FAQs
Our kidney experts provide answers to some of the most frequently
asked questions about CKD and ProRenal QD®. If you have other questions,
please email us at info@myprorenal.com
There are differences in the way people with CKD absorb and eliminate many vitamins and minerals. This may cause elevated levels of some vitamins and deficiencies in others. In addition, people with CKD are at risk for malnutrition, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. ProRenal® multivitamins were designed to meet the needs of people with CKD by having the right blend of vitamins and minerals at the appropriate doses.
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Many leading multivitamins contain ingredients such as Vitamin A, potassium, or phosphorus that can be harmful to people with CKD. In addition, some vitamin supplements include 'proprietary blends' which have substances that are not well studied in people with CKD and could cause harm. ProRenal® multivitamins were formulated using the best available scientific evidence to meet the unique nutritional needs of people with CKD.
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People with CKD are much more likely to have low levels of Vitamin D compared to people without CKD. The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (guidelines to care for people with CKD set forth by the National Kidney Foundation) has stressed the need to detect and treat Vitamin D deficiency. Treatment of Vitamin D deficiency can also help to reduce the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition seen in people with CKD that can cause a specific type of bone disease. A number of leading experts agree that the Daily Recommended Intake of Vitamin D (400IU) is likely too low. Many studies have shown that doses of 800 IU can reduce the risk of fractures and falls. In addition, some leaders in the field recommend doses as high as 1000IU/day. ProRenal QD® contains 1000IU which should help to prevent Vitamin D deficiency for people with CKD. However, it provides a foundation on which further Vitamin D can be given based on individual needs. Talk with you health care provider regarding your need for Vitamin D, especially if you also take calcium supplements that contain Vitamin D.
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Dialysis vitamins are for people who are on dialysis. However, if you have CKD and are not on dialysis, your nutritional needs may be different. You need a multivitamin supplement that was designed for your specific nutritional requirements.
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People with CKD have a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to people without CKD. The American Heart Association has recommended the use of fish oils (through diet and/or supplements) as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. ProRenal QD® is unique in that it is a complete multivitamin that also contains fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids' DHA and EPA).
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Adequate calcium intake is important for people with CKD. However, as the national guidelines (KDOQI) point out, excess calcium intake can result in abnormal calcium deposits in people with CKD. For this reason, ProRenal® intentionally excludes calcium to allow your healthcare provider to determine your individual need for calcium supplements.
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Vitamin A levels can rise quickly to toxic levels in people with CKD. Therefore, additional supplementation with Vitamin A is not recommended in CKD. For many years, Vitamin E was thought to be useful for cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. However, a number of well-designed studies involving thousands of people have shown no benefit to the use of Vitamin E. In fact, long-term use of pharmacologic doses of Vitamin E (400IU) has been associated with increased risk of congestive heart failure and death. For this reason, ProRenal QD® has minimized the amount of Vitamin E. The small amount that is present was included to preserve the fish oil.
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Vitamin C is a classic example of the 'Goldilocks' phenomenon in vitamins ' you need the right amount for your needs. Too little Vitamin C results in a disease called scurvy. Too much, however, can increase your risk for kidney stones, which would be detrimental to people with CKD. ProRenal® has the proper dose of Vitamin C to provide benefit but prevent harm.
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ProRenal QD® was designed to be a complete multivitamin for people with CKD and to include fish oil (1000mg of fish oil). Therefore, ProRenal QD® can take the place of all these supplements except the calcium. If the calcium you take has Vitamin D, you may be able to switch to a cheaper calcium supplement without Vitamin D (because ProRenal QD® contains an adequate amount of Vitamin D). However, based on your individual needs you may require additional supplements along with ProRenal®. As always, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriate supplements for your individual needs.
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The ingredients in ProRenal® multivitamins are unlikely to cause any significant interaction with prescription medications. Higher doses of fish oil usually at greater than 2000mg (well beyond that found in ProRenal QD®) may be associated with platelet dysfunction thus increasing the risk of bleeding. This effect may be amplified especially when taken with aspirin or other blood thinners. As always, discuss your use of ProRenal® multivitamins and other supplements with your health care provider.
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Yes. People with CKD have high rates of nutritional Vitamin D deficiency- that is the form of Vitamin D contained in ProRenal® multivitamins. So even though you may be on a form of active Vitamin D(listed above), these medications do not replace nutritional Vitamin D. Talk to your Physician about any new medications or supplements, as they want to check your blood work to make certain you are on the right regimen for your health.
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Yes. Current dialysis vitamins provide essential nutrients for people on dialysis. ProRenal® has those ingredients too. However, ProRenal® also contains ingredients that research is showing may be beneficial for you but that other dialysis vitamins don't have, such as Vitamin D and fish oil. In this way, ProRenal® moves beyond existing vitamins to provide a more complete multivitamin that is specifically tailored to your needs. As always, talk to your health care provider regarding your use of supplements, including vitamins.
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Yes. People with kidney transplants often have similar nutritional requirements to people with CKD. For example, low Vitamin D levels are widespread in people with kidney transplants, and there is also a high risk of cardiovascular disease. For these reasons, ProRenal® multivitamins can be taken by people with kidney transplants to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients at the right doses. As always, talk to your health care provider regarding your use of supplements, including vitamins.
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