Which Vitamins Support Healthy Kidneys?

The Five Best Vitamins for Your Kidneys

Here we have compiled the top 5 vitamins for your kidneys and will provide details to explain why each is necessary.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 helps your kidneys filter out impurities and perform their natural function better. We can get some B6 from the foods we eat, including meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, but based on your overall intake, you may need a vitamin or supplement to get the recommended dosage.

As we age, we need more and more B6 daily to keep our kidneys healthy. Adult women need around 1.5 mg of vitamin B6 daily; men need 1.7mg. Not only does B6 help with the natural function of the kidneys, but it may help reduce the likelihood of kidney stone formation and symptoms of kidney disease.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 positively affects many bodily functions, including kidney health. B12 is among the complex B vitamins that help the body sustain its immune system, filter out toxins, and help provide oxygen to the body to promote energy production.

B12 may help slow the progression of kidney disease in patients, although research is ongoing as results have been mixed.

Not getting enough B12 can have tremendous health effects, so supplements containing complex B vitamins are prevalent and necessary. Patients with chronically low levels of B12 may require an infusion to restore natural levels effectively.

Vitamin C

Another vitamin you have likely heard of but may need to be made aware of its importance is vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with many problems, such as inflammation, swelling, and related illnesses. The recommended dosage is 75 to 90 mg daily for women and men, respectively, with slightly higher numbers for pregnant women.

One thing to note is that vitamin C is readily available in many citrus fruits but is also available as a supplement to aid overall health. Still, ingesting too much vitamin C can lead to the formation of kidney stones, so always talk with your doctor before taking supplements.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can be difficult to come by daily as it is mostly found in foods enriched with vitamin D. Fortunately, this vitamin can be obtained by stepping outside every day. The exact amount of time you need to spend in the sun depends on factors like latitude, season, skin pigmentation, and more. This amount may be more for those who are vitamin D deficient or have medical conditions that would benefit from vitamin D.

Speak with your doctor to determine the ideal amount for your needs.

Vitamin D deficiency is a real problem for many people, but it can be more severe regarding kidney health. Studies have shown that not only is an adequate amount of vitamin D necessary for kidney function, but it also plays a role in slowing down renal failure and other aspects of kidney disease.¹

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is now the subject of much research on kidney health because studies have found improved Vitamin E intake can help prevent kidney damage and improve overall kidney function. Incorporating vitamin E into your diet or supplement regimen can help support kidney health and function. Vitamin E may prove more challenging to obtain in your daily diet, with only specific foods containing it.

Many people turn directly to oral supplements and infusions to improve their vitamin E levels overall, including kidney health.

Ways to Improve Vitamin and Mineral Intake for Healthy Kidneys

Here are a few ways to ensure you and your kidneys get the necessary vitamins to function correctly and prevent health problems and disease.

The first option is to look at your diet. A balanced diet, including diverse offerings like lean meats, nuts, berries, fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, can ensure you ingest the different nutrients that will benefit your body.

However, some vitamins, like vitamin D, are scarce even in food or natural sources, which may mean it is a good idea to supplement your intake through other means. Oral supplements are great if you need some help getting your nutrients, but if you have a diagnosed deficiency, you may need to look at IV infusions to correct that problem safely.

Always remember that taking too many vitamins can cause side effects, so talk with your doctor before taking anything new, including vitamins.

Conclusion

Our kidneys are an essential part of our bodies, and keeping them healthy means getting enough specific vitamins and minerals. Eating right and maintaining a healthy diet is one way to improve your vitamin intake, but some vitamins are more scarce than others and may require a supplement to stay at the proper levels for healthy kidneys.

If you have any concerns regarding the health or function of your kidneys, please consult your doctor and have them help you work out a supplement plan to ensure your kidneys stay healthy and functioning as they should.