up in the body each day can change the way in which the body uses vitamins and minerals.•Some of the medicines taken can change the way the body uses certain vitamins and minerals.•Some vitamins are lost during the dialysis treatment.•Following a CKD diet can mean certain vitamins and minerals are missed from some food groups.•On days when patients may not feel well enough to eat regular meals, they may not get enough daily vitamins and minerals to meet physiological needs.•CKD changes the body’s ability to make some vitamins, that is, vitamin D.The specific vitamins and minerals which may be recommend include all B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin), folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, elemental iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D.2Am J Kidney Dis 46;1064-1071, 2006. Available at: http://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(06)00528-2/abstract.Google Scholar, 3Nephrol Dial Transplant 22:3561-3567, 2007. Available at: http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/12/3561.full.pdf+html.Google Scholar Prescription and nonprescription strengths are available. Herbal remedies are generally not recommended presently owing to limited research available in this specific population. There may be unwanted interactions with prescription medication or other side effects. Always speak with your doctor before beginning any supplement, herbal remedy or over-the-counter medicine, and verify your vitamins have an expiration date. VITAMINS AND MINERALS are vital for everyone’s personal health. They are used for a variety of special functions in our bodies such as to use the food we eat, to make energy for cells, to promote growth, or to repair body tissues. However, for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), not any multivitamins, especially those available over the counter, will be appropriate. Over-the-counter supplements may contain large doses of specific minerals and vitamins, which could be toxic for someone whose kidneys are not working sufficiently. CKD patients on dialysis are encouraged to take a daily renal multivitamin. Whether a patient is on peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, or in-center hemodialysis, renal diet has limitations that may exclude some important nutrients needed. Also, water-soluble vitamins are removed from the blood during the dialysis process, leaving the CKD population more vulnerable for a deficiency. Those diagnosed with CKD have different needs for specific vitamins and minerals compared with those without CKD. This is due to a variety of reasons1National Kidney Foundation. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/vitamineral.cfm.Google Scholar:•The waste products that build up in the body each day can change the way in which the body uses vitamins and minerals.•Some of the medicines taken can change the way the body uses certain vitamins and minerals.•Some vitamins are lost during the dialysis treatment.•Following a CKD diet can mean certain vitamins and minerals are missed from some food groups.•On days when patients may not feel well enough to eat regular meals, they may not get enough daily vitamins and minerals to meet physiological needs.•CKD changes the body’s ability to make some vitamins, that is, vitamin D. The specific vitamins and minerals which may be recommend include all B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin), folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, elemental iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D.2Am J Kidney Dis 46;1064-1071, 2006. Available at: http://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(06)00528-2/abstract.Google Scholar, 3Nephrol Dial Transplant 22:3561-3567, 2007. Available at: http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/12/3561.full.pdf+html.Google Scholar Prescription and nonprescription strengths are available. Herbal remedies are generally not recommended presently owing to limited research available in this specific population. There may be unwanted interactions with prescription medication or other side effects. Always speak with your doctor before beginning any supplement, herbal remedy or over-the-counter medicine, and verify your vitamins have an expiration date. JREN - Renal Vitamin Product Update April 2011Tabled 1Ingredients/Product InformationRecommendation∗