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Risks associated with the use of dietary supplements and herbs in the population of kidney transplant recipients

Olga Snoch, Gabriela Gut, Jakub Wieland, Justyna Korus, Dorota Kamińska

Affiliation and address for correspondence
Pediatr Med Rodz 2025; 21 (2): 83–89
DOI: 10.15557/PiMR.2025.0012
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Abstract

The sale and popularity of dietary supplements have been increasing each year, yet knowledge about them still remains insufficient. Supplements are consumed by nearly 50% of the population, and the main motivation is the desire to improve health and boost immunity. Many individuals mistakenly identify supplements as drugs, but they do not realise the differences in the manufacturing processes of these substances. Supplements are widely available not only in pharmacies but also in herbal shops and online. The aim of this literature review is to draw attention to the potential dangers associated with the use of herbs and dietary supplements by kidney transplant recipients. Such products are widely used by patients across all age groups and considered as a “safe and natural” form of therapy. The most popular supplements and herbs are discussed, including mint, chamomile, Ginkgo biloba, cranberry, ginseng, and green tea infusions. These substances can affect the metabolism of many drug groups by acting as transporters, co-transporters, or enzymes, leading to significant interactions with immunosuppressive drugs. Post-transplant pharmacotherapy requires avoiding drugs and food ingredients that may interact with immunosuppressants. The success of the kidney transplant procedure depends on close cooperation between the doctor and the patient, and strict compliance with medical recommendations. Therefore, it is crucial to continually increase public awareness about the benefits and potential risks associated with dietary supplementation.

Keywords
supplementation, immunosuppressive drugs, herbs, kidney transplantation

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