A study from Tehran asked: are micronutrients protecting kidney function? The results are available in “Nutrients” in 2016.
The researchers used the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. It recruited 15,005 participants between the years 1990 and 2001. Every 3 years there were follow-up exams. This study on which this review goes back to the third follow-up survey during the years 2009 to 2011. Each participant filled in dietary questionnaires with their nutrient intake.
Results of diet studies
- Participants with the top 20% folate levels had a 56% lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease, compared to the lowest 20% folate intake.
- Similarly, the top vitamin B12 intake had an association with a 43% lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
- The top vitamin C intake group had a 62% lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
- The top vitamin D3 intake group was 61% less likely to develop chronic kidney disease.
- Participants with the top vitamin E intake had a 55% lower risk of developing chronic disease.
- When researchers examined the magnesium intake, the top 20% had a 59% lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
- Finally, the top potassium intake group had a connection with a 53% lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Further study regarding another micronutrient
In this 2013 study research observed that a lack of selenium in the diet was a cause for acute and chronic kidney disease. Selenium is an important cofactor in several enzymes. Selenium is necessary in the thyroid hormone metabolism and in the immune system. This may explain why acute infections occurred more often in selenium deficient chronic kidney patients. A lack of selenium also causes cardiovascular disease leading to deterioration of chronic kidney disease. This was further studied in this publication.
It appears that selenium is an important trace mineral that should be part of the supplementation regimen of chronic kidney disease patients.
Micronutrients Protecting Kidney Function
Conclusion
Several vitamins, minerals and trace minerals are instrumental to avoid chronic kidney disease. It is particularly important to supervise children’s nutrition, as they need to prevent kidney disease in their young age. Mortality among young chronic kidney disease patients is much higher than in older patients who have this disease. But when young patients get kidney disease it is much more likely that their kidney disease will become even more serious when they get older. Prevention has to start early!
