Are Vitamins Bad for Kidneys?
Many people take a daily multivitamin to provide the body with extra protection against disease. Although this practice is recommended by most doctors and dietitians, taking too many vitamins can be bad for the kidneys. It is important to know the proper dosage of vitamins for your specific needs.
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Function
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According to the Harvard School of Public Health, taking a daily multivitamin and an extra supplement of vitamin D is a good idea. Multivitamins provide an effective defense against disease and illness by ensuring you receive all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
Considerations
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It is important to remember that taking too many vitamins can actually be harmful. If taken in excess, some vitamins can cause damage to the organs, including the kidneys.
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Expert Insight
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A study done at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that increasing the daily intake of vitamin C from the normal dose of 200 mg to an elevated dose of 1,000 mg resulted in a significant increase of oxalic acid in the urine, which causes kidney stones. As a result, Dr. Mark Levine, a member of the NIH study team, suggests ingesting less than 1,000 mg of vitamin C per day.
Benefits
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A study done at Harvard Brigham and Women's Hospital showed that vitamin B6 can actually provide significant protection against the formation of kidney stones. Researchers of this study suggest taking at least 40 mg of vitamin B6 per day.
Recommendations
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Speak with your doctor before taking any vitamins or herbs. The Kidney Foundation recommends that you ask your doctor or dietitian to prescribe a vitamin supplement.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D'Arcy Norman
