Vitamins and mineralsHigh doses of vitamin C and kidney stones — real risk or scare story?
Sources: 10 · Article: 13 626 characters
Andrzej Frydrychowski claims that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.
- He says that people with a previous history of oxalate stones showed a tendency toward remission.
- Jerzy Zięba advises people with kidney problems to use vitamin C carefully and gradually, preferably under a doctor’s supervision.
- He also cites the view that overdosing on vitamin C is not possible unless someone has kidney problems.
What the authors write
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski rejects the claim that high doses of vitamin C cause kidney stones.
„The commonly heard claims that high doses cause kidney stones have turned out to be a fairy tale. Even people who had previously suffered from oxalate stones showed a tendency toward remission (Cathcart 1985). This claim probably results from a misunderstanding of how vitamin C is metabolized.”Tak często spotykane stwierdzenia, że duże dawki powodują kamicę nerkową, okazały się bajką. Nawet u osób, które wcześniej cierpiały na kamicę szczawianową, następowała tendencja do remisji (Cathcart 1985). Prawdopodobnie stwierdzenie to wynika ze źle rozumianej jej przemiany metabolicznej.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski says that people with a previous history of oxalate stones showed a tendency toward remission.
„Even people who had previously suffered from oxalate stones showed a tendency toward remission (Cathcart 1985). This claim probably results from a misunderstanding of how vitamin C is metabolized. Specifically, the main metabolite of ascorbic acid after it is used and broken down in the body is oxalic acid, and most kidney stones contain calcium oxalate (Jayanthi et al.”Nawet u osób, które wcześniej cierpiały na kamicę szczawianową, następowała tendencja do remisji (Cathcart 1985). Prawdopodobnie stwierdzenie to wynika ze źle rozumianej jej przemiany metabolicznej. Mianowicie, głównym metabolitem kwasu askorbinowego po jego wykorzystaniu i rozkładzie w organizmie jest kwas szczawiowy, a składnikiem większości kamieni nerkowych są szczawiany wapnia (Jayanthi i in.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski explains that vitamin C breaks down into, among other things, oxalic acid, and that most kidney stones contain calcium oxalate.
„Specifically, the main metabolite of ascorbic acid after it is used and broken down in the body is oxalic acid, and most kidney stones contain calcium oxalate (Jayanthi et al. 1994), so the conclusion is simple. Vitamin C is blamed for it all.”Mianowicie, głównym metabolitem kwasu askorbinowego po jego wykorzystaniu i rozkładzie w organizmie jest kwas szczawiowy, a składnikiem większości kamieni nerkowych są szczawiany wapnia (Jayanthi i in. 1994), i wniosek jest prosty. Cała wina spada na witaminę C.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski claims that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation.
„What is more, research conducted at Harvard University showed that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation (Curhan et al. 1999). And what about cancer and scientists who react so strongly against this kind of treatment? After patients with terminal cancer were given 100 g of vitamin C for a week, the only effects observed were increased energy and an overall improvement in well-being (Riordan et al.”Co więcej, wyniki badań wykonane na Uniwersytecie Harvarda udowodniły, że regularna suplementacja witaminą C zmniejsza ryzyko tworzenia się kamieni (Curhan i in. 1999). A co z nowotworami i tak alergicznie reagującymi naukowcami na takie leczenie? Otóż po podawaniu przez tydzień 100 g witaminy C u pacjentów w terminalnym stadium raka, zaobserwowano jedynie przypływ sił życiowych i ogólną poprawę samopoczucia (Riordan i in.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski rejects the claim that high doses of vitamin C cause kidney stones.
„The commonly heard claims that high doses cause kidney stones have turned out to be a fairy tale. Even people who had previously suffered from oxalate stones showed a tendency toward remission (Cathcart 1985). This claim probably results from a misunderstanding of how vitamin C is metabolized.”Tak często spotykane stwierdzenia, że duże dawki powodują kamicę nerkową, okazały się bajką. Nawet u osób, które wcześniej cierpiały na kamicę szczawianową, następowała tendencja do remisji (Cathcart 1985). Prawdopodobnie stwierdzenie to wynika ze źle rozumianej jej przemiany metabolicznej.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski says that people with a previous history of oxalate stones showed a tendency toward remission.
„Even people who had previously suffered from oxalate stones showed a tendency toward remission (Cathcart 1985). This claim probably results from a misunderstanding of how vitamin C is metabolized. Specifically, the main metabolite of ascorbic acid after it is used and broken down in the body is oxalic acid, and most kidney stones contain calcium oxalate (Jayanthi et al.”Nawet u osób, które wcześniej cierpiały na kamicę szczawianową, następowała tendencja do remisji (Cathcart 1985). Prawdopodobnie stwierdzenie to wynika ze źle rozumianej jej przemiany metabolicznej. Mianowicie, głównym metabolitem kwasu askorbinowego po jego wykorzystaniu i rozkładzie w organizmie jest kwas szczawiowy, a składnikiem większości kamieni nerkowych są szczawiany wapnia (Jayanthi i in.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski explains that vitamin C breaks down into, among other things, oxalic acid, and that most kidney stones contain calcium oxalate.
„Specifically, the main metabolite of ascorbic acid after it is used and broken down in the body is oxalic acid, and most kidney stones contain calcium oxalate (Jayanthi et al. 1994), so the conclusion is simple. Vitamin C is blamed for it all.”Mianowicie, głównym metabolitem kwasu askorbinowego po jego wykorzystaniu i rozkładzie w organizmie jest kwas szczawiowy, a składnikiem większości kamieni nerkowych są szczawiany wapnia (Jayanthi i in. 1994), i wniosek jest prosty. Cała wina spada na witaminę C.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski claims that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation.
„What is more, research conducted at Harvard University showed that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation (Curhan et al. 1999). And what about cancer and scientists who react so strongly against this kind of treatment? After patients with terminal cancer were given 100 g of vitamin C for a week, the only effects observed were increased energy and an overall improvement in well-being (Riordan et al.”Co więcej, wyniki badań wykonane na Uniwersytecie Harvarda udowodniły, że regularna suplementacja witaminą C zmniejsza ryzyko tworzenia się kamieni (Curhan i in. 1999). A co z nowotworami i tak alergicznie reagującymi naukowcami na takie leczenie? Otóż po podawaniu przez tydzień 100 g witaminy C u pacjentów w terminalnym stadium raka, zaobserwowano jedynie przypływ sił życiowych i ogólną poprawę samopoczucia (Riordan i in.
Jerzy Zięba
For people with kidney problems, Jerzy Zięba advises using vitamin C carefully and gradually, preferably under a doctor’s supervision.
„The ability of these forms of vitamin C to neutralize free radicals (which is what we want in every case) is half that of ascorbic acid.
Because vitamin C is water-soluble, the kidneys quickly excrete any excess. People with kidney problems are advised to be cautious and to use vitamin C very gradually, preferably under a doctor’s supervision.”Przy czym zdolność neutralizowania wolnych rodników tymi formami witaminy C (a o taką neutralizację nam chodzi w każdym przypadku) jest o połowę mniejsza, niż w przypadku zastosowania kwasu askorbinowego.
Ponieważ witamina C jest rozpuszczalna w wodzie, nerki szybko wydalają jej nadmiar. Jeśli ktoś ma problemy z nerkami, zaleca się ostrożność i bardzo powolne stosowanie witaminy C – najlepiej pod kontrolą lekarza.
Jerzy Zięba
Jerzy Zięba cites the view that overdosing on vitamin C is not possible unless someone has kidney problems.
„Vitamin C is water-soluble, so overdosing on it is not possible unless someone has kidney problems. Vitamin D3, on the other hand, is fat-soluble. It can therefore build up in our bodies.”Przy czym jest to witamina rozpuszczalna w wodzie, w związku z tym jej przedawkowanie nie jest możliwe, chyba, że ktoś ma problemy z nerkami. Natomiast jeśli chodzi o witaminę D3 jest ona rozpuszczalna w tłuszczach. Jest to zatem związek, który może podlegać kumulacji w naszym organizmie.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 10.
During a 12-month observation of 157 people receiving intravenous vitamin C, no kidney stones were reported, including among some people with a previous history of stones.
Aim of the study: A few cases associating high dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) administration with renal stone formation have been reported in the literature, however, no long-term studies investigating IVC administration and reported renal stones have been carried out. Our aim was to measure the frequency of reported renal stones in patients receiving IVC therapy.
Results: No renal stones were reported by any patients in the study, despite 8% of the patients having a history of renal stones. In addition, the majority of patients investigated had stable renal function during the study period as evidenced by little change in serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) following IVC. In conclusion, IVC therapy was not associated with patient-reported renal stones. Although not the primary focus of this study, it was also observed that there was no significant change in mean serum creatinine or eGFR for those who had follow-up renal function blood tests.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Health Research Council of New Zealand
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyobservation of people
Participants157
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Despite changes that could favor stone formation, no kidney deposits were observed in rats given vitamin C.
Aim of the study: Administration of ascorbic acid, at 150 mg/100 ml of water intake, for one month, induced hyperoxaluria in the rats (P less than 0.001) and decreased citraturia (P less than 0.001) magnesuria (P less than 0.001) and pyrophosphaturia (P less than 0.01). The same disorders were observed when the dose administered was 300 mg/100 ml, excepted that oxaluria was considerably enhanced in this group.
Results: Administration of ascorbic acid, at 150 mg/100 ml of water intake, for one month, induced hyperoxaluria in the rats (P less than 0.001) and decreased citraturia (P less than 0.001) magnesuria (P less than 0.001) and pyrophosphaturia (P less than 0.01). The same disorders were observed when the dose administered was 300 mg/100 ml, excepted that oxaluria was considerably enhanced in this group. Despite these variations, renal deposits were not observed, even in the animals receiving 300 mg of ascorbate/100 ml of water intake. This protection was due to decreased calcium excretion (P less than 0.01 in two groups) and probably to acidification of the urine.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a small series of patients with cystine stones, recurrences were observed less often, and the authors reported no adverse effects.
Aim of the study: We report on our experience with 9 cystine-lithiasis patients who were treated with large doses of ascorbic acid (5 g/day) for periods ranging from 6-27 months. We observed recidive lithogenesis in only 3 patients during this time.
Results: We report on our experience with 9 cystine-lithiasis patients who were treated with large doses of ascorbic acid (5 g/day) for periods ranging from 6-27 months. We observed recidive lithogenesis in only 3 patients during this time. The influence of ascorbic acid on the excretion of cystine and oxalate in the urine is discussed. A lack of side effects and the significantly lower frequency of recidivation justify the further use of ascorbic as an alternative medication in cystine lithiasis.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyclinical study in people
Participants9
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review found that very high vitamin C intake was biologically well tolerated in the healthy mammalian systems studied.
Aim of the study: Dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin C for healthy U.S. populations are currently being formulated by the Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine.
Results: A major task of the Panel is to analyze the evidence of adverse effects of high-dose vitamin C intakes to derive, if appropriate, a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C. The present report details current and past research examining potential adverse effects of supplemental vitamin C. The available data indicate that very high intakes of vitamin C (2-4 g/day) are well tolerated biologically in healthy mammalian systems. Currently, strong scientific evidence to define and defend a UL for vitamin C is not available.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Early treatment with high dose vitamin C during the initial stages of sepsis will be much less likely to cause problems like oxalate nephropathy compared with a situation when treatment starts late while organs like kidneys have already been harmed significantly. Therefore, kidney monitoring is important during high dose IV vitamin C treatment.”Early treatment with high dose vitamin C during the initial stages of sepsis will be much less likely to cause problems like oxalate nephropathy compared with a situation when treatment starts late while organs like kidneys have already been harmed significantly. Therefore, kidney monitoring is important during high dose IV vitamin C treatment.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Persons with cystine stones (only 1% of all kidney stones) should follow a low methionine diet and use buffered vitamin C. 11. Kidney stones are associated with high sugar intake, so eat less (or no) added sugar. [20] 12. Infections can cause conditions that favor stone formation, such as overly concentrated urine (from fever sweating, vomiting or diarrhea). Practice good preventive health care, and it will pay you back with interest. References: 1. Thomas LDK, Elinder CG, Tiselius HG, Wolk A, Akesson A. (2013) Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stone incidence among men: A prospective study. Published Online: February 4, 2013.”Persons with cystine stones (only 1% of all kidney stones) should follow a low methionine diet and use buffered vitamin C. 11. Kidney stones are associated with high sugar intake, so eat less (or no) added sugar. [20] 12. Infections can cause conditions that favor stone formation, such as overly concentrated urine (from fever sweating, vomiting or diarrhea). Practice good preventive health care, and it will pay you back with interest. References: 1. Thomas LDK, Elinder CG, Tiselius HG, Wolk A, Akesson A. (2013) Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stone incidence among men: A prospective study. Published Online: February 4, 2013.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Klenner found that responded to extremely high dose vitamin C therapy: Pneumonia Encephalitis Herpes Zoster (shingles) Herpes Simplex Mononucleosis Pancreatitis Hepatitis Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Bladder Infection Alcoholism Arthritis Some Cancers Leukemia Atherosclerosis Ruptured Intervertebral Disc High Cholesterol Corneal Ulcer Diabetes Glaucoma Schizophrenia Burns and secondary infections Heat Stroke Radiation Burns Heavy Metal Poisoning (Mercury, Lead) Venomous Bites Multiple Sclerosis Chronic Fatigue Complications of Surgery This seems like an impossibly long list.”Klenner found that responded to extremely high dose vitamin C therapy: Pneumonia Encephalitis Herpes Zoster (shingles) Herpes Simplex Mononucleosis Pancreatitis Hepatitis Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Bladder Infection Alcoholism Arthritis Some Cancers Leukemia Atherosclerosis Ruptured Intervertebral Disc High Cholesterol Corneal Ulcer Diabetes Glaucoma Schizophrenia Burns and secondary infections Heat Stroke Radiation Burns Heavy Metal Poisoning (Mercury, Lead) Venomous Bites Multiple Sclerosis Chronic Fatigue Complications of Surgery This seems like an impossibly long list.
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