(Integrative Medicine) - Men who are at risk for developing kidney stones are often advised to consume a diet low in calcium, but a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that a diet containing normal amounts of calcium and reduced amounts of animal protein and salt may provide a 50% greater protective effect against recurrent kidney stones. Researchers in Italy randomly assigned 120 men with recurrent kidney stones to follow one of two diets for 5 years: (1) low-calcium diet or (2) a normal-to-high calcium, low-protein, and low-salt (50 mmol/day) diet. The researchers also recommended that men in both groups increase their daily consumption of water. After 5 years, 23 of the 60 men on the low-calcium diet and 12 of the 60 men on the normal-to-high calcium diet developed recurrent kidney stones. "In conclusion," the researchers note, "our study suggests that a diet characterized by normal calcium, low animal protein, and low salt levels is more effective than the traditional low-calcium diet for the prevention of recurrent [kidney] stones in men."

References

Borghi L, Schianchi T, Meschi T, et al. Comparison of two diets for the prevention of recurrent stones in idiopathic hypercalciuria. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(2):77-84.