Effects of Supplements on Kidney Health: Tongkat Ali, Ashwagandha, Ginseng & More
Detailed analysis of how supplements like Tongkat Ali, Ashwagandha, Fadogia Agrestis, Ginseng, and vitamins impact kidney function. Includes safety profiles, potential risks, and the importance of monitoring dosages for kidney health.
how could the supplementation of tongkat ali, ashwagandha, fadogia agrestis, korean red panax ginseng, acetyl L-carnitine, L-carnitine L-tartrate, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, magnesium glycinate, magnesium L-threonate, digestive enzymes, garlic extract, ginkgo biloba, L-Citruline, and beta alanine individually affect the kidneys
Here is a detailed breakdown of how the supplementation of each mentioned substance may individually affect the kidneys based on available authoritative information:
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
Tongkat Ali, commonly used for its aphrodisiac and anti-aging effects, is generally considered safe regarding renal function at normal doses. Studies have shown no adverse changes in liver and renal function tests with typical daily dosages1. However, genotoxic potential has been noted at very high doses2.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been associated with liver injury in some cases, which might indirectly affect kidney function due to its role in filtering blood3. Patients with pre-existing conditions should use caution4.
Fadogia agrestis
Research is limited on Fadogia agrestis' direct impact on kidney function. However, since it has shown pharmacological effects on the reproductive system in animals, use with caution is advisable due to the lack of robust safety data5.
Korean Red Panax Ginseng
Ginseng can have various effects on the kidneys, especially under conditions of abuse or misuse, such as potential cardiovascular and renal toxicity6. It may also interact with certain medications, impacting renal function6.
Acetyl L-Carnitine
There is limited data specifically on acetyl L-carnitine’s impact on kidney function. However, L-carnitine metabolism involves renal reabsorption, and supplementing it could lead to an increase in urinary excretion if renal function is impaired7.
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
Similar to acetyl L-carnitine, L-carnitine L-tartrate requires efficient kidney function to maintain homeostasis. High supplementation may result in higher urinary excretion if renal reabsorption is saturated7.
Vitamin C
High doses of Vitamin C can lead to nephroxicity due to oxalate crystal formation, which can cause acute kidney injury8.
Zinc
Excess zinc can cause a disruption in copper and iron metabolism and has been associated with kidney damage in high doses. Clear clinical data on normal supplementation effects is limited, so it should be used with caution.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D in high doses can lead to hypercalcemia and subsequent soft tissue and renal calcification. It is vital to monitor dosages to prevent such negative outcomes.
Vitamin B Complex
While individual B vitamins are generally safe with respect to kidney function, high doses of certain B vitamins (like B6) over extended periods can lead to toxicity potentially affecting renal function.
Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium is filtered by the kidneys, and excess intake can result in hypermagnesemia, particularly in individuals with compromised renal function9.
Magnesium L-Threonate
Like other forms of magnesium, it can lead to toxicity in cases of renal impairment. Proper renal function is necessary for safe use.
Digestive Enzymes
Generally used for improving digestion, their impact on the kidneys is not well-documented, although GI disturbances may occur10.
Garlic Extract
High doses of garlic extract might lead to gastrointestinal irritation and, in very rare cases, may interact with medications affecting renal function.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is generally safe but can interact with several medications, inclusively impacting renal function indirectly.
L-Citrulline
It is metabolized by the kidneys and supports vascular health through NO production. Elevated levels can indicate renal insufficiency, but generally, citrulline supports kidney function by reducing inflammation11.
Beta Alanine
Excessive supplementation of amino acids like beta alanine could lead to electrolyte imbalances and over time, may affect renal function indirectly12.
Careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare provider are advisable before starting any supplement, especially if there is a pre-existing kidney condition.
Footnotes
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Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali). ↩
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Ashwagandha-induced liver injury—a case series from India. ↩
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Ashwagandha-induced liver injury—a case series from India. ↩
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Review of cases of patient risk associated with ginseng abuse and misuse. ↩ ↩2
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Megadose Vitamin C Prescription Through Alternative Medicine Leading to End-Stage Renal Disease. ↩
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Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases. ↩
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L-Citrulline Supplementation and Exercise in the Management of Sarcopenia. ↩
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