I have a friend who swears by these products for help with CKD. I know there is no cure for CKD. But if a supplement might help, then I am investigating it. I know all the spiel on taking supplements, too. I am just trying to find out if anyone else is using these and if they are helping.
The information out there is pretty interesting.
Grapeseed Extract:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
healthline.com/nutrition/gr...
Bilberry
Hi Bassetmommer,
I take a Grapeseed Extract capsule in the morning and evening prior to my meal with no issue.
I looked it up on Drugs.com and discussed it with my nephrologist and no issue.
Just my thoughts..
Hope all is well with you.
Bet 😊
All is well. I owe you an email soon. Been swamped but good things happening. Just interested, how much do you take?
So glad! Will take good things happening.
I buy the Zazzee brand on Amazon. I take 1- 400mg capsule with breakfast and one with dinner.
Check it out. Good for kidneys as well as liver.
Email when time allows. Interested in new plant based additions ..we will catch up.
Take Care.
B..
Yup, that's what I bought, different manufacture.
Thanks for posting this information. I will definitely investigate 🔬
I'd be curious to know what source/brand you end up using as it's one I am planning to discuss with my nephrologist. Sadly, quality of supplements varies greatly and the best source I had found for l-citrulline malate (which I am not longer using until I speak with the nephrologist) was bulksupplement. They are generally well ranked on labdoor.com (an independent laboratory) but sadly their grapeseed extract is in a powder form and would require a good quality milligram scale, one that I would get from a reputable source along with a calibration weight -not amazon. So not very practical, perhaps not advisable at all.
I found Zazzee on Amazon as their price was more reasonable than my local nutrition chemist. As always checked with my nephrologist before taking anything.
I do not ant to endorse one over the other but went with one that a CKD friend has been using for years. He brought his GFR up a lot. I am sure it was not the sole reason for the increase but he swears by it. And of course, I am checking with my heath care team anytime before I use any supplement.
It doesn't strike me as cocaine, where you'd OD if going a bit awry on your measurement! A simple scoop ought to get you there or thereabouts. The scientific papers seem to range 300mg to 2g per day so you could decide to try out a 250mg scoop?
Tastes pretty naff (powder form) so I've to find another way of getting it down than mixing with water..
Taking a supplement in a capsule
Purchase in haste, repent at leisure. Got the powder from Bulk. Its orange/red and almost impossible to handle without spillage. 1000 x 250mg doses - I'll be a while getting through it!
Doesn't taste bad with apple juice but yeah, capsule the way to go.
I have not read those scientific paper and they certainly not represent what a safe limit is. The inherent challenge is that the standard scale kitchen isn't precise enough to tell whether you are taking 250mg or 400mg, perhaps even 600mg. weighing 10 doses should provide a more precise estimate but it's not something that I would personally recommend.
Empty capsules could also be purchased but my trust in online sellers is quite limited.
Bought a packet of grape seed powder with a view to giving it a whirl. Then recalled something in memory and googled.
"Inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme by grape seed and skin proanthocyanidins extracted from Vitis vinífera L. cv. País"
Didn't read into it but it just goes to show!
Good luck in trying to understand that article. One of the side effects is that GSE may have a anticoagulant effect on the blood. GSE also can lower BP which might impact the use of ACE inhibitors and should be monitored for low BP. I am not sure why you brought this article up as most people would not be able to decipher the language. Bottom line, make sure you check with your health care team before starting any supplement.
That seemed to be the jist: GSE seems to act the same way as ACE meds. I'd take that result!
Trouble about my health team is that I ain't got much of one worth at damn. I really can't envisage asking my GP what they think of GSE. I'd get quizzical looks is all.
Please check with your healthcare team before taking any supplements that are not prescribed. There may be interactions with prescription medications, and your healthcare team may want to discuss dosages that are appropriate for you.
Kidney tracker apps?
Standards for measuring Kidney Function 
Apple Cider Vinegar - Is it safe for CKD Sufferers?
Amino acid supplements for CKD
