Supplements and Kidney disease

Magnesium can build up with kidney disease. The kidneys remove excess magnesium. With reduced kidney function, supplements can cause dangerous hypermagnesemia.

Potassium can reach dangerous levels. Damaged kidneys can't clear potassium; supplements can cause life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Avoid licorice with kidney disease. NIH notes severe adverse effects from even small amounts of glycyrrhizin in people with heart or kidney conditions.

Calcium needs medical guidance with kidney disease. Calcium balance is tightly managed in kidney disease; follow your nephrologist.

Vitamin D dosing should be monitored. High doses can raise calcium levels; monitoring is recommended with kidney disease.

High-dose vitamin C raises oxalate. Vitamin C is partly converted to oxalate, which can contribute to kidney stones.

Vitamin A accumulates with kidney disease. Retinol clearance is reduced; avoid preformed vitamin A supplements unless prescribed.

Creatine and kidney monitoring. Creatine raises blood creatinine, the main marker used to track kidney function. Avoid unless your nephrologist agrees.

Many red yeast rice products contain a kidney toxin. In a 2021 analysis of 37 products, only one had citrinin below the EU limit — including some labeled citrinin-free. Citrinin can damage the kidneys, and statin-type side effects can too.

Rare kidney injury reported with black seed oil. Case reports describe muscle breakdown with acute kidney and liver injury after black seed oil. Avoid if your kidneys are impaired.

Avoid electrolyte mixes with kidney disease unless approved. Damaged kidneys may not clear potassium or sodium well. Ask your doctor first.