Best Vitamins for Kidney Health
A balanced intake of vitamins for kidneys are essential for the overall health of these small yet vital organs. Kidneys help in the removal of toxins by filtering the blood. Moreover, they also help maintain the right amount of electrolytes by adjusting water, minerals, and salts.
Take a look below at some of the vitamins that help kidneys and the role they play.
Essential Vitamins for Good Kidney Health
For your kidneys to stay in the best condition possible, certain vitamins are essential. These vitamins are vitamin A, D, E, K, C, niacin, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, B5, and biotin.
People with chronic kidney disorders can also take these vitamins to improve their health.
| Essential Vitamins Required for Kidney Health | Benefits and Importance | Source of the Vitamin |
| Vitamin A | Vitamin A promotes cell growth and the development of tissues. Moreover, it is also vital for maintaining the immune system and protecting against infection. | Cheese Eggs, Fortified low-fat spreads, Liver, Liver products, Milk, Oily fish, Yellow fruit such as mango, papaya, and apricots, Yellow, red and green (leafy) vegetables such as spinach, (leafy greens), carrots (yellow), sweet potatoes (yellow), and red peppers, Yoghurt |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C is needed for healing wounds, bruises and keeps the tissues healthy. | Blackcurrants, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Citrus fruit such as oranges and orange juice, Peppers, Potatoes, Strawberries |
| Vitamin D | This vitamin promotes healthy bones by maintaining the absorption of calcium and phosphorous into the bones. However, if the kidney is damaged, the body cannot convert this vitamin to its active form. Hence, supplements of the vitamin may be required. This vitamin is the best vitamin for kidneys. | Canned tuna, Cod liver oil, Egg yolks, Fortified foods, Herrings and sardines, Mushrooms, Salmon |
| Vitamin E | Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the body cells from being oxidised. | Almonds, Asparagus, Avocado, Beet greens, collard greens, spinach, Mango, Peanuts, peanut butter, Pumpkin Red, bell pepper, Sunflower seeds, Sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil, Wheat, germ oil. |
| Vitamin K | Vitamin K helps in producing blood-clotting proteins. These are important for forming healthy bones. In addition, doctors may prescribe these vitamins for kidney health. | Kale, Natto, Collard greens, Mustard greens, Spinach, Broccoli, Brussels, sprouts. |
| Vitamin B1 or thiamine | Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is another vitamin good for kidney health. It helps the body cells produce energy from carbs and helps the nervous system function properly. | Liver, Nuts, Peas, Some fortified breakfast cereals, Some fresh fruits like bananas and oranges, Whole grain bread. |
| Vitamin B2 or riboflavin | It helps the cells produce energy. It is given as a supplement for those on a diet if they have a poor appetite. | Beef, Fortified tofu, Lean pork chops, Low-fat milk, Mushrooms, Salmon, Spinach. |
| Vitamin B3 or niacin | Another vital vitamin for kidney functioning is niacin. Niacin is important because of its role in helping the body use fatty acids and sugars. Moreover, it helps the body produce energy and helps in enzyme functioning | Beef, Brown rice, Fish, Liver, Nuts and seeds, Pork, Poultry, Red meat. |
| Vitamin B7 or biotin | Biotin plays an essential role in kidney health. It helps cells produce energy, metabolise protein, fat and carbs. Therefore, it is recommended for dialysis and non-dialysis patients. | Banana, Cauliflower, Cereal, Egg yolk, Nut, butter, Organ meats, Whole grain. |
| Vitamin B9 or Folate | Folate is an essential vitamin for kidneys. It helps to make DNA for new cells and red blood cells. | Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Chickpeas, Green leafy vegetables, Peas. |
| Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid | Pantothenic acid helps the cells to metabolise protein, fats, carbs, etc., and it also helps body cells produce energy. | Beef Chickpeas Organ meats Peanuts Poultry Sunflower seeds Whole grains |
| Vitamin B12 | B12 is an essential vitamin that helps body cells to release energy and make RBCs. | Beef, Liver, Chicken, Fish, Shellfish, Cereal, Milk, Yoghurt. |
| Vitamin B6 | This vitamin which is good for kidneys, helps the body make proteins and red blood cells. It is used as a supplement for those on dialysis. | Bananas, Chicken, Oats, Peanuts, Pork, Poultry, Soya beans. |
Which Vitamins Help Detox Your Kidneys?
Besides knowing which vitamin is good for kidney function, knowing the vitamins that cleanse your kidneys is also worthwhile.
It is believed that vitamins B2 and B6 are important for a clean kidney. In addition, B6 is important for the prevention of kidney stones.
Which Vitamin Deficiency Is Harmful to Your Kidney Functioning?
Vitamins for kidneys are essential for proper functioning. However, in a low amount, they can cause harm to the organ. Take a look at some of the vitamins which are essential for kidneys and can cause damage to the kidneys if present in low amounts.
- For instance, a lack of vitamin B6 results in kidney stones.
- Lack of vitamin D, which the kidneys help to convert to its active form, implies the beginning of kidney failure.
In conclusion, the best vitamins for kidney health are D and Bs, such as B6, B12, etc. When you take vitamins for kidneys, always consult with your doctor or a nutritionist for the exact dosage.
Hence, enjoy the best kidney health and take vitamins to prevent kidney disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vitamins are needed for chronic kidney disease?
Ans. Those with chronic kidney disease need to take more water-soluble vitamins as they are removed swiftly from the body. These vitamins are B1, B2, B6, B12, small doses of vitamin C, folic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin and biotin.
Which vitamins do you need to avoid for kidney disease?
Ans. The vitamins A, E, K, tend to build up in the body and cause harm if you have kidney disease. Large doses of vitamin C tend to cause a buildup of oxalate, which results in kidney stones.