Protocol · Kidney & Urinary
Nephrotic Syndrome Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Nephrotic Syndrome Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (may need active vitamin D forms - consult nephrologist) | Lost in urine with protein; deficiency very common and worsens bone disease | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily | May help reduce proteinuria; anti-inflammatory effects support kidney health | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 25–50 mg daily | Lost in urine with protein; deficiency impairs immune function and wound healing | Not graded yet | ||
| Calcium | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily in divided doses | Low due to vitamin D deficiency and protein loss; supports bone health | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400–800 IU daily | Antioxidant; may help with oxidative stress in kidney disease | Not graded yet | ||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial function and provides antioxidant protection | Not graded yet | ||
| Iron | Amount listed: Only if deficient - ferritin and TSAT monitoring required | Transferrin lost in urine; iron deficiency common | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 10–20 billion CFU daily | Support gut health and may help reduce inflammation through gut-kidney axis | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive protein loss in urine (proteinuria), low blood protein (hypoalbuminemia), high cholesterol, and swelling (edema). It occurs when the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli) become damaged, allowing large proteins to leak through. Causes include minimal change disease (common in children), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and other glomerular diseases. The protein loss leads to multiple secondary problems: edema, increased infection risk, blood clots, and loss of important proteins that carry vitamins and minerals.
CRITICAL: Nephrotic syndrome requires comprehensive medical management by a nephrologist. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include immunosuppressive medications (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, rituximab), ACE inhibitors/ARBs to reduce proteinuria, diuretics for edema, and statins for hyperlipidemia. Blood clot prevention may be needed. Dietary sodium restriction is essential. These supplements address deficiencies caused by protein loss in urine but don't treat the underlying disease. All supplement use should be coordinated with your nephrologist.
Vitamin D* is lost in urine (bound to vitamin D binding protein) and deficiency is nearly universal in nephrotic syndrome. This leads to impaired calcium absorption and bone disease. Supplementation is essential.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* have been shown in some studies to help reduce proteinuria. They also help with the hyperlipidemia common in nephrotic syndrome.
Zinc* is lost in urine bound to albumin. Deficiency impairs immune function, which is already compromised in nephrotic syndrome.
Calcium* absorption is impaired due to vitamin D deficiency. Adequate calcium intake is important for bone health, especially if taking corticosteroids.
Vitamin E* provides antioxidant protection.
Coenzyme Q10* supports mitochondrial function.
Iron* - Transferrin is lost in urine, leading to iron deficiency even if iron intake is adequate.
Probiotics* may support gut health and the gut-kidney axis.
Expected timeline: Supplement benefits are ongoing supportive care. Disease response depends on underlying cause and treatment - minimal change disease often responds quickly to steroids; other causes may take longer or be resistant.