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Can Taking Vitamins Affect Kidney Function?

Kidneys help the body filter out water-soluble toxins and excess chemicals, as well as produce hormones for blood production and other vital body functions. Vitamins are chemicals used to help the body's cells perform key functions. Taken appropriately, vitamins have no effects on kidney function.

  1. Kidney Function

    • Kidneys use a microscopic network of tubules to filter out chemicals and salts (minerals) from the blood. How much filtering is done by the kidneys depends on the concentration of water-soluble chemicals and hydration needs of the body.

    Vitamin D and Calcium

    • Vitamin D is fat-soluble and produced by the skin in response to sunlight. It is also included in many supplements because it helps absorb calcium from food. However, excess vitamin D can cause extra calcium to circulate in the body if it is not needed to make bones.

    Kidney Stones

    • If excess calcium or any other mineral is filtered slowly by the kidneys, kidney stones may form. These stones form more easily in individuals who do not hydrate well or whose kidneys do not move the filtered materials out fast enough.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is water-soluble and instrumental in promoting the body's immune functions. When found in high concentrations in the body it acidifies urine as it is being secreted. This does not affect kidney function, but urine tests may be affected by ascorbic acid.

    Vitamin B

    • Vitamin B is actually a complex of different vitamins. When secreted in urine, these vitamins give urine a bright yellow tinge. This discoloration may affect the results of urine tests that are based on color change as the result of a chemical reaction.

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