The improper use of health supplements is a growing concern, especially for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. Nephrologists caution that while supplements can provide health benefits, misuse, especially in vulnerable populations, may lead to serious risks, including kidney damage.
Dr. Tzung-Hai Yen, a toxicologist and nephrologist, highlights the alarming prevalence of this issue in his practice, observing that many patients self-medicate without professional guidance.
Supplements Linked to Rapid Kidney Decline
A study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2008) found that approximately 8 percent of U.S. adults reported using dietary supplements containing herbs identified by the National Kidney Foundation as potentially harmful to people with chronic kidney disease.
