Medical Health Encyclopedia

When you have kidney failure, the amount of urine your body produces may decrease. The amount of fluids you can drink each day is based on the amount of urine you produce in a 24-hour period. Other considerations on whether fluid must be restricted are the amount of fluid you retain, the level of sodium in your diet, whether you use diuretics, and whether you have congestive heart failure.

Your daily calorie intake needs to be enough to keep you healthy and prevent the breakdown of body tissue. Your weight and protein status should be monitored regularly, sometimes even daily.

Vitamin supplementation depends on your various dietary restrictions and the extent of kidney damage. Your requirements for vitamins A, E, and K are usually met by what you eat. Your intake of the B vitamins and vitamin C is usually adequate unless you begin dialysis.

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The recommended supplementation of calcium is 1,000 - 1,500 milligrams per day. Magnesium supplementation is NOT recommended, as it can cause an increase in the magnesium levels in the blood if you have kidney disease. Iron is usually supplemented because most patients with advanced kidney failure also have severe anemia. The amount would be determined by your doctor.