New Zealand Grassfed Bovine Kidney
Also known as: Bovine Kidney, Grass-Fed Bovine Kidney, Beef Kidney, Kidney Glandular Extract
Overview
Grass-fed bovine kidney supplements are derived from the kidneys of cattle raised on pasture, often in New Zealand, known for its clean environment. These supplements provide kidney-specific proteins, peptides, enzymes, cofactors, and micronutrients such as selenium and vitamin B12. They are marketed as whole food supplements aimed at supporting kidney health, immune function, energy metabolism, and histamine clearance through diamine oxidase (DAO) activity. The product is typically freeze-dried to preserve nutrient integrity and is often free from hormones, pesticides, GMOs, and fillers. While bovine kidney is considered a nutrient-dense supplement, direct clinical evidence supporting its specific benefits is limited, and more research is needed to validate its efficacy.
Benefits
Bovine kidney supplements are purported to offer several benefits, primarily due to their nutrient content. They provide kidney-specific proteins and peptides that may theoretically support kidney tissue health, although direct clinical evidence is lacking. The supplements also supply selenium and vitamin B12, both essential micronutrients with well-established roles in antioxidant defense and energy metabolism, respectively. Additionally, they contain diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme involved in histamine degradation, potentially aiding histamine clearance and reducing histamine-related symptoms. Individuals with nutritional deficiencies in B12 or selenium may benefit from supplementation. Those with histamine intolerance might find DAO-containing supplements helpful, although clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects. A 2021 systematic review on nutrition supplements in CKD patients found low to very low-quality evidence for benefits on proteinuria and kidney function, with no specific mention of bovine kidney supplements.
How it works
Bovine kidney supplements are believed to work through several biological pathways. They provide bioactive peptides and enzymes that may support kidney tissue repair and function. Selenium acts as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme protecting cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis and energy metabolism. DAO enzymatically degrades histamine, potentially reducing histamine-related inflammation or allergic responses. Freeze-drying is used to preserve nutrient bioavailability. Organ-derived nutrients are generally well-absorbed, but specific pharmacokinetics for bovine kidney supplements are not well-documented.
Side effects
Bovine kidney supplements are generally regarded as safe when sourced from healthy animals and processed properly. However, clinical safety data are limited due to a lack of trials. No common adverse effects have been reported in the literature or product information. Potential allergenicity exists in sensitive individuals due to bovine proteins. No known direct drug interactions have been identified, but caution is advised in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease until more data are available. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use. Patients with kidney disease should use bovine kidney supplements under medical supervision.
Dosage
Due to the lack of RCTs, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for bovine kidney supplements. Common commercial doses are approximately 500 mg per capsule, with typical regimens of 1-3 capsules daily. Timing and absorption factors are not well studied. There are no known cofactors required beyond those naturally present in the supplement. It's important to note that without sufficient research, optimal dosage and safety thresholds remain uncertain.
FAQs
Is bovine kidney supplement safe?
Generally yes, when sourced from healthy animals and processed properly, but clinical safety data are lacking. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
Does bovine kidney improve kidney function?
No direct clinical evidence supports this claim. More research is needed to determine the effects of bovine kidney on kidney function.
How long does it take to see effects from bovine kidney?
The time course for seeing effects is unknown due to a lack of clinical studies. Individual results may vary.
Can bovine kidney help with histamine intolerance?
The presence of DAO suggests potential benefit, but clinical proof is absent. Other interventions may be more effective and well-researched.
Is bovine kidney better than other supplements for kidney health?
No comparative data are available. A balanced diet and targeted supplements based on individual needs are generally recommended.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33573242/ – This systematic review assessed various nutritional supplements in chronic kidney disease patients. It found mostly low to very low-quality evidence for benefits on proteinuria and kidney function. Bovine kidney supplements were not specifically studied, indicating a lack of direct clinical evidence for their efficacy.
- https://ancestralsupplements.com/products/grass-fed-kidney-by-ancestral-supplements-1 – This is a product page for Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Kidney. It describes the product as a whole food supplement that supports kidney health, immune function, and energy metabolism. It also states that the product is freeze-dried to preserve nutrient integrity and is free from hormones, pesticides, GMOs, and fillers.
- https://www.aggressivehealth.eu/popular-brands-a-to-z/a-b-brands/ancestral-supplements/ancestral%20supplements%20-%20grass%20fed%20kidney%20180caps%20500mg.html – This is a product page for Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Kidney. It provides information on the product's ingredients, dosage, and potential benefits. It also highlights that the product is sourced from grass-fed cows and is free from additives.
- https://homegrownprimal.co.nz/products/grass-fed-bovine-kidney – This is a product page for Homegrown Primal Grass Fed Bovine Kidney. It describes the product as a nutrient-dense whole food supplement that supports kidney health and overall well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of sourcing from grass-fed cows.
- https://www.ergomaxsupplements.com/products/ancestral-supplements-grass-fed-beef-kidney – This is a product page for Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Kidney. It provides information on the product's benefits, dosage, and ingredients. It also highlights the importance of sourcing from grass-fed cows and the freeze-drying process used to preserve nutrients.