Tag: Renal osteodystrophy

Since its approval for medical use in 1978, the vitamin D analog Alfacalcidol, sold under brand names like Alphadol, has blurred the lines between a vitamin and a hormone. This medication serves as a powerful tool in treating mineral imbalances, but its function is more complex than a simple nutritional supplement.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, up to 15% of U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease, and most will develop a mineral or bone disorder that weakens their bones. Vitamin D is the primary vitamin supplemented in these patients to combat bone disease, a condition known as Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Healthy kidneys play a vital role in activating vitamin D, which is essential for proper calcium and phosphate metabolism, a process severely disrupted in kidney disease.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, approximately 70% of people with advanced chronic kidney disease experience high phosphate levels. Known medically as hyperphosphatemia, this condition results from an imbalance in the body's mineral regulation, primarily affecting those with compromised kidney function. Understanding what happens if your phosphate levels are too high is crucial for managing serious health risks.