The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and maintaining overall health. However, kidney issues, such as chronic kidney disease or kidney stones, are increasingly common due to factors like poor diet, dehydration, and underlying health conditions.
While supplements can support general health, certain supplement mistakes—like taking high doses of certain ones—can place extra strain on the kidneys or worsen existing conditions.
To learn about some supplement errors you should avoid if you don’t want kidney issues, we spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati. She told us that taking high doses of vitamin C and excessive protein supplements could pose a threat to kidney health.
1. High doses of Vitamin C
While Vitamin C is celebrated for its immune-boosting properties and overall health benefits, it's essential to exercise caution with dosage. Nanavati warns, "While Vitamin C is vital for health, excessive amounts (over 2,000 mg/day) can lead to the formation of kidney stones, particularly in individuals with preexisting kidney conditions."
Kidney stones, notorious for their excruciating pain and potential complications, can obstruct urinary pathways, leading to infections and kidney damage. Luckily, if you stick to the recommended dosages and have otherwise healthy kidneys, you should be just fine.
2. Excessive Intake of Protein Supplements
Protein supplements are popular among fitness enthusiasts and individuals seeking to build muscle or support athletic performance. However, excessive protein intake, particularly from supplements, can have adverse effects on your health—including your kidneys. Nanavati explains, "High levels of protein intake can exacerbate kidney damage in individuals with existing kidney issues by increasing the kidneys' workload." The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from protein metabolism, and excessive protein intake can strain this filtering process, potentially leading to kidney damage over time.
It's important to emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of excessive protein intake on kidney health. Healthy individuals are unlikely to experience adverse effects, but those with preexisting kidney conditions should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before significantly increasing their protein intake, especially through supplements.
