Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a tough challenge in healthcare today. It needs a collaborative treatment approach that not  just focuses on the kidneys but also on other health issues and nutrition problems. Various nutrients are super important in helping manage CKD better. Let us break down why and how we use them throughout the journey of CKD.

Nutrition and CKD Progress

The link between what you eat and how CKD gets worse is tricky. Things like body fat, muscles, and overall weight (your BMI) all play a role. Research shows that if these things are not in good shape, CKD can cause more trouble.

Here is how we typically use nutrient supplements to help with CKD:

1. Vitamin D: Many CKD patients have low vitamin D levels because their kidneys lack proper functioning, they don't get enough sunlight, and they may have some food restrictions. So, vitamin D supplements are given to keep their bones strong, balance calcium and phosphorus levels, and lower the risk of bone problems.
2. Calcium: CKD can mess up calcium absorption in your body, which in turn affects your bones. So, along with vitamin D, calcium supplements are added to keep bones healthy and avoid fractures.
3. Iron: Anemia (low red blood cells) is common in CKD because the kidneys don't make enough of a hormone called erythropoietin, resulting in iron deficiency. Iron supplements help replenish iron stores and boost red blood cell production, which helps with tiredness and weakness.
4. Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESA): Some CKD patients need ESA therapy along with iron supplements to make more red blood cells and fight fatigue and weakness.
5. Phosphate Binders: CKD can make phosphate levels in the blood too high, causing bone and heart problems. Phosphate binders supplements can help lower phosphate levels by stopping the body from absorbing it.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These can help with inflammation and heart health in CKD patients. But it is used cautiously since it can interact with other medications and may affect cholesterol levels.
7. B Vitamins: Many CKD patients lack B vitamins like B6, B12, and folate, which can lead to anemia and nerve and heart issues. So, B vitamin supplements are recommended  to fix these problems.

Effect of Ketoanalogues in CKD

Ketoanalogues of amino acids (KAs) are special types of amino acids that don't contain nitrogen. People sometimes follow what's called a "ketodiet," which includes these KAs along with low-protein diets (LPDs) or very-low-protein diets (VLPDs). These diets help people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) reduce their intake of nitrogen without causing problems from not getting enough protein in their diet.

Studies have shown that these diets can be really helpful for certain CKD patients who stick to them well and have proven less health issues. They can slow down the progression of CKD, prevent problems like high phosphorus levels or overactive parathyroid glands, and even help control blood pressure. And the best part is, they can do all this without causing malnutrition.

A recent review of studies found that these special diets, along with KAs, could delay CKD from getting worse in people with stage 3 to 5 CKD who weren't on dialysis yet. It is like giving the kidneys a break and helping them function better while also keeping the rest of the body healthy.

For example, Ketosteril tablet is a nutrient supplement with an active ingredient, Alpha Ketoanalogue. This supplement is given along with a protein-restricted diet to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It reduces uraemic symptoms (caused by the accumulation of nitrogenous waste compounds normally eliminated by the kidneys), improves nutritional status, and reduces metabolic complications in CKD patients. It works by lowering urea levels in the bloodstream and slowing down the advancement of kidney disease, thereby delaying the need for long-term dialysis.

Personalized Approaches to Supplementation

Each CKD patient is different, so tailored supplements are recommended to fit their needs and reduce overall side effects. Research is ongoing to understand what works best for each person and how to keep them safe.

The Changing World of CKD Care

To give the best care to CKD patients, doctors, dietitians, and pharmacists need to adopt a team approach. By staying updated on new findings and working together, we can ensure CKD patients get the best care possible.

Conclusion

In short, vitamins and other nutrient supplements are crucial for managing CKD effectively. By fixing nutritional gaps and improving diet, we can help CKD patients live better lives. However, it is important to treat each patient individually and stay up-to-date on the latest CKD research and treatments. Working together, we can give CKD patients hope for a healthier future.