I'm Stage 3a; what vitamin supplements should I avoid or limit?

Posted by danajacoby @danajacoby, 1 day ago

I was diagnosed with CKD Stage 3a days ago and am just beginning my research into managing my self-care. As many others have reported I was also told it wasn't serious and no referral to a nephrologist or a dietician was warranted. And no guidance on diet was offered. I want to fire my doc but that's another issue for another day.
My question for now is what are guidelines for managing vitamin intake? What should I avoid? What should I limit?
I have taken a plethora of vitamins for years: calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D3, K2, CoQ10, Vitamin B Complex and C.
Thanks.

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jaki | @jaki | 9 hours ago

Hi, I am 69 years old and was diagnosed in stage 3b 18 months ago. Complete surprise!!
I also wanted to fire my doctor, but it was not an option.
I was also taking multiple supplements.

Please do your research! Look at daily requirements for someone your age. Do not exceed the daily recommended requirements. I found it astounding that most supplements far exceed these daily recommendations.

Also, I made sure that the ones I I did continue were kidney friendly and if not, I stopped taking them.
Magnesium, calcium, CoQ10 are just a few that I stopped.

I focused on a more balanced, healthy, kidney friendly diet. Concentrating on getting vitamin needs from my diet and not supplements.

I am now in stage 3a and have been stable for 12 months.

Best wishes to you in this complicated journey.
You are your best advocate!

And please, do your research from reputable sources. I worked in medical research for many years. Please check and recheck your source!

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 8 hours ago

Be careful of calcium and magnesium, alsoCoQ10….and if you take a combo style supplement there may be things in them that are problematical, even possible /hidden heavy metals… things that add sodium are hard on kidneys…some people take protein supplements, collagen, certain bone supplements…they should all be checked out, handled with care—-even some vitamins…info is out there from reliable sources, including Mayo Clinic. It really is possible to work out a good plan for oneself, based on good dietary choices, hydration and some form of exercise—and careful use of meds/supplements… and be sure to inform all medical practitioners of your kidney status.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 5 hours ago

@danajacoby Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Good for you, wanting to get information to make sure you are doing things best for your health situation!

As @nycmusic and @jaki have mentioned, be aware of how things might affect you! It takes studying labels and understanding the right combination, even the right time of day in some instances.

Recently I was started on a statin from my cardiologist. A friend had mentioned about taking COQ10 to help with possible muscle aches. So, I questioned to my nephrologist about that supplement, and also to my oncologist, and primary care, before investing in it. The general consensus was, "if you feel it helps, go for it. If you don't, don't waste your time and money." We determined the dosage for me would be 100mg a day, way below what most most people take. The point I make here is to tailor to your own situation.

How are you feeling these days?
Ginger

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 4 hours ago

In reply to @gingerw "@danajacoby Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Good for you, wanting to get information to make sure..." + (show)

@gingerw love the ‘’tailor to your own situation’’…and the mention of taking lower dosage is important…and if something helps and hopefully doesn’t hurt, great…we learn each and every day how to take care of ourselves without expecting docs to tend to everything for us…thanks again, Ginger.