People on dialysis take a special renal vitamin preparation that contains B vitamins with extra folic acid and a limited amount of vitamin C. There are several reasons why dialysis patients take renal vitamins:
- To replace vitamins removed during each dialysis treatment
- Depending on your diet, the vitamin can help replace what you may not be getting with your meals, or food preferences.
- A limited variety of foods and poor appetite contributes to nutrient deficiencies
- Adequate amounts of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 are required to make red blood cells and prevent anemia
- Vitamin deficiencies increase risk for infection
Examples of renal vitamins are Dialyvite®, Nephrocaps®, Nephrovite®, and Renaltab®. Some brands require a prescription and others are available over the counter. Kidney doctors or renal dietitians usually make recommendations on which renal vitamin to take.
