The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States is growing
at a remarkable speed. Herbal products and dietary supplements are CAM therapies that
have grown faster than any other CAM treatments. Little information is available about
herbs and dietary supplement use in the stage 5 chronic kidney disease population.
These products contain a myriad of pharmacologically active compounds that, when used
by people with kidney disease, may be hazardous. Members of the renal dietitian listserv
were queried about herbs and dietary supplements reportedly used by dialysis patients.
Up-to-date information on the use, safety, efficacy, adverse effects, and recommended
dosages in the nondialysis population are presented for 24 products. In the dialysis
population, Noni juice should be avoided because of its high potassium content. In
addition, bulk-forming laxatives such as flaxseed should be used with caution because
of the need for increased fluid intake. Dialysis practitioners should include specific
questions about herbs and dietary supplement use in medical and nutrition histories,
and they should increase their knowledge about these products to advise patients appropriately.
A list of reliable sources of information for the health care provider on herbs and
dietary supplements is also presented.
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© 2005 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
