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Before You Buy Kidney Supplements, Watch This

Sean Hashmi, MD

293,523 views

Before you buy another kidney supplement, start with the evidence and your lab results. Dr. Sean Hashmi reviews vitamins, omega-3s, probiotics and prebiotics, niacin, ketoanalogues, calcium citrate, antioxidants, and emerging creatine research in dialysis patients.

This guide explains the proposed mechanisms and studies behind each option, then shows how to discuss supplements with your kidney team. A deficiency, CKD stage, dialysis status, medications, and follow-up labs can change the decision. Supplements support an individual care plan; the options in this video are not a list for everyone to take.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why testing for vitamin deficiencies comes before adding more pills
What vitamin D and omega-3 studies can tell us, and where the evidence is limited
The gut-kidney connection and research on probiotics, prebiotics, and inulin
Why ketoanalogues are discussed alongside a supervised protein-restricted diet
What the early creatine studies in hemodialysis patients actually measured
How to review possible interactions and monitor supplements with your kidney team

CHAPTERS
00:00 Kidney supplements: evidence before buying
01:28 Water-soluble vitamins and deficiencies
03:26 Vitamin D and bone-mineral health
05:29 Omega-3s and cardiometabolic markers
07:49 Probiotics, prebiotics and the gut-kidney connection
11:33 Niacin and phosphate
13:05 Ketoanalogues with protein-restricted diets
14:48 Calcium citrate and inulin
17:02 Antioxidants under study
19:35 Emerging creatine research in dialysis
23:00 Discussing supplements and monitoring labs
25:04 Recap and closing thoughts

WATCH NEXT
More kidney health videos: @seanhashmimd

KEY REFERENCES
Ikizler TA, et al. KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD: 2020 Update. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2020;76(3 Suppl 1):S1-S107.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32829...

Yeung WG, et al. Vitamin D Therapy in Adults With CKD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2023;82(5):543-558.
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.0...

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on cardio-metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Nephrology. 2021;22:160.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33933...

Appropriateness of Ketoanalogues of Amino Acids, Calcium Citrate, and Inulin Supplementation for CKD Management: A RAND/UCLA Consensus. Nutrients. 2024;16(17):2930. Expert consensus in areas with limited evidence.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...

Marini ACB, et al. Effect of Creatine Supplementation on Body Composition and Malnutrition-Inflammation Score in Hemodialysis Patients: An Exploratory 1-Year, Balanced, Double-Blind Design. Nutrients. 2024;16(5):615.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38474...

RESEARCH CLARIFICATIONS
The 2021 omega-3 review reports standardized mean differences, which are not percentage changes. The 2023 vitamin D review found effects on fracture, cardiovascular, and kidney outcomes uncertain. The 2024 creatine trial's body-composition changes were likely related to increased intracellular water, and its malnutrition-inflammation score did not improve. These distinctions matter when interpreting the numbers discussed in the video.

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NEWSLETTER
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DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this channel is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this channel to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Always consult your physician or a qualified health provider regarding any medical questions, conditions, or treatments, and before undertaking any new health regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen or heard on this channel.

#KidneyHealth #Supplements #Omega3

20 Comments

@SeanHashmiMD Creator 1 year ago (edited) Pinned

Have you or someone you care about been taking kidney supplements without knowing if they actually work? Share your story below - your experience might help others in our community understand what really makes a difference.

I created this video after seeing so many patients struggle with expensive supplement regimens that had little scientific backing. The research at 10:45 about probiotics reducing uremic toxins by 25-30% completely changed my approach to gut health in CKD management.

Next video, I'm covering supplements that can actively HARM your kidneys - what specific supplements would you like me to investigate for potential kidney damage?

What was your biggest takeaway from this video? Or what questions do you still have about kidney supplementation?

Members get new videos 48 hours early, plus a monthly live Q and A with Dr. Sean.
Join: https://www.youtube.com/@seanhashmimd/join?utm_campaign=membership

@doreenFreedman 4 months ago

You helped me save my kidneys! Was down to eGFR 45, went to nephrologist to discuss anything I could do. Told me basically to get out and only comeback if I needed dialysis. Website advertised otherwise. Disgrace to medicine! As soon as Lab came in, I immediately went off diclofenac max oral dose, which I had been on for 20 years due to a lot of arthritis. I followed you and did some research also (NP IN ONC most of my life) Cut out, added etc mostly from your videos! EGFR went up to 62 ! Now hanging around 60. Thank you so much!

@monicasmith7050 10 months ago

All I can say is WOW. This channel is a godsend.

@stevestephens8925 1 year ago

i'm stage 4 ckd. my dr. told me not to take creatine. i don't think he's current on many topics; he wouldn't test my apoB; he refused to order a cac test even though i'm willing to pay for it myself. dr.'s do not listen to patients when it comes to current research because they think we are not qualified in any way.

@Veronicabac 1 year ago

Your presentations are a blessing to me. I just found out that I have stage three kidney disease and will be seeing a nephrologist. I am an 81 year old woman who is writing a children’s picture book with a very special person in my life and am a grandmother of four children, mother of two children. I have had a near death experience in 1995 so I am not afraid of death. I just hope I do not have to suffer very much before I cross over. Thank you for your wonderful spirit and extremely informative presentation. Veronica from Denver, CO.

@questioneverything1776 1 year ago

Most typical Drs and Nephrologists don’t know anything about supplements and just tell ppl to not take them or that they don’t need them. I’ve found renal Dietitians to be very helpful but even they get pushback from Drs and Nephrologists. It’s very difficult as a patient to get non-conflicting information and we want to be supported by all our health care team members

@jhudcay7945 1 year ago

You have really stepped up the quality of your videos in the last few months (not that they weren’t great and valuable before). You present information that my kidney doctor either does not know or just doesn’t have the time or inclination to discuss. Thank you so much!

@joses5356 9 months ago

My creatinine levels are always in the high range( 1.37) because I take creatine. I'm 62 lifting weights for over 30 years. Kaiser once placed a CKD on my chart. I took my own test a cystatin C blood test which confirmed my kidneys were fine ( 89 GFR). My initial Kaiser test showed a GFR just above 60....I believe 62. When I stop use of creatine for a couple of weeks my creatinine levels drop to around 1.26.

@jwebbw 8 months ago

"What works for one person may not work for you." That's why I listen to my body while closely watching the foods that I eat.

@maryvecchio656 9 months ago

I have never had my gastroenterologist mention anything about pre or probiotics . I have asked about the importance of them. The response is always “ if taking them makes you feel better”. Dr’s do not seem to know anything about how to take them or when on even when on antibiotics. Massachusetts Dr’s seem to be much more patient interactive. I am in S.Fl. and feel that Dr’s simply do not care once you are over 70.. We as patients have to do the research prior to office visits so as to make sure the Dr. knows we are proactive as to our health. Then they listen more attentively but still are at the door within 15 minutes . I do see a cardiologist now who actually hears me and responds.

@riggz7290 1 month ago

I'm 25 with IgAN (my mum also had it) and I went from CKD2 to CKD1:
I started taking ramipril 5mg every evening;
I watched a lot of your videos and many other videos on YouTube about kidneys and gut health;
I adopted a plant-based diet + eggs and fish;
I started omega-3 (with IFOS certificate) supplementation (2.400g every day);
I started taking 20 UFC probiotics before going to bed (and a small amount of kefir a few times, not every day) + a very fiber-rich diet;
No junk food, fried food, no sugary drinks, no sweets, no seed oils, no fast-food chains, eating out with friends or family every now and then;
A lot of fruits and veggies (especially kiwi, berries, cucumbers, carrots, apples, okra, bell peppers) + organic oats + EVOO + walnuts + ACV with "mother" (only when I want to eat a heavy meal, especially carbs, or before a "cheat meal");
I always try to have my last meal before 7 pm or at least before 8 pm;
I try my hardest to sleep more than 6-7 hours;
I take vitamin D supplements every 15 days and I always try to get some sunlight during the day;
I've never smoked anything or taken drugs, and I've been a healthy, athletic guy since I was in high school (bodyweight calisthenics and sometimes jogging);
I barely touch salt (just a few times every now and then, especially when I feel dehydrated in the morning, so I drink a big glass of water with lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt);
I drink 2 cups of dark coffee (with a stainless steel moka) and I've been not using any kind of sugar when I cook for so many years;
When I do the grocery I always read the ingredients and the amount of sugar, salt and protein.

@gsmith1901 1 year ago (edited)

B vitamins
Moderate Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Niacin
Keto analogues
Calcium Citrate
Inulin
Alpha Lipoic Acid
CoQ10
N-acetylcysteine
Creatine

@ruthgardocki1343 2 months ago (edited)

Oh my gosh this is the best video of many many many many many doctors I have listened to and the way you put up the notations to what you're saying leaves no misinterpretation or misunderstanding or forgetting key parts of what you've stated my hat is off to you and commend you for your fortitude and consideration of the patient in accumulating the information. Very very concise to the point I will listen to every one of your videos

@jerrywest7068 1 year ago

I was diagnosed with gfr between 55 and 60 twenty three years ago. I started time restricted feeding ( 0:51 called fasting back then) and ate a low gycemic diet high in fatty fish and vegetables. I take all the supplements you mention except Inulin. I also like astaxinthin. Now at 78 my gfr is still between 55 and 60 despite the age bias in the calculation.

@graceaquino8314 2 hours ago

Thank Dr.Hashmi for very valuable information ❤

@LetsCook4Healh 1 year ago

Yes. I take vitamin D, 400 mg calcium citrate broken in half (1 in the morning, another at dinner), magnesium, alpha-lipoeic acid, NAC (cysteine), quercetin, astathanxin, vitamin B complex, turmeric extract with black pepper. I get Omega-3 fatty acids and iodine from seaweed salad, vitamin K from natto daily.

@EverWell50plus 1 year ago

This is incredibly eye-opening. I never realized how much supplements like omega-3s, vitamin D, probiotics, and even creatine could support kidney health when used the right way. The gut-kidney link and muscle benefits for dialysis patients really stood out. Thanks for breaking it all down so clearly, Dr. Hashmi!

@hairrum 1 year ago

I WISH YOU WERE MY DOCTOR..YOU ARE SO VERY THOROUGH. AND YOU CALM DELIVERY GOES STRAIGHT TO THE COMPREHENSION LOBE OF MY BRAIN❤❤❤❤

@u007james 4 months ago

i did so many things for my dad , because of his sturbornouse, continous consumption of potato chips, and sweet biscuit, his ckd upgraded from level 3 to level 4. finally he decided to stopped. ive been giving him berberine 500mg, nac 600mg, vitamin b complex in bioavailable form, 10k iu vitamin d + 200mg k2, handful of blueberries (soaked in baking soda), half a white dragon fruit on daily basis. imagine how much work ive todo for him everyday, but his sturbornous causes his ckd went up.