Vitamins and minerals are substances that the body needs to help perform important vital functions. Through them the body receives energy and regulates and balances all the processes taking place in it. Therefore, they are essential for your body.
Almost all vitamins and minerals are obtained from the food we eat. People with normal kidney function, who eat a variety of foods from all food groups (meat, cereals, fruits, vegetables and dairy products), manage to get the necessary number of vitamins and minerals in this way.
What vitamins can a dialysis patient take?
The vitamins that are usually prescribed to patients with kidney disease are water-soluble and are: B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid and biotin, as well as a certain amount of vitamin C.
B complex:
B-complex vitamins are grouped together, but each has a different function.
One of the important functions of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid is to prevent anemia, which is characterized by a reduced amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. In cases of such deficiency, additional B supplements called thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin are recommended. These vitamins help convert the foods you eat into energy that your body can use.
Why do dialysis patients need vitamin B?
Dialysis patients usually have poor nutrition, which predisposes them to B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12
- supports the formation of new cells;
- supports nerve cells;
- binds to folic acid to form red blood cells;
- its deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage.
Vitamin B6 is another important cofactor for the trans sulfurization of homocysteine to cystathionine.
Studies are being conducted on therapies with increased vitamin B intake and its effects on the kidneys. It has been observed that the combination of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 may lower the level of homocysteine, the high values of which are associated with the risk of nephropathy.