Calcium supplements increase the risk of kidney stones

For people with a history of kidney stones, the risk of recurrence may be increased by calcium supplements.

According to a study expected to be reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology in San Diego next month by a research team from the Lerner Institute of Medicine - Cleveland Clinic in the US state of Ohio.

Scientists examined the records of 2,060 kidney stone patients over two years, finding further evidence of a link between calcium supplements and an increased risk of kidney stones. About 1,500 patients took calcium supplements; 471 took only vitamin D, and the rest took neither.

Most kidney stones contain calcium. Photo: HealthDay News

Through computed tomography (CT) scans, the research team discovered that in patients who supplemented calcium, the rate of new stone formation was much higher than in the other two groups. What scientists emphasize is that unlike synthetic calcium supplements, using natural foods rich in calcium is still safe. The oxalate component in foods binds to calcium and is excreted instead of easily forming stones.

However, the research team recommends that patients prescribed calcium supplements by their doctors should not stop taking the medication on their own because some osteoporosis patients still need calcium supplements as prescribed by their doctors.

Kidney stones develop when crystals such as calcium, uric acid and oxalate form in the urine. Most kidney stones contain calcium, but other types of stones can also occur. Patients with uric acid stones are advised not to eat more than 170g of meat per day.

According to Alobacsi.vn