Iron and Kidney Health

When managing a kidney condition, monitoring nutrition and mineral intake become even more vital to your health. In addition to sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, calcium and iron also need to be closely monitored by your nephrology doctors while undergoing treatment. 

Iron’s Role In The Body

Iron is a mineral that everyone needs for proper growth and development. Our bodies use iron to make hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen throughout the entire body. Besides this central function, proper iron levels also contribute to healthy muscles, bone marrow, organ function and even hormone production.

Iron and Kidney Disease

When a person’s red blood cell count is low, they are said to have iron deficiency. Not having enough red blood cells can deprive the body of vital oxygen and lead to symptoms of weakness and fatigue as well as generalized heart and health issues. For patients dealing with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the risk of having iron deficiency increases as the condition progresses.

Iron deficiency in patients dealing with CKD can happen for several reasons, including:

• Low erythropoietin (hormone) levels 
• Low iron due to frequent lab tests, dialysis, dietary deficiency, stomach problems or other sources of heavy blood loss
• Chronic inflammation
• Not eating enough iron-rich foods or trouble absorbing iron due to stomach or digestive problems
• Long-term infections, cancer, or autoimmune or inherited diseases

Low iron levels can have a direct negative impact on a patient’s heart function and health and can also make CKD symptoms harder to manage. Your nephrology doctors can run tests to verify whether or not you suffer from low red blood cell and iron levels and are considered to have an iron deficiency. The results will help to determine treatment options and condition management programs. 

Kidney Health, Nutrition and Iron

There are many healthy, iron-rich foods that are part of a balanced, nutritious diet. These include a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, beans, dairy products, meat, grains and more. However, many of these foods, while healthy on their own and for the average person, could be problematic for a person dealing with kidney disease or other kidney-related conditions. This is because many of these foods are also high in potassium and phosphorus which may need to be limited by kidney patients. It is important to work with your provider to ensure that your diet is tailored to your specific nutritional needs and health conditions.

Iron supplements and medications are also available. These can stimulate the body to create more red blood cells, and can be administered in various ways, depending on the patient and their needs. Again, this is a course that should only be taken when under treatment by a nephrology doctor.

Your Local Nephrologist in Akron, Ohio

At Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates, Inc. we are here to help individuals dealing with chronic kidney conditions. Our skilled nephrology doctors can help to develop personalized treatment plans and provide cutting-edge therapy options, all while assisting with practical needs, like lifestyle modification, education, and patient support. Contact us today to learn more about our services–together we can get you on the path to better kidney health!