Can I take a Multi-Vitamin? Aussie input please!

[Wattle]

   Can I take a multi-Vitamin while I am on dialysis? I am on PD. I have asked both my Neph and clinic only to be shrugged off. I am struggling with my energy levels and have been thinking that a multi-vitamin may give me a little boost.

   Any suggestions?

[KICKSTART]

Im on PD as well and i was told that taking any sort of vitamins or anything like that was a total waste of time and may possible effect the results of any blood tests i had by not giving a true reading. Sadly we all struggle with energy levels and not much can change that, only other thing that may help is iron ..are your levels low ?

[willieandwinnie]

Wattle, Your Neph should put you on a vitamin. You have to be careful of the contents of over the counter ones. Too much potassium and phos in a lot of them. Hope this helps. 

[boxman55]

I am on in-center hemo and have been prescribed a multi vit called Folbee Plus it has folic acid-B12-B1-B2-B6-niacin-vit C -pantotheric acid and biotin I take it once a day...Boxman

[glitter]

renal-vite   I think thats the name of the vitamin they make for renal people--there are probably several- but I don't think you can get them without a prescription in the states....my husbands neph has said to never take OTC stuff- only vitamins for people with compromised renal function- he said the OTC  ones were dangerous to someone with reduced function (or no function)

[KT0930]

Wattle, there was another discussion about this in the diet and recipes section, and the general consensus, as here, is don't take the OTC ones due to higher levels of phosphorous and potassium (I know, the potassium's not an issue on PD). I think there may be some discussion there about where you can order one for dialysis patients online, possibly without a prescription.

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=6364.0

[stauffenberg]

The stanadard vitamin preparations for renal patients, such as Nephrovite, are so low in vitamins you might as well leave them in the kitchen cabinet for all the good they can do.  Renal patients have to read the label of any multivitamin preparation they take to make sure that it does not contain potassium or phosphates.  Some other vitamins have to be used conservatively, given the diminished capacity of the body to get rid of the excess, and these include vitamins A, C, and D.  Of the minerals, calcium can easily produce hypercalcemia if taken in normal doses.  Vitamin E is generally safe, unless the patient has problem with prolonged clotting times or is scheduled for an upcoming operation, since vitamin E retards clotting.

With those caveats, I want to add that I took every vitamin I could to the maximum safe dosage while I was on dialysis and was none the worse for it.  A new substance which allows greater concentration of Vitamin B1 to protect the nerves, called Benfotiamine, has recently received a lot of attention in the medical community, since research shows it protects the nerves against damage, which can be a major problem in dialysis patients, manifesting in such conditions as inability to sleep through the night, restless legs syndrome, and neuropathic foot pains.  Especially for diabetics Benfotiamine is useful, since it has been demonstrated to block the mechanism by which high blood sugar produces vascular, neurological, and nephrological complications of that disease.

[Gramapat]

I take a vitamin called Renaltab II that my nutritionist suggested I get.  I ordered it online.  I have noticed that when I take it regularly, I feel better.

[KR Cincy]

I take Dialyvite with zinc...not horribly expensive, and was at the suggestion of my old center...neph knows about it and thinks it is a good choice

[Wattle]

  Thank you for all the replies.

I don't think Renaltab or Dialyvite are available here. I knew the OTC vitamins were not an option, but I have been clutching at straws for a little more "zing" in my step!   

I get a "NO" when I ask my Neph about vitamins. Do any of the Aussies out there (on dialysis) take a multi-vitamin?

[del]

Dialysis patients here are prescribed a B complex vitamin supplement. They are provided free of charge but you can buy them at Walmart. Hubby takes 2 every morning after dialysis. In center you take 2 after every treatment.  Hubby doesn't have any problems with low energy levels.  He has been taking them for about 10 years.

[Slywalker]

When I was on dialysis I was prescribed Nephrocaps.

Good luck

Sandyb

[Wattle]

    

Do any of the Aussies out there (on dialysis) take a multi-vitamin? 

I am going on holiday on the weekend to the Australian land of theme parks and I really need some ideas of how to survive!!

Either that or I am going to hire a wheelchair! 

[charee]

Sorry Sally i must of missed this thread , not that i can help I don't take any, I know  when i start to feel  real buggered i know it must be time for Aransep and iron, I will ask my neph next visit not that it will help you . Hope you enjoy yourself We are off to QLD in May . Have Fun

[Wattle]

Sorry Sally i must of missed this thread , not that i can help I don't take any, I know  when i start to feel  real buggered i know it must be time for Aransep and iron, I will ask my neph next visit not that it will help you . Hope you enjoy yourself We are off to QLD in May . Have Fun

Thanks Charee.
My Aranesp and iron are on track but I am really feeling flat. I think it is just the end of term running the kids around. So what do I do..... go to 4 theme parks!!! Ahhhhhh I am one crazy girl. And to think it is to celebrate MY birthday.   

[charee]

How long are you on holidays for ? Sounds like fun but hard work ! Have a great birthday

[aharris2]

   

Do any of the Aussies out there (on dialysis) take a multi-vitamin? 

I am going on holiday on the weekend to the Australian land of theme parks and I really need some ideas of how to survive!!

Either that or I am going to hire a wheelchair! 

Wattle,

I do see two replies from the land of Oz, but PM the others to get their attention. Also, ask the dietitian at your unit (are you in-center?)
He/She should be able to tell you what is commonly used by prescription or what you should avoid in OTC. Don't get a multivitamin, but pick and choose each vitamin you want (more expensive, but safer).

Rent the wheelchair (electric go cart type) at each park if you can. Expend your energy on having fun, not on hiking from place to place.

Have a blast!

[Wattle]

Thanks Ro,

I don't think vitamins are routinely prescribed for patients here. I am on PD and have always been a home patient so I don't see a dietian. I have asked my Neph and just been told no.

The wheelchair is probably the way to go. The kids will hitch a ride 

[KT0930]

Wattle,

I went to two theme parks with the family while on dialysis, and rented an electric scooter both times. They saved our vacation!! If you have time, do some research online and see if there's anywhere in the area of the theme parks, but off-site that will let you rent them by the week. If you'll be there long enough, it could save you some money and hassle, since most parks rent their's on a first-come first-served basis.

[paddbear0000]

renal-vite   I think thats the name of the vitamin they make for renal people--there are probably several- but I don't think you can get them without a prescription in the states....my husbands neph has said to never take OTC stuff- only vitamins for people with compromised renal function- he said the OTC  ones were dangerous to someone with reduced function (or no function)

Really?! I'm at 19% function and have been taking an OTC one for several years now! Should I stop?

[paddbear0000]

Especially for diabetics Benfotiamine is useful, since it has been demonstrated to block the mechanism by which high blood sugar produces vascular, neurological, and nephrological complications of that disease.

Is this available in stores? I'm a little nervous about buying pills via the internet. But this sounds great. Maybe I can stop any further nerve damage!