The Role Of Calcium In The Formation Of Kidney Stones

Latest research shows that by adding more calcium to the diet may help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones in younger women.

In a study of more than 95,000 women who never had kidney stones, researchers documented 1,223 new kidney stones over the eight years of the study. Women who consumed the most calcium had a 27-percent lower risk of developing kidney stones compared to women who consumed the least amount. The use of calcium supplements was not associated with risk of stone formation.

It was found that women who consumed the most phytate had a 37-percent lower risk of developing kidney stones compared to women who consumed the least amount .Phytate is found in plants and cereal grains and is found to inhibit the formation of kidney stones by preventing tiny crystals of calcium oxalate from forming. Calcium oxalate is a component of kidney stones.

According to the research, diet plays an important role in the development of kidney stones. In older men and women, higher levels of calcium, sodium, animal protein and sugar may be linked to a higher risk of developing kidney stones. However based on their findings researchers conclude that dietary phytate may be an important and safe new option for stone prevention.