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 the 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 Drug Administration for a specific health claim.
The US National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, noted that dietary supplements mostly include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes and other ingredients, adding that they , when allowed, health benefits for the body. .
However, recent studies have shown a clear link between excessive or uncontrolled intake of these supplements and chronic kidney disease and damage.
Over the past few decades, chronic kidney disease has been reported to affect at least 10 to 15 percent of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization.
When combined with the epidemics of hypertension and diabetes, the number of patients with chronic kidney disease has increased rapidly in recent years, contributing significantly to the global health burden.
Due to the high prevalence, morbidity rates, and medical costs of CKD, the prevention and optimal management of the disease is an important public health issue.
However, since there is no effective kidney-targeted drug that can inhibit the progression of CKD other than treating underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia and monitoring complications, interest in the effect of nutrition or dietary supplements on kidney disease. increasing.
Diets such as the protein-restricted diet, the Mediterranean diet, and plant-based diets are currently being investigated for their potential roles in slowing 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 Center. National Institute for Biotechnology Research.
Some research has shown that dietary supplements can make up for the nutritional deficiency that comes from unbalanced diets which may help extend lifespan and provide some disease benefits, although there is no evidence of direct effects still adequate.
However, nutritionists and food scientists have warned that they should only be consumed when recommended by registered experts and should not be used as a substitute for the actual nutrients obtained from actual food.
Over the past decade, the prevalence of dietary supplement use has increased dramatically, with the global dietary supplement market size valued at nearly 121 billion USD in 2018, research by the NCBR and its institute showed.
The use of dietary supplements in modern society is not limited to the middle-aged and the elderly, and the interest in dietary supplements is also growing among young people, especially in Nigeria, where the take these supplements for skin related. benefits.
This is because most dietary supplements are not classified as drugs by the National Food, Drug Administration and Control Agency and are easily available over the counter, with unrestricted advertising exposure.
It is true that getting the right amount of nutrients is an essential part of the diet and is vital to human health. This is because nutrients provide your body with what it needs to function properly on a daily basis. They boost energy, improve muscle and body tissue and even help fight infections.
Online health resource, Webmd.com, in an article on the subject, pointed out that over-the-counter medications, common prescription medications and even some dietary supplements can have a negative effect on the kidneys and reduce their function.
He noted that this can lead to kidney damage, adding that if a person already has any kind of kidney problem, it could make it worse.
Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and Founder of Geeky Nutrition Consulting, Uju Onuorah, while speaking to our correspondent, said that several studies have highlighted a possible link between excessive intake of dietary supplements and kidney damage.
She said, “Some supplements, especially those containing certain herbs, may pose risks to individuals with chronic kidney disease. These supplements may worsen kidney damage or lead to kidney dysfunction. In addition, there are some comprehensive studies on whether dietary supplements can cause kidney disease, although prolonged and excessive use of some dietary supplements is 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 already have kidney conditions, for example, CKD.
“It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure the safety and suitability of the supplements for the individual’s specific health status and needs. Intake of non-medicinal 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 they have any type of kidney disease.
According to him, some of these vitamins include Vitamins A, E and K.
“These vitamins are more likely to build up in your body and can be harmful if you have too much. Over time, they can cause dizziness, nausea, and even death. You should only take these vitamins if your healthcare professional prescribes them for you. There are also some concerns about vitamin C.
“While some people may need to take a low dose of vitamin C, large doses may cause oxalate to build up in people with kidney disease. Oxalate can remain in the bones and soft tissues, which can cause pain and other problems over time,” he explained.
Also speaking, he said that chronic kidney disease changes the need for certain nutrients, noting that the waste products that build up in the body every day can change how 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. You may lose certain vitamins and minerals from foods following a special diet for chronic kidney disease.
“On days when you don’t feel well enough to eat regular meals, 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 will want to discuss with them the current medications you are taking, any existing conditions or diseases, and your current lifestyle. You may also want to disclose a family history of kidney disease if one is present, and other important factors.
“Even if your kidneys are healthy – or you think so – it’s important to discuss with your doctor which supplements are right for your diet.”
He also stressed that NAFDAC must stop the sale of some supplements over the counter.
Mr Omawunmi Amao, another nutritionist and head of staff at the Rivers State organisation, said some dietary supplements could have adverse effects on the kidneys, which are important organs for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
She noted that research has shown that a high dose of Vitamin C may 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, a popular dietary supplement used by athletes to improve muscle strength and performance, may cause kidney damage and risk of kidney stones.
Amao noted that the reason is that creatine can increase the production of waste products in the body, which can overload the kidneys.
Also speaking, she said, “Some herbal supplements have been linked to kidney damage and kidney failure. This is because these supplements can contain substances that are toxic to the kidneys or that affect kidney function.
“Iron is an essential mineral for the body, but too many 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 the 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 on the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage over time.”
Since everyone is different, Amao noted that it was important for individuals considering using supplements to speak with a certified nutritionist and dietitian first.
“Nutritionists are the only ones who can determine which supplements, vitamins and medications are safe for you to take.
“In addition, your doctor will perform various tests, such as a physical exam, urine test, and blood work, to determine if your dietary supplement regimen is working for you. These tests also help your doctor keep track of your kidney function, which will help them adjust your medication if necessary,” she said.
