DiseasesKidney stones — are we growing them ourselves?
Sources: 12 · Article: 16 067 characters
Andrzej Frydrychowski rejects the claim that high doses of vitamin C cause kidney stones and says that taking it regularly may reduce the risk.
- M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha point out that acidic urine promotes the formation of uric acid stones, and that type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of these stones.
- Henryk Różański describes animal studies in which madder inhibited the formation of urinary stones, but notes that its effects remain disputed.
What the authors write
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski says that high doses of vitamin C do not cause kidney stones.
„The often-repeated claims that high doses cause kidney stones have proved to be a myth. Even in people who had previously suffered from oxalate stones, there was a tendency toward remission (Cathcart 1985). This claim probably stems 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 regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation.
„What is more, studies conducted at Harvard University proved that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation (Curhan et al. 1999). And what about cancer and the scientists who react so allergically to this kind of treatment? Well, after patients with terminal cancer were given 100 g of vitamin C per day for a week, the only effects observed were increased vitality 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 explains that oxalic acid is produced when vitamin C breaks down, 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 are made of calcium oxalate (Jayanthi et al. 1994), so the conclusion seems simple. Vitamin C gets all the blame.”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 repeats that the claim that high doses of vitamin C cause kidney stones is false.
„The often-repeated claims that high doses cause kidney stones have proved to be a myth. Even in people who had previously suffered from oxalate stones, there was a tendency toward remission (Cathcart 1985). This claim probably stems 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 again says that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation.
„What is more, studies conducted at Harvard University proved that regular vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of stone formation (Curhan et al. 1999). And what about cancer and the scientists who react so allergically to this kind of treatment? Well, after patients with terminal cancer were given 100 g of vitamin C per day for a week, the only effects observed were increased vitality 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.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański says that the acidic compounds in madder have been linked to its effects on the composition of urinary stones.
„Ruberythric acid and galiosin can bind calcium, which was used to explain the effect of madder extracts on the composition of urinary stones. Madder’s ability to break up urinary stones has been supported by just as many studies as have disproved it.”Kwas ruberytrynowy i galiozyna mają zdolność wiązania wapnia, czym tłumaczono wpływ wyciągów z marzanny na skład kamieni moczowych. Rozkruszające działanie marzanny na kamienie moczowe było równie licznie potwierdzane, co i obalane rozmaitymi badaniami.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański notes that studies on madder’s ability to break up stones have had conflicting results.
„Madder’s ability to break up urinary stones has been supported by just as many studies as have disproved it. The issue remains controversial to this day. Madder’s effect on the removal of deposits, gravel and fragments of urinary stones has also been linked to its antispasmodic effects on the urinary tract and its ability to stimulate the peristalsis of the ureters.”Rozkruszające działanie marzanny na kamienie moczowe było równie licznie potwierdzane, co i obalane rozmaitymi badaniami. Kwestia ta została do dziś kontrowersyjna. Wpływ marzanny na usuwanie złogów, piasku i rozkruszonych kamieni moczowych wiązano również z jej właściwościami spazmolitycznymi na drogi moczowe oraz pobudzającymi perystaltykę moczowodów.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes studies in rats and rabbits in which madder inhibited stone formation or the crystallization of calcium oxalate in the kidneys.
„Experiments showed that feed containing madder root (10%) inhibited the formation of urinary stones (made of calcium carbonate) in rats. Giving rabbits madder extract (150–200 mg/kg of body weight) inhibited the crystallization of calcium oxalate in the kidneys.”Doświadczalnie na szczurach wykazano hamowanie powstawania kamieni moczowych (z węglanu wapnia) pod wpływem paszy zawierającej korzeń marzanny (10%). Podawanie królikom ekstraktu z marzanny (150-200 mg/kg masy ciała) powodowało zahamowanie krystalizacji szczawianu wapnia w nerkach.
M. S. Sater i H. A. Giha
M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha point out that acidic urine increases the risk of uric acid stones, and that type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of these stones.
„On the other hand, T2D is known to be associated with an increased risk for nephrolithiasis, particularly uric acid (UA) stones (Figure 3A(i)) [172]. Urine pH is a key determinant of UA solubility, and markedly acidic urine is recognized as a risk factor for UA crystallization and stone formation.”On the other hand, T2D is known to be associated with an increased risk for nephrolithiasis, particularly uric acid (UA) stones (Figure 3A(i)) [172]. Urine pH is a key determinant of UA solubility, and markedly acidic urine is recognized as a risk factor for UA crystallization and stone formation.
Jerzy Jaśkowski
Jerzy Jaśkowski says that the presence of red blood cells in urine may indicate gravel or kidney stones when pain is present.
„Any presence of white or red blood cells requires careful diagnosis. White blood cells may indicate an infection, even if the patient has no symptoms. Red blood cells in urine may indicate gravel or kidney stones, for example, when there is pain, or cancer when there is no pain.”Każda obecność leukocytów lub erytrocytów wymaga dokładnego diagnozowania. Leukocyty mogą świadczyć o zakażeniu, nawet jeśli chora nie odczuwa żadnych objawów. Obecność erytrocytów w moczu może świadczyć np. o piasku czy kamieniach nerkowych, w przypadku istnienia dolegliwości bólowych lub o nowotworze przy braku bólu.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 5 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: 1 381.
The review found that a larger waist circumference, higher BMI and greater fructose intake are associated with a higher risk of kidney stones, while fiber and the DASH diet may be protective.
Aim of the study: Nephrolithiasis is prevalent and burdensome worldwide. At present, evidence on the risk factors for nephrolithiasis is unconsolidated and the associations remain uncertain. The authors systematically evaluate the robustness of the meta-analytic evidence and aid more reliable interpretations of the epidemiological relationships.
Results: The authors finally included 17 meta-analyses regarding 46 risk factors, 34 of which (73.9%) showed statistically significant association with nephrolithiasis. Among the significant associations, the authors found that waist circumference, BMI, dietary intake and fructose intake were positively correlated with the occurrence and development of nephrolithiasis. Caffeine, dietary fiber and DASH-diet showed a tendency to reduce kidney stones. Interestingly, calcium supplementation, dietary calcium, and vitamin D, which are widely believed to be responsible for stone formation, made no difference or even reduced the risk of nephrolithiasis. The authors' study demonstrates the suggestive causal (central obesity, type 2 diabetes, gout, dietary sodium, fructose intake and higher temperatures) risk factors of nephrolithiasis. The authors also demonstrate the suggestive causal (coffee/alcohol/beer intake, dietary calcium and DASH-diet) protective factors of nephrolithiasis.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Foundation of Science & Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Post-Doctor Research Project, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, National Natural Science Foundation of China
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review suggests that drinking more water and following a diet with adequate calcium, low protein and low salt may help prevent stone recurrence in adults.
Aim of the study: Recurrent kidney stones are unpleasant and may lead to kidney damage, sepsis, or invasive procedures. To assess benefits and harms of diet, pharmacologic therapy, and surveillance imaging to prevent recurrent nephrolithiasis.
Results: Increased fluid intake; a diet with normal to high calcium, low protein, and low sodium; thiazides; alkali therapy; and allopurinol may prevent stone recurrence in adults with calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. Evidence is limited on other interventions, including imaging strategies, in children and on harms and other outcomes.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review suggests that eating a lot of meat and little calcium is associated with an increased risk, while a balanced vegetarian diet with dairy products may be protective.
Aim of the study: Nephrolithiasis is a common medical condition influenced by multiple environmental factors, including diet. Since nutritional habits play a relevant role in the genesis and recurrence of kidney stones disease, dietary manipulation has become a fundamental tool for the medical management of nephrolithiasis.
Results: In this review, we analyzed the effects of each dietary factor on nephrolithiasis incidence and recurrence rate. Available scientific evidence agrees on the harmful effects of high meat/animal protein intake and low calcium diets, whereas high content of fruits and vegetables associated with a balanced intake of low-fat dairy products carries the lowest risk for incident kidney stones. Furthermore, a balanced vegetarian diet with dairy products seems to be the most protective diet for kidney stone patients. Since no study prospectively examined the effects of vegan diets on nephrolithiasis risk factors, more scientific work should be made to define the best diet for different kidney stone phenotypes.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In the study, people who followed the Mediterranean diet more closely reported kidney stones less often.
Aim of the study: This study explored the relationship between the alternative Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score and the prevalence of kidney stones (KSD) among adults in US. This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2007 to 2018.
Results: In a fully adjusted model, individuals in the highest quartile of aMED scores (Q4) were found to have a significantly lower risk of KSD compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1), with an odds ratio of 0.771 (95% CI: 0.616-0.966, P = .024). An increased aMED score was associated with a lower prevalence of KSD in U.S. adults. This cross-sectional study provides observational evidence suggesting a potential link between dietary patterns and KSD prevalence, which may inform future dietary intervention research.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Gansu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Cuiying Student Research Program of Lanzhou University Second Hospital
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyobservation of people
Participants28 059
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In the study, obesity and diabetes were strongly associated with a history of kidney stones.
Aim of the study: The last nationally representative assessment of kidney stone prevalence in the United States occurred in 1994. After a 13-yr hiatus, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reinitiated data collection regarding kidney stone history. Describe the current prevalence of stone disease in the United States, and identify factors associated with a history of kidney stones.
Results: The prevalence of kidney stones was 8.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1-9.5). Among men, the prevalence of stones was 10.6% (95% CI, 9.4-11.9), compared with 7.1% (95% CI, 6.4-7.8) among women. Kidney stones were more common among obese than normal-weight individuals (11.2% [95% CI, 10.0-12.3] compared with 6.1% [95% CI, 4.8-7.4], respectively; p<0.001). Black, non-Hispanic and Hispanic individuals were less likely to report a history of stone disease than were white, non-Hispanic individuals (black, non-Hispanic: odds ratio [OR]: 0.37 [95% CI, 0.28-0.49], p<0.001; Hispanic: OR: 0.60 [95% CI, 0.49-0.73], p<0.001). Obesity and diabetes were strongly associated with a history of kidney stones in multivariable models. The cross-sectional survey design limits causal inference regarding potential risk factors for kidney stones. Kidney stones affect approximately 1 in 11 people in the United States.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · NIDDK NIH HHS
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyobservation of people
Participants12 110
“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
„It contradicts previous studies that have clearly shown that high dose ascorbate does not cause kidney stones.[2-6] The study authors' conclusion that ascorbate caused the low rate of stones is likely due to a correlation between the choice of taking a vitamin C supplement with some other aspect of the participants' diet.”It contradicts previous studies that have clearly shown that high dose ascorbate does not cause kidney stones.[2-6] The study authors' conclusion that ascorbate caused the low rate of stones is likely due to a correlation between the choice of taking a vitamin C supplement with some other aspect of the participants' diet.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Although the body metabolizes vitamin C to produce small quantities of oxalate, for individuals with normal kidney function IV vitamin C does not contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stones. More important sources of oxalate for most individuals are the amount of cruciferous vegetables, tea, and other sources in the diet. These oxalates bind with the excess calcium that is in our dairy, fortified foods, and supplements. To prevent oxalate stones, in general, and when taking oral vitamin C, it is important to drink adequate amounts of fluid and avoid excessive calcium levels in the diet.”Although the body metabolizes vitamin C to produce small quantities of oxalate, for individuals with normal kidney function IV vitamin C does not contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stones. More important sources of oxalate for most individuals are the amount of cruciferous vegetables, tea, and other sources in the diet. These oxalates bind with the excess calcium that is in our dairy, fortified foods, and supplements. To prevent oxalate stones, in general, and when taking oral vitamin C, it is important to drink adequate amounts of fluid and avoid excessive calcium levels in the diet.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„[25] Oxalate from vitamin C Although the body metabolizes vitamin C to produce small quantities of oxalate, for individuals with normal kidney function IV vitamin C does not contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stones. [25,45] More important sources of oxalate for most individuals are the amount of cruciferous vegetables, tea, and other sources in the diet. These oxalates bind with the excess calcium that is in our dairy, fortified foods, and supplements. To prevent oxalate stones, in general, and when taking oral vitamin C, it is important to drink adequate amounts of fluid and avoid excessive calcium levels in the diet.”[25] Oxalate from vitamin C Although the body metabolizes vitamin C to produce small quantities of oxalate, for individuals with normal kidney function IV vitamin C does not contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stones. [25,45] More important sources of oxalate for most individuals are the amount of cruciferous vegetables, tea, and other sources in the diet. These oxalates bind with the excess calcium that is in our dairy, fortified foods, and supplements. To prevent oxalate stones, in general, and when taking oral vitamin C, it is important to drink adequate amounts of fluid and avoid excessive calcium levels in the diet.
Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.