Calcium supplements increase the risk of kidney stones.

For individuals with a history of kidney stones, the risk of recurrence may be increased due to calcium supplementation.

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 Medical Center - Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, USA.

According to HealthDay News, scientists reviewed the records of 2,060 kidney stone patients over a two-year period, finding further evidence of a link between calcium supplementation and an increased risk of kidney stones. Approximately 1,500 patients took calcium supplements; 471 only took vitamin D, and the remainder did not supplement either.

Most kidney stones contain calcium. (Image: HealthDay News)

Through computed tomography (CT) scans, the research team discovered that in patients supplementing with calcium, the rate of new stone formation was significantly higher compared to the other two groups. The scientists emphasized that, unlike synthetic calcium supplements, consuming natural calcium-rich foods is still safe. The oxalate component in these foods binds to calcium and is excreted from the body, rather than easily accumulating as stones.

However, the research team advises patients who have been prescribed calcium supplements by their doctors not to stop taking them on their own, as some osteoporosis patients still need calcium supplementation as directed by their doctor.

Kidney stones develop from crystals such as calcium, uric acid, and oxalate that form in the urine. Most kidney stones contain calcium, but other types of stones also exist. Patients with uric acid-containing stones are advised not to consume more than 170g of meat per day.

According to Alobacsi.vn