The world has seen a trend where essential nutrients are now available in sealed bottles. In fact, dietary supplements are regarded as the ‘magic pill’ for meeting one’s nutritional requirements. However, while supplements can be helpful for the short-term, prolonged consumption can eventually harm the kidneys, causing severe complications like kidney stones and renal failure, say experts.
When are dietary supplements required?
According to Priyanka Lulla, clinical dietician at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, supplements are prescribed if an individual has a deficiency. “Supplements are given to a person if they are suffering from a medical condition and the natural dietary sources are unable to meet the nutritional requirements needed for recovery,” she explains.
According to Dr Amol Mahaldar, consultant nephrology and transplant physician, Manipal Hospital, Goa, nutritional supplements are often prescribed as medicines. “While these supplements help the body regain strength, energy and muscle mass in a short period, excessive consumption by those who aren’t experiencing any problems can have adverse consequences,” he warns.
How do supplements harm the kidneys?
Overuse of supplements (especially protein supplements) can cause the kidneys to work overtime, resulting in kidney issues. “Kidneys remove by-products of protein metabolism (like urea) from the body through urine,” Dr Mahaldar explains. “Normal protein intake for a healthy individual is 0.8 to 1 gram per kg body weight, which corresponds to about 40 to 60 grams of protein per day. Consumption of protein above the recommended limit will put excessive strain on the kidneys, leading to complications over time,” he adds.
Citing an example, he says that young gym goers take protein supplements like creatine monohydrate to increase muscle mass. Unfortunately, many aren’t aware of their adverse effects. “Young people, particularly those in their late teens or early twenties, come to us nephrologists complaining about issues like high blood pressure that they didn’t experience previously. Some of them present with severe kidney problems and even renal failure. Hence, it is vital to ensure that your gym instructor is aware of your body composition and the amount of protein required by your body,” he explains.
Adverse effects of supplements
RDAs (recommended dietary allowances), which refer to the average nutrient intake level in a diet per day, are assigned to all nutritional supplements by the Food and Nutrition Board. Consumption of nutrients above the RDA can have harmful effects. “For example, while vitamin D helps build and maintain bone strength, excessive consumption can result in kidney stones and bone pain. Similarly, overconsumption of vitamin A induces convulsions and cerebral edema (brain swelling), while that of vitamin C causes digestive symptoms and uric acid stones,” says Dr Mahaldar.
Both Dr Mahaldar and Lulla recommend being cautious while taking natural or synthetic supplements. “Both types of supplements contain hard metals and other sulphates, which can cause kidney and liver damage in the long run,” they caution.
As a result, Lulla emphasises the importance of adequate hydration. “If these supplements are consumed in large doses, it is critical to flush them out of the body to avoid kidney damage,” she adds.
Supplements for renal disorders
People with renal disorders like chronic kidney disease must stick to the recommended dosage while taking supplements prescribed to them. “They will require dietary supplements, especially if they are not on dialysis,” says Lulla. “They won’t be able to eat well due to protein restrictions and will require a protein supplement of about 0.6 to 0.8 grams per kg body weight,” she adds. In such cases, they are given supplements that are kidney-friendly and include lower quantities of potassium and sodium.
Supplements can be consumed as an add-on to our diet, as long as it’s under medical supervision. “There are instances where natural sources cannot provide all the essential nutrients,” says Lulla. “For instance, if an individual has low hemoglobin levels, they cannot depend entirely on iron-rich foods. In such cases, an iron supplement is essential,” she adds.
Takeaways
- While supplements can fulfil one’s short-term needs, overconsumption can harm the kidneys in the long run.
- Supplements are prescribed for people who have a deficiency of certain nutrients. However, consuming them above the recommended limit will put excessive strain on the kidneys, leading to complications over time.
- People with renal disorders (like CKD) must stick to the recommended dosage while taking supplements prescribed to them.
