CKD and vitamin D

[Julesrich]

Can anyone advise. There has been mention in the news re Covid that vulnerable people should be taking vitamin D. Is it okay to take this vitamin as I know we have to be careful what we take with a diagnosis of CKD and also should it be D3 we take.

[Hidden]

You need to consult your Dr, you can't eat enough vitamin D to make a difference. Also be careful of taking supplements as too much vitamin D can be as bad or worse then too little, it needs to be measured.

As people in good health still contract Covid 19 there would be little point trying to boost your vitamin D levels to increase your immunity.

Simple rule of thumb is to be careful and take all possible precautions, always.

[Celtic]

Jules, firstly we can only advise you from our experience but we can’t recommend what you should do personally as we are not doctors and our bodies all respond differently to our health conditions and to their treatments.

In my case, with a sole kidney, CKD3b, eGFR varying between around 37 to 42 at last few recordings, my nephrologist recommends 1,000iu Vit D3 daily BUT for 3 months of the winter only. His reasoning is that when we take a Vit D3 supplement, it allows more calcium from our dietary intake to be absorbed into our bodies. If that calcium builds up it can lead to hypercalcemia resulting in the formation of calcium crystals/grit or kidney stones.

My very first Vit D blood test some years ago showed a deficiency at a level of 39. The winter supplement increased it to the 80’s and then I was advised to get out in the sun in the summer months to maintain that level.

Perhaps, in your case, you could ask your GP or nephrologist for a blood test to check your levels initially and then go from there.

I would like to see everyone taking a Vit D supplement having their calcium levels checked periodically, but that’s in a perfect world!

It would be interesting to hear how you get on, and lots of good luck wishes to you meanwhile.

[alexask in reply to Celtic]

I think that the solution to this is to take Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K to prevent calcification, and you can indeed buy this. It's a government recommendation that people supplement with Vitamin D in winter. I also note that in the daily mail the Government is now going to provide vitamin D to care homes to reduce covid severity. It's no coincidence to me that the virus died down in the northern hemisphere over summer and has now come roaring back in winter, now everyone is back indoors at work or school.

[Celtic in reply to alexask]

Everyone should just be aware that even Vit K, or any other over-the-counter meds, should first be checked out for any interaction with existing meds being taken - for instance, Vit K should not be taken by those on blood thinners.

[Julesrich in reply to Celtic]

Thanks for all your advice guys. Lots to consider. Sadly here in the UK it is not that easy to get in touch with my nethrologist, I have to wait for my 6 monthly phone appointments

[Celtic in reply to Julesrich]

Same here, Jules, also being in the UK!

[bridg12 in reply to Julesrich]

Is that because the UK has socialized medicine? I am just curious. Thanks.

[Julesrich in reply to bridg12]

I'm not sure what you mean by socialist medicine bridge. Do you mean medication is free on prescription from the NHS. If so it is free for over 60's which I am but they mostly tell us to buy over counter if it's not prescription only

[bridg12 in reply to Julesrich]

I was wondering why it takes 6 months to see your doctor, so I thought maybe UK has socialized medicine meaning paid for and run by the government. In the US, you can have a visit with your doctor sometimes the next day, same day if symptoms are bad. Specialists is a different story. I am afraid we might be headed that way (socialized medicine) in the US.

[Julesrich in reply to bridg12]

I have 6 monthly appointments booked with my specialist (which is NHS National Health Service), which is government run. I can book an appointment with my GP (general practitioner) on same day or week, which is also NHS. Although they obviously do not necessarily know too much about CKD. Unless you can afford private health care the majority of people here in the UK use NHS, which all working people pay into.

[bridg12 in reply to Julesrich]

Thank you for the explanation.

[Runquik123 in reply to Julesrich]

You can still phone your nephrologist. I think you need to check first before taking Vitamin D especially if you are stage 5.

[Julesrich in reply to Runquik123]

Thanks for your reply. I am stage 4 and I will wait to check with my nethrologist. I'm due a blood test soon to check GFR so I will see if I can get my vitamin D checked too

[Hidden]

Everyone’s body is different, get a blood test done and check your vitamin D levels, you may need more Vitamin D, your numbers may be stable or you may already have too much Vitamin D, discuss your blood test results with your doctor and decide if a supplement is good for your body.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Agree with other posts that is important to check with your Doctor before you take supplements. I am at CKD 3b. Based on blood work results vitamin D3 2000 IU is prescribed.. Plus age might be a factor.

[Julesrich]

Thanks everyone. I will make sure I discuss with my nethrologist at my next phone app next year

[Mickymoo in reply to Julesrich]

You could try speaking to your local pharmacist. You can ring them if you can't get out and about x

[Julesrich in reply to Mickymoo]

Thanks Mickymoo that's a good idea.

[Mgt8]

Hi there, as others have said and I'm sure you know already; a chat with the doctor is always best before taking tablets.

Although sheilding at present, I aim to get outside each day, when it's quiet as I hear, sunlight is a good source of vitamin D. Yes even our winter sunshine. Many foods are also good sources. Liver, oily fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna) egg yolks, mushrooms etc... The nhs have a page that gives more info.... nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-...

Little and often is my motto.....

Hope you find some useful info....

Best wishes, Mgt

[Julesrich in reply to Mgt8]

Thanks for advice Mgt I will check out website. I am getting a 20 walk in on weekdays picking up my grandson from school so maybe a little sunshine on the way

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Mgt8]

Yes sunlight and some foods are great sources of vit D. With CKD the kidneys do not convert into usable portions which is why we often are lacking. Those on dialysis should have levels above 40. Mine often drop below 10 yet my calcium levels are always low to low normal. This shows how very individual we are. Dont run to take supplements without first getting blood work and consulting your own physician.

Blessings

[userotc]

Personally I'm not sure doctors will know too much, particularly as there's plenty studies for and against vitamin D re kidney stones. I think they'll therefore hedge bets by saying avoid or minimise. But the risk of covid is higher for people with D levels below 75 nmol/l according to recent studies.

My mum (1 kidney) supplements at ~3000iu/Dy with K and achieves around the 75 mark with testing. We realise the risk of stones so plan to get oxalate levels checked as that is a factor along with susceptibility.

[Julesrich in reply to userotc]

Thanks for reply userotc. I agree doctors never like to commit themselves do they.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to userotc]

Not all stones are oxalate. Even kidney stones vary person to person.

[userotc in reply to KidneyCoach]

Indeed. Mum also plans to get urine calcium tested for hypercalcuria. I think both worth checking though?

[Dangermom13]

I take D, E, and a baby aspirin per day on advice of my doctor. I have stage 3 CKD and have scarred lungs from a case of double pneumonia that put me in ICU. BUT, you should ask for the advice of your personal physician.