What Vitamins Are Good for High Creatinine?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Approximately 37 million adults in the United States are estimated to have chronic kidney disease. Understanding the role of vitamins is essential when managing high creatinine. Learn about appropriate vitamin choices.

Quick Summary

High creatinine indicates kidney issues. Specific vitamins can help, but others are harmful. This guide explores the best vitamins and supplements to support kidney health, while also explaining those that should be avoided. Consult a doctor.

Key Points

Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a nephrologist or dietitian before taking any vitamin or supplement for high creatinine.
Embrace B-Complex: Water-soluble B vitamins (B6, B12, folate) are often necessary, especially for dialysis patients, to prevent anemia and other issues.
Monitor Vitamin D: Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, but supplementation should only be done under a doctor's orders to avoid dangerous calcium buildup.
Limit Vitamin C: While low doses are typically safe, high doses of vitamin C can increase oxalate, leading to kidney stones.
Avoid Certain Vitamins: Fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K can accumulate to toxic levels in individuals with impaired kidney function.
Steer Clear of Creatine: Creatine supplements directly increase creatinine levels and put unnecessary strain on compromised kidneys.

The Importance of Medical Guidance for High Creatinine

High creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function (chronic kidney disease or CKD). Healthy kidneys filter waste and regulate vitamins and minerals. Impaired function disrupts this balance. A healthcare provider, like a nephrologist or dietitian, must determine appropriate vitamin regimens based on the stage of kidney disease and individual factors. Incorrect supplementation or dosages can be harmful.

Vitamins Often Recommended for High Creatinine (CKD)

Individuals with CKD are prone to certain vitamin deficiencies due to dietary restrictions and the kidney's reduced filtering ability. Supplementation, always supervised by a doctor, can address these gaps.

B-Complex Vitamins

B vitamins are water-soluble and not stored in the body. Patients with CKD, particularly those on dialysis, can lose these vitamins and develop deficiencies. Renal-specific B-complex supplements are often prescribed, containing nutrients like Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), B6, B12, and Folic Acid (B9). These support energy, metabolism, red blood cell production, and nerve health.

Vitamin D

Healthy kidneys activate vitamin D, crucial for calcium absorption and phosphorus regulation. CKD impairs this activation, potentially leading to bone problems. Doctors may prescribe activated vitamin D forms based on blood test results. Self-supplementation with vitamin D is dangerous due to the risk of calcium buildup.

Iron Supplements

Anemia is common in CKD due to reduced erythropoietin production by damaged kidneys and frequent iron deficiency. Iron supplements, sometimes intravenous for dialysis patients, are prescribed to treat anemia.

Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid or Limit

Some supplements can be detrimental with high creatinine because the kidneys struggle to eliminate them, leading to toxic levels.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, E, and K)

These vitamins are stored in the body and can accumulate to harmful levels in individuals with kidney disease. Vitamin A levels are often already high in CKD and supplementation is typically avoided. Vitamin E is generally not needed, and high doses can be risky. Vitamin K is usually only supplemented under close medical supervision.

High-Dose Vitamin C

While low doses might be acceptable, high doses of vitamin C are dangerous. Excess vitamin C is converted to oxalate, which can form kidney stones and accumulate in tissues, worsening kidney issues.

Creatine Supplements

Creatine breaks down into creatinine. Supplements taken by athletes can increase creatinine levels, stressing the kidneys and potentially masking true kidney function. Individuals with kidney disease should avoid creatine supplements unless medically advised.

Comparison of Vitamins for High Creatinine


Vitamin	Recommendation for High Creatinine	Rationale
B-Complex (B6, B12, Folate)	Often Recommended (via prescription)	Water-soluble; deficiencies common due to low-protein diet and dialysis. Supports red blood cell production.
Vitamin D	Recommended (via prescription)	Impaired kidneys cannot convert D to its active form. Essential for bone health and mineral balance.
Vitamin C	Limited Intake Only	Safe in low doses, but high doses convert to oxalate, increasing risk of kidney stones.
Vitamin A	Avoid	Fat-soluble; levels often already high and can become toxic with supplementation.
Vitamin E	Avoid	Fat-soluble; generally not needed and excess can cause harm.
Creatine	Avoid	Increases creatinine levels, stressing the kidneys.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

Managing high creatinine involves supplementation as part of a broader strategy, including a kidney-friendly diet designed with a renal dietitian. A balanced diet, avoiding excessive protein, and maintaining hydration are important. Appropriate exercise also contributes to overall health. For more guidance on managing kidney disease, consult resources like the National Kidney Foundation.

Conclusion

For individuals with high creatinine, careful consideration of vitamin intake is essential. Water-soluble B-complex vitamins and controlled vitamin C may be necessary, while fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K) and creatine supplements should generally be avoided or used with extreme caution. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure supplements support kidney health and address individual needs safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, taking vitamins does not reverse high creatinine levels. Vitamins can help manage deficiencies and complications associated with poor kidney function, but they are not a cure for the underlying kidney damage.

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are stored in the body's fat tissues. When kidney function is poor, the body cannot effectively excrete excess amounts, which can lead to toxic accumulation over time.

If your doctor approves, you can obtain B vitamins from foods such as lean meats (in moderation), leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals. However, diet alone may not be sufficient, especially for dialysis patients, who often require renal-specific supplements.

For people with high creatinine, taking too much Vitamin C can increase the risk of forming oxalate kidney stones. This is because the body converts excess Vitamin C into oxalate, which can build up in the body when kidney function is impaired.

No, standard over-the-counter multivitamins are generally not safe for individuals with high creatinine because they often contain fat-soluble vitamins and minerals like potassium and phosphorus in amounts that can be harmful.

You should not avoid all vitamins. Deficiencies can occur, and some vitamins, like B-complex, are often needed. The key is to take only those prescribed by your doctor in the correct, monitored dosages.

Your healthcare provider will monitor your vitamin and mineral levels through blood tests. This allows for accurate assessment and ensures that any necessary supplementation is tailored to your specific needs.