by Dietary supplements are substances taken to improve health or well-being by providing adequate amounts of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and many other ingredients needed by the body.
However, they cannot replace foods that are essential to a healthy eating routine.
Supplements come in the form of pills, capsules, powders, drinks, and foods.
According to experts, supplements are not necessarily intended to cure diseases or health conditions, except when approved by the country’s Food and Drug Administration for a specific health claim.
The US National Center for Biotechnical Information, National Library of Medicine, noted that dietary supplements mainly include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes and other ingredients, adding that, when approved, they offer benefits for the health of the body. .
However, recent studies have shown a clear link between excessive or uncontrolled intake of these supplements and chronic kidney disease and damage.
In recent decades, chronic kidney disease has been said to affect at least 10 to 15 percent of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization.
When combined with the hypertension and diabetes epidemics, the number of patients with chronic kidney disease has increased rapidly in recent years, having a significant impact on the global health burden.
Due to the high prevalence, morbidity rates, and medical costs of CKD, prevention and optimal management of the disease is an important public health issue.
However, since there is no effective kidney-targeting drug that can inhibit the progression of CKD, apart from treating underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia and monitoring complications, there is interest in The effect of nutrition or dietary supplements on kidney disease. is increasing.
Diets such as the protein-restricted diet, the Mediterranean diet, and plant-based diets are currently being investigated for their possible role in delaying or complicating the progression of CKD.
Today, there are thousands of dietary supplements available on the market, including vitamins and minerals, plant ingredients and extracts, proteins and amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics and prebiotics, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Research.
Some research has indicated that dietary supplements can compensate for nutritional deficits resulting from unbalanced diets that may help prolong life and provide some benefits for diseases, although evidence of direct effects is still insufficient.
However, nutritionists and dietitians have warned that they should only be consumed when recommended by registered experts and should not be used as an alternative to the actual nutrients obtained from real foods.
Over the past decade, the prevalence of dietary supplement use has increased dramatically and the size of the global dietary supplement market is valued at nearly $121 billion in 2018, research by NCBR and its institute revealed.
The use of dietary supplements in modern society is not limited to middle-aged and older people, and interest in dietary supplements is also growing among the youth, especially in Nigeria where it is considered fashionable to take these supplements for treatment related to the skin. benefits.
This is because most dietary supplements are not classified as medicines by the National Food and Drug Administration and Control Agency and can be easily obtained without a prescription, with unlimited exposure to advertisements.
It is true that getting the right amount of nutrients is an essential part of the diet and is vital for health. This is because nutrients provide the body with what it needs to function properly on a daily basis. They increase energy, improve muscles and body tissues, and even help fight infections.
An online health resource, Webmd.com, in an article on the topic, revealed that over-the-counter medications, commonly prescribed medications, and even some dietary supplements can negatively affect the kidneys and lead to a decline in their function.
This, he noted, can cause kidney damage, adding that if one already has some type of kidney problem, it can worsen.
A registered dietitian-nutritionist and founder of Geeky Nutritionist Consultancy, Uju Onuorah, while speaking to our correspondent, stated that several studies have highlighted a potential link between excessive intake of dietary supplements and kidney damage.
She said: “Some supplements, particularly those containing certain herbs, could pose risks to people with chronic kidney disease. These supplements could exacerbate kidney damage or cause kidney dysfunction. Additionally, there are some inclusive studies on whether dietary supplements can cause kidney disease, although prolonged and excessive use of some dietary supplements has been associated with possible nephrotoxicity and kidney dysfunction.
“It is important for people to be cautious when considering the use of dietary supplements, especially if they have pre-existing kidney diseases, for example, CKD.
“It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen to ensure the safety and suitability of the supplements for your specific health condition and needs. The intake of non-medically prescribed dietary supplements should be avoided.”
Another UK-based nutritionist, Dr. Samuel Olayemi, noted that some vitamins and minerals, including some dietary supplements, may need to be avoided if you suffer from any type of kidney disease.
According to him, some of these vitamins include vitamins A, E and K.
“These vitamins are more likely to accumulate in the body and can cause harm if consumed in excess. Over time, they can cause dizziness, nausea, and even death. You should only take these vitamins if your health care professional prescribes them. There is also some concern about vitamin C.
“Although some people may need to take a low dose of vitamin C, large doses can cause oxalate buildup in people with kidney disease. “Oxalate can remain in bones and soft tissues, which can cause pain and other problems over time,” he explained.
Additionally, he said chronic kidney disease changes the need for some nutrients and noted that the waste products that build up in the body each day can change the way the body uses vitamins and minerals.
Olayemi added: “Some of the medications you take can change the way your body uses certain vitamins and minerals. Some vitamins are lost during dialysis treatment if you are on dialysis. Following a special diet for chronic kidney disease may mean that certain vitamins and minerals are omitted from foods.
“On days when you don’t feel well enough to eat regularly, you may not be getting enough daily vitamins and minerals. Because everyone is different, it is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or vitamin regimen.
“You’ll want to talk to them about any medications you’re currently taking, any conditions or illnesses you currently have, and your current lifestyle. You may also want to disclose a family history of kidney disease, if any, and other important factors.
“Even if your kidneys are healthy, or you think they are, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what supplements are right for your diet.”
He also highlighted that NAFDAC must stop the sale of some supplements without a prescription.
Another nutritionist and team leader of a Rivers State-based organisation, Mrs Omawunmi Amao, stated that some kidney dietary supplements may have adverse effects on the kidneys, which are important organs for filtering waste products from the body. blood and regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. body.
He noted that research has shown that a high dose of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones.
According to her, vitamin C can be converted into oxalate, a substance that can combine with calcium to form kidney stones.
The nutritionist also noted that creatine supplements, which is a popular dietary supplement used by athletes to improve muscle strength and performance, can cause kidney damage and risk of kidney stones.
Amao said the reason is that creatine can increase the production of waste products in the body, which can overload the kidneys.
Additionally, he said: “Some herbal supplements have been associated with kidney damage and kidney failure. This is because these supplements may contain substances that are toxic to the kidneys or interfere with kidney function.
“Iron is an essential mineral for the body, but excessive amounts of iron supplements can cause iron overload in the body, which can damage the kidneys. This is because the kidneys are responsible for filtering and regulating iron levels in the blood.
“Athletes and bodybuilders often use protein supplements to increase muscle mass and improve performance. However, high doses of protein supplements can increase the workload of the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage over time.”
Since everyone is different, Amao said it was important for people intending to use supplements to talk to a registered dietitian and nutritionist first.
“Nutritionists are the only ones who can determine which supplements, vitamins and medications are truly safe for you.
“In addition, your doctor will perform several tests, such as a physical examination, urinalysis, and blood tests, to determine if your dietary supplement regimen is working for you. These tests also help your doctor monitor kidney function, which can help you adjust your medications if necessary,” she noted.
