Dietary supplements can be dangerous for me due to kidney disease
Because of aHUS, my renal function is less than 20%
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Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with vitamins and supplements. Not everyone will have the same response. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a dietary supplement.
The global vitamin and dietary supplement market is ever-expanding, expected to be valued at over $230 billion in 2026. People may take supplements for a variety of reasons, and it can be easy to get swept up in all the options available. But the popularity of these products reminds me that I’m slowly dying and can’t put just anything into my body.
I was wandering through Walmart the other day and needed to restock the probiotics that I take. I suffer from several rare diseases and comorbidities, but my worst complications stem from atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), which causes my immune system to destroy my red blood cells and form blood clots in my organs. I take so many medications to manage my health that my stomach is constantly upset, and probiotics help offset some of the digestive side effects.
I scanned the shelves, my gaze crawling over the dozens and dozens of vitamins and supplements. “There are so many options,” I thought. The bottles advertised vitamin E for skin, biotin for hair and nails, vitamin C for the immune system … and on and on.
Caution is crucial
Sometimes I catch myself thinking I should try a particular supplement, only to remember that my kidneys can’t handle it. When I had my first aHUS attack in 2020, I experienced multiorgan failure and nearly died. Many of my organs sustained permanent damage, but my kidneys took the worst hit of all. I had to quickly learn everything I could about kidney function and care. Even today, my renal function is only 15%-20%.
Our kidneys are vital, serving as the body’s filtration system. They also help regulate blood pressure and maintain the body’s chemical balance and proper blood pH. Kidney damage can be dangerous or even deadly. One misstep in my care, and I could be back on dialysis.
Because my kidneys aren’t strong enough to process and filter excess substances, I can’t take most supplements and vitamins. I also have to avoid electrolyte drinks. Even though I’m often dehydrated, my kidneys can’t filter the added electrolytes, meaning these minerals could build up to toxic levels in my body.
Diet or sugar-free drinks can also be misleading. People with kidney disease are usually told to avoid sugary drinks and snacks, but some research suggests that artificial sweeteners can have negative effects on the kidneys.
So I spend a lot of time reading nutrition labels to check if things are safe for me to consume. It’s a lot to remember and manage sometimes, and it’s strange to be reminded in the middle of Walmart that I’m sicker than I seem. But making safe and smart health decisions will hopefully keep me here longer.
Note: aHUS News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of aHUS News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to aHUS.
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