Nutrients, Nutraceuticals and Xenobiotics Affecting Renal Health

Abstract

Abstract:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects worldwide 8-16% of the population. In developed countries, the most important risk factors for CKD are diabetes, hypertension and obesity, calling into question the importance of educating and acting on lifestyles and nutrition. A balanced nutrition and supplementation can indeed support the maintenance of a general health status, including preservation of renal function, and help to manage and curb the main risk factors for renal damage. While the concepts of protein and salt restriction in nephrology are historically acknowledged, the role of some nutrients on renal health and the importance of nutrition as a preventative measure for renal care are less known.In this review, we provide an overview of the demonstrated and potential actions of some selected nutrients, nutraceuticals and xenobiotics on renal health and function. The effects on kidney of fibres, proteins, fatty acids, curcumin, steviol glycosides, green tea, coffee, nitrates, nitrites, and alcohol, both direct and indirect, in CKD and non-CKD condition, are reviewed here. In a view of a functional and personalized nutrition, understanding the renal and systemic effects of dietary components is essential since many chronic conditions and CKD are related to systemic dysfunctions such as chronic low-grade inflammation.

Can Dietary Patterns Modify Risk for CKD?

“…For example, coffee, tea, and water are not captured by these a priori defined scores. Previous studies suggest that coffee and tea may play a role in kidney function (6,7). Furthermore, total energy intake from beverages and meeting daily fluid requirements are also important for health outcomes (8).…”

Plasma Lithium Levels in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Metabolic and Dietary Correlates

“…Tea, e.g., green tea, is known to exhibit, e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or metal chelating properties, and isolated compounds have convincingly been shown to beneficially affect kidney function in humans [ 65 ]. Thus, possible beneficial effects of dietary tea consumption on renal function are also conceivable, but warrant confirmation in large human trials [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. The dietary pattern we derived explained almost 9% of the inter-individual variation in plasma lithium levels.…”

The mucosal immune system and IgA nephropathy

“…The use of probiotics has been found to have antiinflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, and it is able to modify the intestinal microbiota; moreover, it has been efficient in preventing enteric infections and inflammatory and malignant diseases [83]. In nephrological context, the consumption of probiotics, prebiotics, or symbiotics could play a central role on kidney health [84]. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) probiotics may improve the barrier function leading to a reduction of uremic toxins, blood urea nitrogen, oxidative stress, and markers of inflammation [85].…”