@ddon
My surgeon at Mayo who saved my kidney told me the same thing; that getting essential vitamins and minerals, etc. through healthy eating vs pills in a bottle is much, much better. He even told me I don't need my daily multi-vitamin; that it may do more harm than good.
I currently (1.5 yrs post-surgery) have no issues they are very concerned about and they are thrilled with my labs. I have no dietician; Ive become a voracious label-reader, though. Have cut out sugar, most processed foods and most beef, and watch my potassium (gave up bananas and potatoes), phosphorus (including anything that has "phos" in it, and calcium. Fruits and veggies don't have labels, so I have researched which has what in them. Seems to be working for me.