The 6 Best Supplements for Kidney Health

There are many herbal and nutritional supplements on the market that claim to help with kidney health. No supplement can reverse damage caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD). But this condition changes how your body uses vitamins and minerals. That means you may need to take certain vitamins and minerals that tend to run low in people with CKD.  

The best supplements for kidney health will depend on your health, medications, and kidney function. And it's very important to follow the guidance of your healthcare team about your particular supplement needs. But here’s a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health. 

1. B vitamins

The body depends on eight different B vitamins. Supplements may contain one, some, or all of these vitamins. Supplements that contain multiple B vitamins are often called vitamin B complex. 

Three B vitamins — B6, B12, and folic acid — are key for making red blood cells. Without them, anemia can develop, leading to fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. 

People with CKD are at higher risk for anemia. That’s because their kidneys make less erythropoietin, a hormone that tells the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Low B vitamin levels can make this worse, so getting enough is important.  

2. Iron

The body also needs iron to make red blood cells. Low iron levels can lead to a specific kind of anemia called iron-deficiency anemia. 

People with CKD often develop iron-deficiency anemia for several reasons:

• Frequent blood draws and dialysis can deplete iron stores.

• Since CKD can affect appetite, people may not be getting enough iron from their diet. 

• CKD raises levels of a hormone called hepcidin, which can make it harder for the body to use iron effectively. It blocks the release of stored iron and prevents the body from using absorbed iron to make new red blood cells.

If you. need iron supplements, Your healthcare team can help you determine how much iron you need to take each day. They can also help you figure out if oral supplements or intravenous (IV) iron infusions are better for you. 

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps your body build collagen, which is essential for keeping bone and teeth strong and healthy. It also helps wounds heal and supports the immune system. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods. 

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage. And some researchers believe that getting enough vitamin C may help support kidney health for people with CKD.

People with CKD may lose their vitamin C stores during dialysis. They may also not get enough vitamin C in their diet because they need to follow a low-potassium diet.  

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But it's important to know that too much vitamin C can lead to oxalate kidney stones, which can lead to more kidney damage. Your healthcare team will help you know if you need a supplement, and how much vitamin C you can safely take each day. 

4. Calcium

Calcium plays many important roles in the body. But it’s best known for keeping bones strong and healthy. 

People with CKD often develop bone disease. The kidneys normally control the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. People with CKD have trouble getting rid of extra phosphorus. When phosphorus levels get too high, the body pulls calcium out of bones to balance out the high phosphorus levels. But without calcium, bones become weak and fragile. This can lead to fractures. 

Taking calcium supplements increases calcium levels in the body. This can stop the body from pulling too much calcium from bones. But before you start a supplement, talk to your healthcare team.

Like vitamin C, it’s important not to take too much calcium if you have CKD. High calcium levels can cause kidney stones and kidney damage. Too much calcium can also cause problems with heart rate and blood pressure. 

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium to build strong bones.

Many people have low vitamin D levels because it’s hard to get enough vitamin D from food. People with CKD are at even higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. This is because the kidneys also convert vitamin D from food into the active form of vitamin D that the body can use — and helps with calcium absorption.

You may need to take vitamin D supplements if you have kidney disease. But like other vitamins, it’s possible to take too much vitamin D. And since dosages can vary widely between supplements, this is another one to talk to your healthcare team about.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help provide energy and support your lungs, heart, and immune system, as well as your hormones. Oily fish are a common source of omega-3 fatty acids. But you can also get them from plant-based sources like nuts and seeds.

Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help improve kidney function in people with CKD who need dialysis. This might be due to the antioxidant activity of omega-3 fatty acids.  

One large study looked at over 6,000 people with kidney disease. Those who had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to develop worsening kidney disease. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are also sometimes recommended to help treat complications of kidney disease, like itching or high blood pressure. But more studies are needed to understand what dosing is best for optimal kidney health. 

The best foods for kidney health

Diet and food choices can play an important role in the progression of kidney disease. And you don't need to rely on supplement to get the critical nutrients you need to stay health. Some of the best food choices for people with kidney disease include: 

• Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and grapes

• Vegetables such as red peppers, cauliflower, and cabbage 

• Legumes, including as beans, chickpeas, and lentils 

• Whole grains such as buckwheat and bulgar 

• Garlic

• Egg whites

• Lean meats

• Oily fish

It’s best to limit foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Too much of these can be hard for your kidneys to filter. Experts also recommend limiting foods high in saturated fat and added sugar. 

What drinks are best for kidney health?

Drinking water is one of the best ways to keep your kidneys healthy. Other drinks that are good for kidney health include: 

• Cranberry juice

• Carrot juice

• Beet juice 

• Green tea

Which supplements should you avoid if you have kidney disease?

Always talk with your healthcare team before starting any new supplements or vitamins. Even seemingly harmless supplements can cause health problems for people with kidney disease. Experts advise that people with CKD avoid these supplements:

• Astragalus

• Barberry

• Cat’s claw

• Goldenrod

• Horsetail

• Huperzine A 

• Java tea leaf

• Licorice root

• Pennyroyal

• Nettle

• Oregon grape root

• Parsley root

• Uva ursi

And common vitamins — like vitamins A, E, and K — can build up and reach dangerously high levels in people living with CKD. Don’t take supplements containing these vitamins unless your healthcare team tells you it’s safe. 

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Written by:

Amy Walsh, MD, MDP

Amy Walsh, MD, MDP, has worked as an emergency physician for 15 years, including care at both rural hospitals and trauma centers. She is the former Global Emergency Medicine fellowship director at Health Partners.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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