Overview
Top Medical Research Studies
Our findings revealed that dietary zinc intake appeared to be linked to a lower likelihood of developing kidney stones. In fact, for every increase in daily zinc intake, the odds of having kidney stones decreased. We noted that this relationship was particularly strong among women and individuals who were classified as overweight or obese.
Interestingly, while dietary zinc and serum zinc levels were inversely associated with kidney stones, we found no significant connection with supplemental zinc intake. This suggests that getting zinc from food sources may be more beneficial for kidney stone prevention than taking zinc supplements.
Overall, while our analysis highlights a potential protective effect of dietary zinc and serum zinc levels against kidney stones, it also points out the need for more thorough research to fully understand these relationships.
What we found was quite revealing. The teenagers who developed kidney stones were consuming less daily zinc—around 8.1 mg—compared to their healthy counterparts, who averaged 10 mg. Furthermore, the intake for both boys and girls in the kidney stone group fell below the recommended levels set by health authorities. Even more interestingly, we discovered that for every additional 1 mg of zinc consumed daily, the odds of forming kidney stones decreased by 13%.
Additionally, we observed that dietary zinc intake seemed to influence urinary zinc excretion. For each 1 mg increase in dietary zinc, there was a corresponding increase of 4.5 μg/dl in urine zinc levels. This suggests that higher zinc intake not only has potential benefits but also impacts how the body manages zinc through urine.
Overall, we found that lower dietary zinc intake is associated with a higher risk of calcium kidney stones in adolescents, indicating its possible role in prevention.
Through our clinical observations, we noticed that zinc appeared to boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut that help break down oxalate, which is thought to contribute to stone formation. Specifically, we found that a lack of certain bacteria, notably Lactobacillus, along with low activity of the enzyme oxalate decarboxylase (OxDC), was connected to the development of kidney stones.
We also conducted tests on rats that developed more stones due to antibiotic use. Our findings suggested that zinc supplementation could enhance OxDC activity and promote Lactobacillus growth, both essential for better oxalate metabolism. Therefore, by focusing on the interplay between zinc, Lactobacillus, and OxDC, we propose a way that zinc might alleviate kidney stone symptoms by improving how oxalate is processed in the body.
Most Useful Reviews
Medical Researches
- All Researches
Our findings revealed that rats receiving the herbal compound alongside ethylene glycol exhibited a reduced increase in crystal deposition around the zinc discs, especially at higher doses of the plant-based compound. However, the specific effects of zinc alone on crystal formation were challenging to isolate due to the combination treatments. It’s worth mentioning that while elevated urinary calcium levels were noted in some groups, we did not find a strong connection between oxalate levels and the doses administered.
Overall, the treatment seemed effective in lower doses of the herbal compound, with the most significant results appearing at a dosage of 0.332 ml taken three times a day. Unfortunately, we couldn't draw firm conclusions about zinc’s isolated impact on kidney stones, as its effect in the context of this study could not be fully determined due to the various influencing factors at play.
Through our clinical observations, we noticed that zinc appeared to boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut that help break down oxalate, which is thought to contribute to stone formation. Specifically, we found that a lack of certain bacteria, notably Lactobacillus, along with low activity of the enzyme oxalate decarboxylase (OxDC), was connected to the development of kidney stones.
We also conducted tests on rats that developed more stones due to antibiotic use. Our findings suggested that zinc supplementation could enhance OxDC activity and promote Lactobacillus growth, both essential for better oxalate metabolism. Therefore, by focusing on the interplay between zinc, Lactobacillus, and OxDC, we propose a way that zinc might alleviate kidney stone symptoms by improving how oxalate is processed in the body.
The goal was to assess whether combining Fagolitos plus® with lithotripsy would lead to better fragmentation of kidney stones. We looked at several factors, including the size and location of the stones, as well as any adverse effects from the supplement. The results indicated that the use of Fagolitos plus® alongside lithotripsy may enhance the effectiveness of this popular kidney stone treatment, although further clinical trials are necessary to verify these findings.
Importantly, while zinc is part of the formulation of Fagolitos plus®, the specific influence of zinc alone on kidney stones remains unclear because our study emphasized the combination treatment approach. We see this as a promising avenue for future research to better understand the role of zinc and similar compounds in managing kidney stones.
Our findings revealed that dietary zinc intake appeared to be linked to a lower likelihood of developing kidney stones. In fact, for every increase in daily zinc intake, the odds of having kidney stones decreased. We noted that this relationship was particularly strong among women and individuals who were classified as overweight or obese.
Interestingly, while dietary zinc and serum zinc levels were inversely associated with kidney stones, we found no significant connection with supplemental zinc intake. This suggests that getting zinc from food sources may be more beneficial for kidney stone prevention than taking zinc supplements.
Overall, while our analysis highlights a potential protective effect of dietary zinc and serum zinc levels against kidney stones, it also points out the need for more thorough research to fully understand these relationships.
What we found was quite revealing. The teenagers who developed kidney stones were consuming less daily zinc—around 8.1 mg—compared to their healthy counterparts, who averaged 10 mg. Furthermore, the intake for both boys and girls in the kidney stone group fell below the recommended levels set by health authorities. Even more interestingly, we discovered that for every additional 1 mg of zinc consumed daily, the odds of forming kidney stones decreased by 13%.
Additionally, we observed that dietary zinc intake seemed to influence urinary zinc excretion. For each 1 mg increase in dietary zinc, there was a corresponding increase of 4.5 μg/dl in urine zinc levels. This suggests that higher zinc intake not only has potential benefits but also impacts how the body manages zinc through urine.
Overall, we found that lower dietary zinc intake is associated with a higher risk of calcium kidney stones in adolescents, indicating its possible role in prevention.
User Reviews
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. While they can vary in size from tiny particles to large stones, they all begin as crystallized substances that develop when urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in your urine can dilute. When the crystals stick together, they can form stones, which may cause severe pain, especially when they pass through the urinary tract. Common types of kidney stones include calcium stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones.
The symptoms of kidney stones can include sharp pain in the side and back, pain during urination, pink or red urine, and frequent urination. Various factors can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, including dehydration, certain dietary choices, and genetic predisposition. Preventing kidney stones often involves drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive salt and animal protein, and ensuring a balanced intake of calcium. For those who suffer from kidney stones, a medical evaluation may be necessary to determine the best management and preventive strategies.
Zinc is a versatile metal known for its various applications in industry and health. It is a bluish-white metallic element represented by the symbol Zn and atomic number 30 on the periodic table. Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel to prevent rusting, in the manufacturing of alloys, and as a component in batteries. Additionally, zinc plays a crucial role in biological processes, making it an essential trace element in the human diet. It is involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Recent studies have suggested that zinc may influence kidney stone formation, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Zinc is known for its role in various bodily functions, including immune response and enzyme activity. Some research indicates that adequate zinc levels may help prevent the crystallization of certain minerals that contribute to kidney stone formation, particularly in the case of calcium oxalate stones. However, higher zinc intake doesn't necessarily correlate with a reduced risk of kidney stones, and excessive zinc could potentially lead to other health issues.
If you're concerned about kidney stones, it's essential to focus on well-established prevention strategies: maintaining hydration, consuming a balanced diet low in oxalates and sodium, and monitoring calcium intake. Before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen, consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your health needs and help determine whether zinc supplementation might be beneficial for you.
The role of zinc in preventing and treating kidney stones shows promise, but current research presents a mixed picture. Studies involving both animal models and human patients have indicated that zinc might have some protective effects against the formation of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones. For example, research on zinc gluconate observed that it appears to enhance beneficial gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing oxalate, potentially reducing the risk of stone formation [2]. Additionally, a case-control study examining a zinc-containing supplement suggested improved outcomes when paired with lithotripsy [3]. Yet, it's crucial to note that the isolated effects of zinc remain challenging to ascertain due to the complexities involved in these studies.
However, dietary zinc intake has been associated with a lower incidence of kidney stones, especially among adolescents and specific adult populations [5]. Higher dietary zinc has been linked with a decreased risk of developing stones, although the benefits seem to stem from food sources rather than supplements [4]. Conversely, other studies suggest that excessive zinc intake may actually elevate the risk [7]. Overall, while there are insights into zinc's interaction with kidney stone formation, more targeted research is necessary to establish definitive conclusions regarding its effectiveness as a supplement for kidney stone prevention and treatment.
Based on user reviews, many consumers report experiencing a range of effects from their zinc supplementation. Some users indicate that taking zinc is crucial for kidney health and hormone regulation, with one reviewer noting they take a tablet daily for these reasons (Read Review). However, while some users appreciate the benefits, others have highlighted potential drawbacks, such as concerns over kidney function and pressure levels attributed to high doses. For instance, a user mentioned they saw a decline in kidney function after regular use and chose to adjust their dosage to maintain balance (Read Review).
Additionally, it appears that the high dosage in some products has led to negative side effects, compelling some reviewers to recommend splitting the tablets to mitigate pressure and liver strain (Read Review). Overall, while there are benefits associated with zinc supplementation, including potential improvements in kidney health, users have also expressed the need for caution and tailored dosing to avoid adverse reactions. Individual results can vary significantly, underscoring the importance of personal consultation with a healthcare provider.
Based on user reviews, there seems to be a level of caution when combining this supplement with others, particularly for those managing kidney stones. One user explicitly advises consulting a doctor before taking the supplement to help prevent kidney stones, indicating the importance of professional guidance in supplementing regimens (Read Review). This suggests that users recognize the potential risks involved, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions or concerns related to kidney health.
Additionally, some individuals reported modifying their intake due to adverse effects. For instance, one user noted a decline in kidney function after regular use, prompting them to switch to a lower dosage of half a tablet daily or to every two days instead (Read Review). Moreover, concerns about high dosages affecting pressure levels, liver, and kidney function led another reviewer to recommend splitting tablets to mitigate these risks (Read Review). Overall, these reviews indicate that while the supplement may have benefits, users emphasize the need for cautious and informed use, especially when combining it with other supplements.
Users report a variety of experiences when it comes to the appropriate dose of Zinc for treating or preventing kidney stones. Some advise taking a lower dosage, such as half a tablet daily, to maintain health without adversely impacting kidney function ((Read Review)). Meanwhile, others mention concerns over high doses, suggesting the need to split tablets into smaller portions to mitigate potential negative effects on organs like the liver and kidneys ((Read Review)).
Additionally, there is a general consensus among users that consulting a healthcare provider before starting Zinc supplementation is advisable, especially for those looking to prevent kidney stones ((Read Review)). Overall, while individual responses may vary, a cautious approach to dosage is emphasized to ensure both efficacy and safety in kidney health.
Through our clinical observations, we noticed that zinc appeared to boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut that help break down oxalate, which is thought to contribute to stone formation. Specifically, we found that a lack of certain bacteria, notably Lactobacillus, along with low activity of the enzyme oxalate decarboxylase (OxDC), was connected to the development of kidney stones.
We also conducted tests on rats that developed more stones due to antibiotic use. Our findings suggested that zinc supplementation could enhance OxDC activity and promote Lactobacillus growth, both essential for better oxalate metabolism. Therefore, by focusing on the interplay between zinc, Lactobacillus, and OxDC, we propose a way that zinc might alleviate kidney stone symptoms by improving how oxalate is processed in the body.
The goal was to assess whether combining Fagolitos plus® with lithotripsy would lead to better fragmentation of kidney stones. We looked at several factors, including the size and location of the stones, as well as any adverse effects from the supplement. The results indicated that the use of Fagolitos plus® alongside lithotripsy may enhance the effectiveness of this popular kidney stone treatment, although further clinical trials are necessary to verify these findings.
Importantly, while zinc is part of the formulation of Fagolitos plus®, the specific influence of zinc alone on kidney stones remains unclear because our study emphasized the combination treatment approach. We see this as a promising avenue for future research to better understand the role of zinc and similar compounds in managing kidney stones.
What we found was quite revealing. The teenagers who developed kidney stones were consuming less daily zinc—around 8.1 mg—compared to their healthy counterparts, who averaged 10 mg. Furthermore, the intake for both boys and girls in the kidney stone group fell below the recommended levels set by health authorities. Even more interestingly, we discovered that for every additional 1 mg of zinc consumed daily, the odds of forming kidney stones decreased by 13%.
Additionally, we observed that dietary zinc intake seemed to influence urinary zinc excretion. For each 1 mg increase in dietary zinc, there was a corresponding increase of 4.5 μg/dl in urine zinc levels. This suggests that higher zinc intake not only has potential benefits but also impacts how the body manages zinc through urine.
Overall, we found that lower dietary zinc intake is associated with a higher risk of calcium kidney stones in adolescents, indicating its possible role in prevention.
Our findings revealed that dietary zinc intake appeared to be linked to a lower likelihood of developing kidney stones. In fact, for every increase in daily zinc intake, the odds of having kidney stones decreased. We noted that this relationship was particularly strong among women and individuals who were classified as overweight or obese.
Interestingly, while dietary zinc and serum zinc levels were inversely associated with kidney stones, we found no significant connection with supplemental zinc intake. This suggests that getting zinc from food sources may be more beneficial for kidney stone prevention than taking zinc supplements.
Overall, while our analysis highlights a potential protective effect of dietary zinc and serum zinc levels against kidney stones, it also points out the need for more thorough research to fully understand these relationships.
Our analysis included over 15,000 individuals aged 18 and older, revealing that 710 had a history of kidney stones. It's interesting to note that stone formers generally had a higher dietary zinc intake compared to those who had never experienced stones. However, this wasn’t deemed statistically significant.
Yet, when we dug deeper using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that higher dietary zinc intake was indeed associated with an increased risk of kidney stone disease. Specifically, the odds increased significantly when comparing those with a high intake (more than 15 mg/day) to those with lower intake (under 7 mg/day).
While our findings suggest that higher dietary zinc may elevate the risk of developing kidney stones, it’s important to clarify that this is an association, not a definitive cause. Therefore, more prospective studies are needed to fully unravel how zinc intake influences kidney stone formation.
References
- Güzel R, Erïhan İB, Özaydin İ, Aydin U, Bağcioğlu M, et al. Dose-dependant preventive effect of a herbal compound on crystal formation in rat model. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2023;95:11114. doi:10.4081/aiua.2023.11114
- Wu F, Cheng Y, Zhou J, Liu X, Lin R, et al. Zn regulates human oxalate metabolism by manipulating oxalate decarboxylase to treat calcium oxalate stones. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;234:123320. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123320
- Morales-Martínez A, Melgarejo-Segura MT, Cano-García MDC, Gutiérrez-Tejero F, Arrabal-Martín M, et al. [Assessment of radiopaque kidney stone treatment: Combination of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and Fagolitos Plus®. Preliminary case control description.]. Arch Esp Urol. 2021;74:489.
- Sun Y, Wang Y, Wang D, Zhou Q. Dietary zinc intake, supplemental zinc intake and serum zinc levels and the prevalence of kidney stones in adults. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020;57:126410. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.126410
- Tasian GE, Ross ME, Song L, Grundmeier RW, Massey J, et al. Dietary Zinc and Incident Calcium Kidney Stones in Adolescence. J Urol. 2017;197:1342. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2016.11.096
- Chi T, Kim MS, Lang S, Bose N, Kahn A, et al. A Drosophila model identifies a critical role for zinc in mineralization for kidney stone disease. PLoS One. 2015;10:e0124150. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0124150
- Tang J, McFann K, Chonchol M. Dietary zinc intake and kidney stone formation: evaluation of NHANES III. Am J Nephrol. 2012;36:549. doi:10.1159/000345550
- Grases F, Garcia-Gonzalez R, Torres JJ, Llobera A. Effects of phytic acid on renal stone formation in rats. Scand J Urol Nephrol. 1998;32:261.
