Can Folic Acid Improve Kidney's Health?

Why Folic Acid helps reduce Kidney Disease:

Folic acid helps improve kidneys' health by reducing the presence of pro-inflammatory markers, thus diminishing the levels of homocysteine in the plasma.

This subsides the onset of inflammation, hence, the risk of chronic kidney disease decreases.

Furthermore, in the case of vitamin B9 deficiency, supplementation of folic acid provides the body with the sufficient amount of vitamin B9.

This helps reduce folic acid deficiency, which is a key factor for kidney disease development, and decreases the onset of inflammation.  This helps improve kidneys' health and decrease, the chances of chronic kidney disease.

How Folic Acid works to improve Kidney's Health:

Folic acid plays an important role in the synthesis and methylation of DNA. This boosts the body’s immune system in order to fight viruses that increase the susceptibility of kidney disease.

It also alters inflammatory responses which might decrease the onset of inflammation and improves kidneys' health. Thus, the risk of chronic kidney disease decreases.

Moreover, vitamin B9 plays an important role in breaking down the homocysteine amino acid in the plasma. By doing so, useful chemicals of this amino acid are properly utilized by the body, hence reducing inflammation. This regulates renal function and reduces the chances of chronic kidney disease.

Folic Acid Dosage for Kidney Disease:

Folic acid is mostly available in capsules or tablets. However, it can also be present in liquid form. It can be administered either intravenously through the vein, or through the muscle or skin based on what the doctor suggests.

The advised supplementation of folic acid for chronic kidney disease is 1000mcg per day for dialysis and non-dialysis patients. This daily intake aids in slowing down renal decline.

Dosages should always be consulted by the doctor in order to revise each person’s personal case according to age and medical condition, if any.

Folic Acid for Kidney Disease: precautions

1.  People with certain medical conditions:

People with the following conditions should be careful and always check before taking folic acid:

• Allergies: It is possible to have a reaction to folic acid which might lead to skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, redness. 
• Alcoholism: you need to avoid drinking alcohol as it could interfere with the absorption of folic acid in the body. Alcohol increases the rate of breakdown of the vitamin allowing it to be discharged faster from the body.
• Digestive disorders: people with digestive disorders such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, should pay attention when they consume folic acid because their conditions could interfere with the absorption of folic acid and decrease it.
• Genetic variants: people who acquire genetic mutations can impact folate transport into the cell and brain.

2.  Interaction with different Medications

Folic acid may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking folic acid supplements if you take the following medication: 

• Anticonvulsants medication: such as cerebyx, phenytoin, and primidone- could decrease the concentration of the supplement in your blood.
• Barbiturates, methotrexate, and pyrimethamine medications: could decrease the drug’s effectiveness

Folic Acid for Kidney Disease: side effects

If you take folic acid, some side effects can take place such as nausea, loss of appetite, irritability, and bad breath.