Kidney Diseases

Nutrients connected to Kidney Diseases

A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.

• CreatineDocumented risk

  People with existing kidney disease should ask a physician before using creatine; studies in healthy people found no harm.

• Juniper BerryDocumented risk

  Not recommended in severe kidney disease, including infectious interstitial nephritis, pyelitis and pyelonephritis.

• SarsaparillaDocumented risk

  RxList says sarsaparilla may worsen kidney disease and advises people with kidney problems to avoid it.

• Juniper berryDocumented risk

  The EU does not recommend juniper berry products in severe kidney disease or when fluids are limited.

• PotatoesDocumented risk

  MedlinePlus says people with poor kidney function, especially on dialysis, should limit high-potassium foods; a care team can say whether a limit is needed.

• Juniper Berry OilDocumented risk

  Severe kidney disease is a listed contraindication for the oral medicine form; the evidence is contested.

• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)Preliminary or mixed

  Prescribed bicarbonate for CKD acidosis studied; baking soda pica harmful in dialysis.

• Flaky and Smoked SaltsDocumented risk

  People with kidney disease may need lower sodium amounts (MedlinePlus).

• Magnesium Chloride Bath FlakesDocumented risk

  People with significantly reduced kidney function are the main group at risk from high magnesium intake.

• Creatine HCl (Hydrochloride)Documented risk

  People with existing kidney disease should ask a clinician before using creatine. HCl-specific safety data are limited.

• Creatine NitrateDocumented risk

  Creatine can change kidney blood test values and people with kidney disease should ask a clinician first. Nitrate-form trials were in healthy people.

• Magnesium Creatine ChelateDocumented risk

  People with kidney disease should ask a clinician before creatine or magnesium supplements; creatinine rose with this form in a 16-week trial.

• Creatine in Food (Meat and Fish)Documented risk

  Meat and creatine supplements can raise blood creatinine, which can affect kidney tests. People with kidney disease should ask a clinician about diet and creatine.

• Whey Protein PowderDocumented risk

  People with chronic kidney disease may need moderate protein, set by a dietitian or clinician, so should ask before using protein powders.

• KohlrabiDocumented risk

  Potassium in food may need limiting in chronic kidney disease.

• Navy BeansDocumented risk

  NKF: most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans; dialysis and oxalate stones need individual advice.

• White Beans (Cannellini & Great Northern)Documented risk

  NKF: most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans; dialysis and oxalate stones need individual advice.

• Lima BeansDocumented risk

  NKF: most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans; dialysis and oxalate stones need individual advice.

• Mung BeansDocumented risk

  NKF: most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans; dialysis and oxalate stones need individual advice.

• Adzuki BeansDocumented risk

  NKF: most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans; dialysis and oxalate stones need individual advice.

• Fish SauceDocumented risk

  WHO links high sodium intake to kidney disease; people on a sodium-limited diet should count fish sauce.

• Activated CharcoalPreliminary or mixed

  A 46-patient pilot trial of a specific bamboo charcoal in stage 3 CKD; larger trials needed.

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