Kidney
Also known as: Kidney, Beef Kidney, Pork Kidney, Lamb Kidney, Kidney Extract, Animal Kidney
Overview
Animal kidney, typically from beef, pork, or lamb, is consumed as food and, very rarely, as a dietary supplement. It is a rich source of protein, vitamin B12, riboflavin, iron, and selenium. However, unlike many other supplements, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting its use as a supplement for specific health benefits. The available research primarily focuses on its nutritional content as a food source rather than its therapeutic potential as a supplement. Therefore, claims regarding the health benefits of kidney as a supplement should be approached with caution. While animal kidneys provide essential nutrients, these are also readily available from other food sources and supplements with more established evidence bases. The consumption of kidney as food is generally considered safe when properly cooked.
Benefits
There is currently no high-quality scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews to support the use of animal kidney as a supplement for any specific health benefit. While animal kidneys are a source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, and other nutrients, these benefits are not unique to kidney and can be obtained from a variety of other dietary sources and supplements. Systematic reviews of nutrition supplements in chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not identified any evidence supporting the use of kidney supplements. Studies focusing on dietary protein intake and CKD risk do not specifically address kidney as a supplement.
How it works
The mechanism of action for animal kidney as a supplement is not established due to the lack of research in this area. As a food source, animal kidney provides nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium, which play various roles in the body's physiological functions. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production, iron is necessary for oxygen transport, and selenium acts as an antioxidant. However, these are general nutritional functions and not specific mechanisms of action related to kidney as a supplement.
Side effects
Animal kidneys, when consumed as food and properly cooked, are generally considered safe for most individuals. However, there are no clinical studies specifically evaluating the side effects of kidney as a supplement. Individuals with gout or hyperuricemia may need to limit their intake of kidney due to its purine content, which can increase uric acid levels. Pregnant women and individuals with pre-existing kidney disease should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of kidney. No drug interactions have been identified specifically for kidney consumption. As with any food, allergic reactions are possible, although rare.
Dosage
Due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of animal kidney as a supplement, there are no established dosage guidelines. There is no minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose defined for kidney as a supplement. Recommendations for consuming kidney as food are based on general dietary guidelines for protein and nutrient intake, rather than specific supplement-related considerations. Factors such as individual nutritional needs, health status, and potential concerns like purine content should be considered when consuming kidney as part of a balanced diet.
FAQs
Is there evidence that kidney supplements support kidney health?
No, there is no scientific evidence from clinical trials or systematic reviews to support the claim that consuming kidney as a supplement provides any specific benefits for kidney health.
Is it safe to take kidney supplements?
Animal kidneys, when properly cooked and consumed as food, are generally safe for most people. However, kidney as a supplement has not been studied, and individuals with gout or kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider.
What are the expected results from taking kidney supplements?
There are no expected health benefits from taking kidney supplements beyond the standard nutrient intake obtained from food. Claims of unique health benefits from kidney supplements lack scientific support.
Can kidney supplements provide unique health benefits?
No, there is no evidence that consuming kidney as a supplement supports kidney health or provides unique benefits. The nutrients found in kidney are also available from other food sources.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7911108/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated nutrition supplements in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The review included 17 systematic reviews covering various supplements, but found no evidence supporting the use of kidney as a supplement. The evidence for other supplements like vitamin D and omega-3 was mostly low to very low quality and did not show clear benefits for CKD progression.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1408424/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between dietary protein intake and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The review found that higher dietary protein intake, including both animal and plant sources, was associated with a lower risk of CKD. However, the study did not specifically address kidney as a supplement, focusing instead on overall protein intake.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1001307 – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on utility-based quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study examined various treatment outcomes and quality of life measures in CKD patients. However, it did not investigate the use of kidney as a supplement or its potential impact on quality of life.
- https://academic.oup.com/ckj/article/17/8/sfae177/7712503 – This article discusses the challenges and controversies in nutritional management for chronic kidney disease (CKD). It highlights the importance of individualized dietary recommendations and the need for more high-quality research to guide nutritional interventions in CKD. The article does not specifically address kidney as a supplement.
Supplements Containing Kidney
Recommended Articles
Glutamine Dosage for Gut Health: A Guide
Glutamine supports gut health with a recommended dosage of 5-30 grams per day, available in various supplement forms.
Supplement Safety: Testing for Heavy Metals & Pesticides
Testing supplements for heavy metals and pesticides is crucial for consumer safety, with organizations like USP and NSF providing certifications to indicate rigorous testing.
Top Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Ingredients
Curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, CBD, and Vitamin D are proven to effectively reduce chronic inflammation.
Top Ingredients for Healthy Blood Pressure
Dietary ingredients like potassium, magnesium, and the DASH diet play crucial roles in managing blood pressure.