Buying a kidney supplement in the UK is unregulated in the same way buying paracetamol is regulated — products do not need to prove kidney benefit before being sold. Here are the seven checks that separate a sensible product from a marketing-heavy one.
1. Where is it manufactured?
Look for "Manufactured in the UK" and a GMP certification. Avoid products that won't tell you the country of manufacture.
2. Does it contain added potassium?
If yes, do not take it without specialist advice in CKD. Potassium overload can be dangerous.
3. Does it contain added phosphate?
Phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate or "phosphate" listed as an ingredient is a red flag in CKD.
4. What's the vitamin A dose?
Anything significantly above the UK RNI (700 µg for women, 900 µg for men) is best avoided in CKD.
5. Are the doses inside UK reference ranges?
"5000% of RNI" is a marketing tactic, not a clinical benefit. Sensible products sit close to RNI.
6. Is there a named editorial team?
Health content for kidney patients is "Your Money or Your Life". A reputable brand will name its medical reviewer or registered dietitian.
7. Does it make medical claims?
"Cures kidney disease", "reverses CKD" and "kidney detox" are all NHS red flags. Avoid these products.
How Kidney Vitality scores
UK manufactured, GMP certified, no added potassium or phosphate, no megadose vitamin A, named UK editorial team, no medical claims. That's the bar to look for.