Q. What is the surrounding renal cancer effect on vitamin absorption and reabsorption?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Renal cancer can have a profound effect on vitamin absorption and reabsorption due to the disruption of normal renal function. As the kidneys are responsible for regulating electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, fluid balance and most importantly filtering waste products (urea) from the blood, any malfunction in this process can affect how well our body is able to absorb and/or reabsorb vitamins.
In terms of vitamin absorption, impaired kidney function typically interferes with how efficiently our bodies take up fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) from food sources or supplements. The minerals selenium and zinc have also been found to be affected by decreased renal function which can further limit their availability for use in metabolic processes that require them as coenzymes. Finally reduced glomerular filtration rate is associated with an elevated risk of hypokalemia since it may impair potassium retention - a mineral involved in maintaining adequate pH levels within cells as well as facilitating nerve conduction throughout the body making it especially important for those affected by renal disease or cancer.
In regards to reabsorption effects on vitamins specifically related to kidney cancer: abnormal growth patterns common among kidney tumors may lead to blockages further downstream which could prevent vital nutrients like sodium & chloride from being brought back into circulation after they've been filtered through - thereby limiting essential metabolite availability even if they were initially present in high enough concentrations at first pass filtration. Additionally certain chemotherapeutic agents used during treatment such as cisplatin , vincristine & doxorubicin are known to cause direct toxic damage both inside & outside tubule cells leading additional increases in excretion rates secondary effects possible disturbances in enzymatic pathways upstream possibly reducing overall uptake efficiency factors that may hinder the amount of key metabolites like heme iron necessary for erythropoiesis over time which need constant replenishment order stay optimally active within our system – so considering all these underlying causes it’s clear why impaired nephron functions resultant from primary malignancies will often exacerbate existing deficiencies caused by other dietary/genetic circumstances ultimately causing increased morbidity risks patients seeking curative treatments involving chemo regimens should always consult their medical teams about appropriate measures designed address any potential precipitating health issues beforehand properly balanced nutritional plans ensured no matter what path chosen moving forwards .