PKD Life - Spring 2022 - 18

WHAT MAY HELP
As you investigate (with the help
of your doctor) the vitamins and
supplements out there, it's important
to understand that some are
more benign than others. These are
usually low-risk for people with PKD:
B VITAMINS
These vitamins (which include ribofl
avin, thiamin, niacin, vitamins B6
and B12, biotin, folate, and pantothenic
acid) help with cell function
and maintenance, metabolism, and
tissue health. They are water soluble,
which means if your body gets
too much of them, it will fi lter out
the waste through your urine.
IRON SUPPLEMENTS
Iron is essential for healthy blood
production, and you may need to
supplement your intake if you have
anemia. Your doctor may prescribe
iron after testing your blood. Iron
supplements can cause constipation
and other problems, so consult
with your physician if you feel
nauseated or have diffi culty moving
your bowels.
VITAMIN C
Supplemental vitamin C could off er
benefi ts-the vitamin is essential
to muscles, cartilage, blood vessels,
and bones. But proceed with caution:
Too much vitamin C can cause
kidney stones and may trigger organ
rejection if you have received a kidney
transplant, Gjesvold says. Again,
ask your doctor.
VITAMIN D
Kidney patients may need a combination
of vitamin D and calcium to
promote bone health, Gjesvold says.
But excessive vitamin D supplementation
can cause kidney stones,
damage, or failure.
TURMERIC
This yellow powder has gotten a lot
of attention recently for its ability
to ward off arthritis pain and, of
particular interest to PKD patients,
infl ammation. But the research on it
is far from conclusive, and according
to the National Kidney Foundation,
it contains potassium, which can be
dangerous for some PKD patients.
Careful monitoring is required.
OMEGA-3S
These supplements have gained
popularity in recent years for boosting
the cardiovascular system.
" There is not a lot of risk in taking
them, " says Kristen Bing, R.D., senior
professional research assistant at
the University of Colorado Anschutz
Health and Wellness Center. " But
it's much more fun to eat fatty fi sh
like herring, sardines, or salmon,
or add some walnuts or fl axseed to
your oatmeal. "
Do Your
Homework
Before you consider
taking anything, fi rst
visit the National
Institutes of Health's
dietary fact sheets
at ods.od.nih.gov for
information on dietary
supplements, including
their uses, potential
benefi ts, and possible
dangers. Then talk
with your doctor.
Some supp le ments shou ld
 avoided be cause the y
have damagi ng side eff ects
or be cause the y can buil d
up in you r bod y, le ading
to othe r prob le ms.
18 PKD LIFE * SPRING 2022
http://ods.od.nih.gov
PKD Life - Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PKD Life - Spring 2022
