Vitamin D and Chronic Kidney Disease: Study Finds Supplement Can Help

Children with chronic kidney disease typically have lower levels of vitamin D and higher levels of blood markers related to kidney function, resulting in the risk of greater kidney function loss throughout time.

New findings published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) reveal that maintaining normal vitamin D levels is critical in preserving kidney function in children dealing with the issue. Furthermore, the study points out how adding a vitamin D supplement to already existing treatments is an inexpensive and accessible addition to this regular health routine.

A cornerstone therapy of CKD involves blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), otherwise known as a complex hormone system that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. However, patients with this type of therapy may receive a limited response to drugs like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) that target the RAAS over time, and intensifying treatment with these drugs can also lead to side effects. Thus, clinical trials in adults with CKD have proven effective with the addition of vitamin d, as well as augmenting RAAS blockades.

For the study, researchers analyzed long-term data on 167 children from a clinical study called the Effect of Strict Blood Pressure Control and ACE Inhibition on Progression of CKD in Pediatric Patients (ESCAPE) trial.

Findings revealed that children with lower levels of vitamin D were also more likely to suffer from higher loss of kidney function over time.

"Nutritional vitamin D supplements like cholecalciferol have a wide therapeutic window. Thus, clinical trials with cholecalciferol, a safe and effective vitamin D supplement with minimal need for monitoring, are recommended in children with CKD," Rukshana Shroff, MD, PhD of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK, in a news release.

Statistics show that roughly 1 in 3 Americans are currently at risk of developing kidney disease, with up to 26 million Americans suffering from the health issue and unaware that it is even affecting them. As high blood pressure and diabetes remain the leading causes of kidney disease, regular checkups can help to monitor potential issues or exacerbated conditions.

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