1 week Ago By JoJo Novaes, Shan Lam
The improper use of health supplements is a growing concern, especially for people with chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. Nephrologists caution that while supplements can provide health benefits, misuse, especially in vulnerable populations, may lead to serious risks, including kidney damage. During the consultation, the woman’s daughter pulled out a bag containing more than a dozen bottles of health supplements.
She explained that her mother was worried about the potential kidney-related side effects of prescription medications and therefore had not been taking them consistently. Instead, the mother relied on health supplements. After reviewing the products, Hung found that they were all high in phosphorus and potassium and contained a variety of food additives.
The patient was advised to stop taking the supplements and to follow her prescribed medication regimen consistently. Following three months of compliance, her kidney function improved from stage 4 to stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Yen advises kidney disease patients to limit meat and high-protein health supplements, along with cautious consumption of certain health drinks, such as green smoothies, that often contain high levels of potassium and oxalates.
Patients with diabetes often require multiple medications to effectively control blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid levels. Neglecting these medications can exacerbate kidney damage. Yen also expressed concerns regarding duplicate medications, particularly when patients consult multiple healthcare providers.
The risk of duplicate prescriptions increases the likelihood of adverse drug reactions. “Diabetes patients should not act as their own doctors,” Yen said. Patients who feel unwell should consult a physician for proper evaluation and treatment, rather than attempting to self-medicate.
They should also seek medical advice before taking any health supplements. Yen noted that in his clinic, it is common for elderly patients to bring in health supplements purchased by their children for the doctor to review before taking them, which is a much safer approach. For healthy people, health supplements generally pose little risk—provided they are purchased from reputable sources and taken as directed, Yen said.
A 2-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room with a high fever and acute abdominal pain. Upon examination, doctors discovered a one-centimeter kidney stone in his right kidney. The obstruction from the kidney stone led to a bacterial infection, causing severe lobar nephritis in the right kidney, which was further complicated by sepsis.
After speaking with the family, it was revealed that the child had been consuming a low-fat, high-protein powder daily. The powder contained soy protein, calcium phosphate, and calcium carbonate, which were believed to have contributed to the formation of the kidney stone. Soy is a source of oxalates, and when combined with excessive protein intake, it can raise calcium levels in the urine, Lai said.
This increase in urinary calcium, together with oxalates, can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Vitamin A: While essential for eye health, Yen warns that dialysis patients often have elevated vitamin A levels. Additional supplementation can lead to gastrointestinal distress, blurred vision, and potential liver damage.
Vitamin E: Known for its role in clot prevention and promoting eye health, vitamin E levels are generally sufficient in dialysis patients. Excessive intake may prolong clotting time , raising bleeding risks. Vitamin K : Critical for blood clotting and bone metabolism, which helps prevent vascular calcification and osteoporosis, vitamin K levels are typically adequate in dialysis patients.
Excessive intake can shorten clotting times, increasing complications. B Vitamins Vitamin C Active Vitamin D Iron Even healthy people without chronic conditions can experience adverse effects from overusing dietary supplements. Diarrhea After Taking Magnesium Constipation After Taking Calcium or Vitamin D Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Taking Iron “If you see an advertisement claiming there is a pill that can restore kidney function, it is definitely a scam,” he added.
The only way to protect kidney function, yen noted, is by following medical advice and properly managing blood sugar and blood pressure..
