Kidney Stones: All you need to know about calcium supplements and its risks

Calcium Supplements and Kidney Stones

Calcium supplements and kidney stones are tied together. The relationship between kidney stones and calcium supplements is very complex. Studies on calcium supplements and kidney stones have come with various inputs and theories.

Researchers concluded that people are getting kidney stones. And if they take calcium supplements, their health status may be affected. It is observed that the stone growth in them is higher. But, it is also observed that people, who intake calcium from natural sources like dairy products, have a low kidney stone formation rate.

Oxalate is a molecule that is produced in plants. It is also the compound that forms kidney stones. A study conducted at the Endocrine Society. It claims that when calcium is taken from natural sources, the oxalate compound formation is low.

Vitamin D is very good at decreasing the excretion of urinary calcium. As well as it also decreases stone growth. This theory suggests that vitamin D can reduce the risk of bladder or kidney stones. This is when taken from natural sources. Balancing the intake of calcium is very crucial.

Calcium supplements are required when someone has low bone density. Or other bones related complications. Calcium comes with other nutrient values as well. But someone with kidney disorders or urinary tract disorders should consult a doctor before starting a complementary course.

When to take calcium and vitamin D supplements important?

The best time to have calcium supplements is to take it with food, in lunch if the dosage is 250 gm.

Drinking lots of water and other fluids such as juices is a must. To avoid and cure kidney stones or bladder stones drinking plenty of water will help a lot. A person must have at least 8-10 glasses of water. Often it is seen that if a person is having a small kidney stone, they can pass out of urination by drinking lots of water.

He or she might experience slight pain but no serious medication is required. Intake of calcium from natural sources is always better. Consume lots of green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Consumption of dairy products such as milk and yogurt is also advisable. Include seeds in your daily diet, seeds such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds. Have food that has omega-3 and fatty acids in them.

Here is an interesting case study to prove the relevancy. And the relation between calcium, vitamin D, and kidney stones:-

An epidemiological study was conducted. This study was during 1980 on a group of 91,731 nurses who were between the age group of 34- 59. They did not have a history of kidney stones in them. They were questioned for 12 years. These questions were about their eating habits, calcium, and vitamin D supplements. And also if Kidney stones were part of their family medical history. It was observed that 864 nurses out of the 91,731 nurses developed kidney stones for the first time.

According to the study, it was found that one in every 1000 nurses developed kidney stones. These were the nurses whose calcium intake was much lower. This was compared to the nurses whose calcium intake from natural sources was greater. This proves that there is a strong association between calcium and kidney stone formation.

There was a group of nurses who would take calcium supplements. They also developed the risk of having stones in the kidney. It was observed that the stone developing rate was 20% more in the nurses when compared to the ones who did not take these supplements.

Now, the question arises here, why did the nurses who took calcium supplements develop kidney stones?

The answer is the time when the calcium supplement has been taken. If at the same time, calcium and oxalate are present in the intestine, it is observed that they bind to each other. When calcium supplement is taken with food? In which there is little or no oxalate. So this makes the oxalate- and calcium levels unbalanced. As a result, kidney stones are more likely to become stones.

When the calcium supplement consumes high amounts of oxalate food? So it balances oxalate and calcium levels and helps in stopping kidney stones.

Statistics from the study prove that 24% of the nurses were taking calcium supplements with their breakfast. This meal contains the least oxalate. 57% of the nurses who developed the stones did not take the supplements with the food. Thus, this resulted in kidney stones.

It is concluded that nurses who took dietary calcium had low chances of kidney stones. Thus, timing and nutritional value in food are very important.