Kidney stones, calcium & vitamin C - Vitamins & Supplements Message Board

igy76 · 08-30-2002, 09:46 PM

I'm desperate for a straight answer here. I both have had stones myself, and have a family history. Now, 'experts' on the net say that if you take calcium supplements, you're more likely to form kidney stones (as most are made up of calcium oxalate). And the same goes for taking vitamin C supplements. BUT, the problem is, depending on where you look, other 'experts' say just the opposite on both counts. Is there such thing as a definitive answer on this subject, or does nobody know for sure? Please help!

ARIZONA73 · 08-31-2002, 08:07 AM

The most recent information that I am aware of is that if you form calcium oxalate stones, calcium supplementation actually reduces oxalate excretion, meaning that taking 300-1000mg of calcium per day may prove to be an effective preventive measure against calcium oxalate kidney stones.

The latest information on vitamin C indicates that the administration of up to 10 grams per day has not shown any effect on urinary oxalate levels.

I do have one suggestion for you. As a means of preventing the development of future kidney stones, try supplementing with 50mg vitamin B-6 and 400mg magnesium oxide per day. This approach has proven successful for my father, who often suffered from stone formations. Since he began taking vitamin B-6 and magnesium oxide 20 years ago, he has not formed one single kidney stone! I would strongly recommend that you try this. Good luck to you.

Harry · 08-31-2002, 08:40 AM

I have found that drinking Cranberry Juice helps prevent stones!!!

Harry

ARIZONA73 · 08-31-2002, 09:29 AM

Yes, cranberry juice is also supposed to be helpful. I have read that 16 ounces per day is the recommended amount. Of course, it would be best to find a product that wasn't so full of sugar, maybe one containing nutrasweet. As an alternative, I believe they also sell cranberry juice concentrate in pill form.