Kidney Stones - Prevention

Role of Fats

Certain fats may play a beneficial or harmful role in specific cases of kidney stones.

Restricted Fats in Patients with Stones Associated with Bowel Disease. Patients who have stones associated with short-bowel syndrome should restrict their intake of fat as well oxalates. In such cases, calcium may bind to unabsorbed fat instead of to oxalates, which increase oxalate levels.

Fish Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish like mackerel, salmon, and albacore tuna, have many health benefits but the most current evidence suggests they do not help prevent kidney stones. A 2005 study of over 200,000 adults found that increased omega-3 fatty acid intake did not reduce kidney stone risk.

Role of Vitamins

Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is used to treat people with primary hyperoxaluria, a severe inherited disorder. Patients should not try to self-medicate with vitamin B6. Very high doses (500 to 2,000 mg daily over long periods) can cause nerve damage with loss of balance and numbness in the feet and hands. Food sources of vitamin B6 include meats, oily fish, poultry, whole grains, dried fortified cereals, soybeans, avocados, baked potatoes with skins, watermelon, plantains, bananas, peanuts, and brewer's yeast.

Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may convert to tiny insoluble crystals called oxalates. People with hyperoxaluria (too much oxalate in the urine) should avoid vitamin C supplements. Even for men with normal oxalate levels, higher consumption of vitamin C (more than 1000 mg a day) may increase kidney stone risk.

Role of Minerals

Magnesium and potassium may help reduce the risk for kidney stones in men.

Stress Management Techniques

Because of an association between stress and kidney stones, relaxation and stress management techniques may also be beneficial.

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