vitamin supplements

[TDPowers]

I have low iron and low blood count i have CKD stage 5. Does anyone take vitamins that will improve iron and blood. Also i read where probiotics are good to take for CKD. I've tried Renydal and prorenal with d. i know i have to be careful what i take. Just trying to improve my kidney function i am on a plant based diet. Thank you

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

When your blood counts get low, there are options you can try. BUT check with the doctor first. It is very hard to get iron from plants, but good sources are broccoli, oatmeal and a few others. You can Google it. You just have to be careful with the potassium. Over the Counter iron can also work, but that is definitely something to talk with the doctor about. I did not like it because of the side effects, especially constipation. My neph was just telling me if mine gets lower, we might go with infusion. There is less issues with the intestines and constipation. I also have an issue with not having an acid level needed for iron absorption because I am taking meds to lower my acid levels. This is why this is tricky.

[TDPowers in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank so much

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to TDPowers]

I am finding this to be so true. I have anemia . I do eat oatmeal everyday and probiotic.

[TDPowers in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you

[Marbella17]

I’d look into getting an iron supplement that is chelated as those are better for absorption (along with Vitamin C). As far as increasing hemoglobin, conventional medicine usually involves a prescription for epo injections, you may not be a candidate due to other reasons if it has not been recommended by your doctors. As far as natural approaches, there’s a supplement call chitosan that can also raise levels. My best wishes to you, I know stage 5 can be tough, my dad is there now but don’t lose hope & faith, keep doing everything you can.

[TDPowers in reply to Marbella17]

Thank you so much

[Vidahope]

Hi I am stage 5 but not on dialysis & now I take 1x 500ng iron tablet a day that helps keep it up but I am in the UK & get mine from abbots pharmacy but your doctor should provide them it saves having an infusion BUT they have just started me on an Anaemia injection once every 14 days to get my red blood count up. Your Doctor should arrange this as both do work thing positive

[TDPowers in reply to Vidahope]

Thank you so much

[Frankie24]

I am given my iron by infusion at dialysis. I also have been told to take nehrovite, vitamin B12, 250 mcg. , folic acid 25 mg and D3 500mcg. I don’t know if this answers your question. It is just what I was told to take by my nephrologist.

[TDPowers in reply to Frankie24]

Thank you so much

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Frankie24]

I too take B12 and D3 prescribed by my Doctors.

[Hidden]

I too was given iron infusions during my dialysis days. As far as blood count goes, your kidneys provide a hormone called Epogen that tells the bones to make more blood cells. People with CKD may not be making enough thus the iron infusions and Epo injections. Over the counter iron supplements are not absorbed very well so it takes a lot of them to have any appreciable effect.

[TDPowers in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much

[Darlenia in reply to TDPowers]

True! As kidneys lose function, they also lose the ability to manufacture the hormones for iron and Vitamin D. Most everyone in the later stages will need treatments for both sooner or later.

[TDPowers in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you

[Ziggydoodah]

i am on dialysis but when i first started they were shocked at how low my bloods were. They even discussed a blood transfusion. However when i was at stage 5, i started taking a supplement called Active Iron. Im based in the UK and it is expensive at £15.99. I dont know if it was a placebo effect but i felt like i was getting a boost and my stamina improved. I was rold however to stop taking them as they were doing nothing. I now get weekly iron infusions. I felt awful after getting them. Now i can tolerate them better but again i cant say i feel any better. Maybe get your folate levels checked too? All the best.

[TDPowers in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Thank you so much

[4to3]

Try vit B1. I went from stage 4 to stage 3 over a 7 month period, Was on a good diet and taking 500mg of vit B1 each morning, plus stopping a statin. Some research shows that B1 helps restore kidney function. Dave at 82.

[TDPowers in reply to 4to3]

Thank you so much

[RonaldoResuelto]

There are numerous otc iron supplements available. Ferrous sulfate 325mg is commonly taken to elevate iron levels. However, it is poorly absorbed and often causes stomach upset and constipation. Iron bisglycinate (gentle iron) is better absorbed and easier on the stomach, but only supplies 26mg of iron. The other otc supplements all seem to contain very low amounts of elemental iron, and I would not experiment with the dosage. However, a prescription iron tablet was recently approved called Accrufer which I intend to ask my doctor about on my next visit. Check at ncib.nlm.nih.gov/pnc/articlesPMC8509126/. Iron Replacement Therapy With Oral Ferric Maltol.

[Hidden]

Hi TDPowers

I have long term ckd and chronic low iron plus, gastro issues.

Use a slow release iron, brand Maltofer Tablets with Iron polymaltose 370mg equivalent to 100mg of elemental iron per tablet.

Hope this is of some help.

[TDPowers in reply to Hidden]

Thank You