Clutching his medical results and hospitalization instructions, the man repeatedly questioned the doctor, seemingly in disbelief. Dr. Duong Minh Tuan, from the Endocrinology - Diabetes Department of Bach Mai Hospital, stated that the man's kidney function had severely deteriorated to just 36%.

"This condition may have persisted for a long time without the patient's knowledge. He may require treatment for chronic kidney disease, including lifestyle changes, medication, and dialysis," Dr. Tuan said on 5/7.

The patient, an office worker and gym enthusiast, frequently used supplements advertised online, hoping to achieve his ideal physique. After using the product, he experienced weight loss, increased urination followed by decreased urination, rapid fatigue, thirst, and poor sleep. He dismissed the reduced urine output as a temporary effect of the cleansing and fat-burning process and didn't seek medical attention until his symptoms worsened significantly.

In another case at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, a 26-year-old salesman also suffered kidney failure due to excessive protein intake and the use of unregulated muscle-building supplements. During a routine health check, he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease caused by chronic interstitial nephritis.

"Overuse of whey protein and rapid muscle-building supplements puts a significant strain on the kidneys. When the kidneys are overworked to eliminate metabolic byproducts, their function gradually declines, leading to kidney stones and electrolyte imbalances," the treating physician explained.

Men should exercise moderately and avoid using products harmful to their health. Illustrative photo: Cao Kham

Vietnam has over 10 million people with chronic kidney disease. The annual incidence of new chronic kidney disease cases is approximately 8,000, with 800,000 patients requiring dialysis, accounting for 0.1% of the population. Hospitals are reporting a rise in kidney failure cases among young people. This is alarming because kidney failure in young adults can develop silently, making early detection difficult. By the time it's discovered, the disease is often advanced, complicating treatment.

Dr. Tuan noted that many believe chronic kidney disease in young people is primarily due to genes or hereditary factors, but this isn't always the case. While some kidney diseases are hereditary or congenital, most cases of chronic kidney disease in adults, including young adults, stem from lifestyle choices.

In addition to underlying conditions, risk factors include a high-salt diet, inadequate water intake, excessive consumption of carbonated soft drinks, holding urine, lack of sleep, and chronic stress. Furthermore, the misuse of medications and supplements, including muscle-building products, is a significant cause.

These drugs primarily work by influencing the body's muscle formation and development. Each drug has its own mechanism of action. For example, trenbolone enhances protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscles (a component of protein), facilitating muscle growth. However, misuse, absence of medical supervision, or purchasing unregulated products can lead to interstitial nephritis and renal tubular necrosis.

"Patients may require dialysis three times a week, 4-5 hours per session, incurring substantial annual treatment costs, not to mention the impact on work, mental well-being, and fertility," the doctor stated.

Abuse of non-prescription drugs and supplements silently damages the kidneys. Illustrative photo: Quynh Tran

Similarly, Dr. Doan Du Manh, Deputy Director of Phuong Dong General Hospital, stated that muscle-building drugs used without proper medical guidance pose serious health risks. Prolonged use creates physiological and biochemical dependence. Abrupt discontinuation or misuse can lead to disorders in anabolism, metabolism, and nutrient absorption, causing impairment of motor function, circulation, endocrine, reproductive, and fluid-electrolyte balance.

Many gym-goers rely heavily on whey protein, neglecting natural protein sources, leading to mineral imbalances. Products advertised for "rapid fat loss" often have potent diuretic effects, causing dehydration, metabolic disorders, and reduced nutrient absorption, potentially resulting in acute kidney injury, metabolic acidosis, and even death.

"Claims like 'rapid fat burning,' 'muscle gain and fat loss in just a few days,' or 'fat loss without exercise' often indicate that the product contains stimulants, diuretics, or banned substances," Dr. Manh warned. According to a 2013 study by the University of Thessaly (Greece), excessive protein supplementation can lead to kidney stones and liver damage.

Chronic kidney disease is often detected late due to its silent progression and lack of clear specific symptoms. To protect kidney health, doctors advise against the indiscriminate use of supplements, especially for those with pre-existing kidney conditions. Never prolong the use of medication or supplements without a doctor's prescription. Patients should also avoid sharing prescriptions with others, even if they have similar symptoms, as individual responses vary.

Thuy Quynh