According to most medical professionals, we require about 13 vitamins for the body to function in the right manner. The best method to get the necessary vitamins is to eat a balanced and healthy diet, but that is not always possible with today’s lifestyle. At the same time, if a person is suffering from kidney disease and is on dialysis, he or she will not be able to get sufficient amounts of certain vitamins.
The reasons include dietary restrictions, low appetite, disrupted times of meals due to treatments, side effects of medicines and loss of vitamins in the treatment of dialysis. Renal vitamins for people on dialysis should be monitored properly because some vitamins need to be restricted or avoided because their levels increase in the body because the kidneys don’t function properly.
The vitamins that should be either avoided or taken in heavily monitored dosages are the vitamins like A, D, E and K, which are fat soluble. On the other hand, the intake of vitamins soluble in water needs to be increased.
Six Renal Vitamins For Dialysis
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
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This vitamin helps the cells in the body to generate energy from carbohydrates and helps to maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is recommended to take a 1.5 mg per day supplement along with the regular diet.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Enhances proper vision and promotes healthy skin. It also helps the body cells to produce energy.
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1.1 – 1.3 mg per day supplement as a renal vitamin for people on dialysis is a recommended dosage. This is especially necessary if the patient is also experiencing low appetite.
Niacin ( Vitamin B3)
Enhances the metabolizing of fatty acids and sugars in the body, helps the cells of the body to produce energy. It also helps the functioning of the enzymes in the body. It can be synthesized from tryptophan, which is an amino acid.
Recommended dosage for both patients who are on dialysis and those who are not on dialysis is 14 to 20 mg per day. However, you need to be careful not to exceed the dosage as it may end up in flushing.
Vitamin B6
Aids the body to synthesize protein, which then forms the cells. It also helps in enhancing the red blood cells in the body and the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into niacin. 10 mg per day supplement is recommended as a renal vitamin for people on dialysis.
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The recommended dosage when taken with vitamin B12 and Folic acid is 50 mg per day in order to reduce the levels of homocysteine. Prolonged excess dosage can cause damage to the nerves.
Folate
Helps in the synthesis of new DNA in order to create new body cells. A combination of folate and vitamin B12 produces red blood cells. 1.0 gm per day supplement is recommended as a renal vitamin for people on dialysis.
Vitamin C
Helps the absorption of iron in the body. It also helps to manufacture collagen and repair or produce new bones, red blood cells, and various tissues.
Source : http://www.mymedicalfeedback.com/library/vitamin-c-and-its-effect/
It keeps the walls of the capillaries and other blood vessels strong and firm and protects against bruising. It helps you maintain health of gums and helps in the fast healing of wounds and cuts. It also helps in creating a healthy immune system, which functions properly.
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