Consult professionals before taking supplements to avoid kidney failure - Health expert

KUALA LUMPUR - People are advised to consult a health professional before taking any supplements to avoid complications that will eventually lead to kidney failure.

Consultant Nephrologist and Physician at Ara Damansara Medical Centre Dr Azreen Syazril Adnan said this is because not all supplements are suitable for everyone and the effects of taking them may be different for each individual.

"We have different genes and health conditions that cause different reactions to certain drugs or ingredients found in supplements.

"One of the things that is worrying is that there are supplements on the market that do not declare their contents properly and may contain heavy metals or steroids. So, do not take supplements without consulting a doctor first," he said when appearing as a guest on the Bernama TV ‘Apa Khabar Malaysia’ programme here today.

He also warned that taking supplements could worsen the condition of kidney patients, especially those who are not aware that they have the disease because the symptoms are difficult to detect in the early stages.

"Chronic kidney disease has five stages. In stage one to three, there are usually no symptoms. The symptoms will only appear when it is too late and the patient already needs dialysis. Among the noticeable symptoms are nausea in the morning, swollen legs and fatigue," he said.

He said more worryingly, the average patient now begins to suffer from kidney disease as early as the age of 30, possibly due to the sedentary modern lifestyle and the consumption of foods high in sodium. - BERNAMA