Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 9 Researches
6.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.6
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
320 mg
356%
Calcium (from Calcium Carbonate)
36 mg
3%
Grape Seed Extract (Vitis vinifera) (min. 90% Total Polyphenols)
100 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

We examined the relationship between vitamin C intake and the risk of developing kidney stones in a large cohort. This study included a significant number of participants: 156,735 women from the Nurses' Health Studies and 40,536 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Our findings revealed that total and supplemental vitamin C intake was linked to a higher risk of kidney stones in men, but there was no such association evident in women. Specifically, among men, those who consumed higher amounts of vitamin C had greater likelihoods of developing stones when compared to those with lower intakes.

However, dietary vitamin C did not show a connection with kidney stones in either men or women. This suggests that while supplements may pose risks for men, dietary sources of vitamin C might not have the same impact. Overall, the study indicates that we should be cautious about high vitamin C supplement consumption, especially for men, while highlighting that dietary intake appears safe.
Read More
9.5
No connection between IVC and stones
We set out to investigate whether high doses of intravenous vitamin C (IVC) could influence the formation of kidney stones. Our study involved 157 adult patients receiving IVC therapy at Integrated Health Options clinic over a 12-month period.

Throughout the study, we conducted regular check-ins with patients, specifically asking about any kidney stones they might have experienced, along with monitoring their renal function through blood tests. Despite some patients having a prior history of kidney stones, we found that none reported developing new stones during the study.

Interestingly, we also noted that the majority of participants showed stable renal function, as indicated by consistent serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). In summary, our findings suggest that IVC therapy does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
Read More
8
Vitamin C may reduce kidney stones
We explored the dietary habits of individuals from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to see how certain foods might influence kidney stone formation.

Our focus was particularly on vitamin C and its potential role in preventing these painful stones. We looked at a diverse group of nearly 17,000 people, analyzing their dietary intake alongside their kidney health over a span of several years.

Interestingly, our findings highlighted a connection between higher vitamin C intake and reduced kidney stone risk. Specifically, we noted that individuals consuming 60 to 110 mg of vitamin C daily had a lower chance of forming stones, with an even greater protective effect observed in those exceeding that amount.

While we didn't find significant associations with many other dietary elements, our results suggest that increasing vitamin C intake might be beneficial. This points towards a need for further research on how vitamin C and other dietary factors interact in the context of kidney stone prevention.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

8.8
Improves blood flow
I love it! This is a high-quality Grape Seed supplement that has aided me due to its antioxidants. I take it to enhance blood flow, kidney function, and combat free radicals. The capsule is small and easy to swallow.
Read More
8.8
Supports kidney health
Excellent! I recommend taking this for overall health and well-being. I truly believe it aids kidney function and helps with inflammation for me.
Read More
8.8
Great kidney supplement
My husband and I consider this a valuable addition to our daily vitamin regimen. He believes it's an effective supplement for supporting his kidneys. We have encountered no issues with taking this Grape Seed extract.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 9 Researches
6.7
  • All Researches
9.5
No connection between IVC and stones
We set out to investigate whether high doses of intravenous vitamin C (IVC) could influence the formation of kidney stones. Our study involved 157 adult patients receiving IVC therapy at Integrated Health Options clinic over a 12-month period.

Throughout the study, we conducted regular check-ins with patients, specifically asking about any kidney stones they might have experienced, along with monitoring their renal function through blood tests. Despite some patients having a prior history of kidney stones, we found that none reported developing new stones during the study.

Interestingly, we also noted that the majority of participants showed stable renal function, as indicated by consistent serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). In summary, our findings suggest that IVC therapy does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
Read More
8
CDAI may reduce kidney stones
We examined the relationship between dietary antioxidant intake, particularly vitamin C, and the risk of developing kidney stones. Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we found that individuals with higher levels of antioxidants, as indicated by the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), had lower odds of forming kidney stones.

Stone formers, those who have experienced kidney stones, typically had a lower CDAI, showcasing significant differences based on gender. An interesting aspect of our findings was that vitamin C stood out as having the strongest negative correlation with kidney stones, suggesting that increased intake may be beneficial.

The results indicated that those in moderate and high CDAI groups had reduced odds of experiencing kidney stones compared to the lowest group. This was reflected in the odds ratios, which showed a significant decrease for those with higher antioxidant consumption. Therefore, it seems that a diet rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, could play a role in lowering kidney stone risks.

However, while our findings are promising, we emphasize the need for more in-depth cohort studies to further investigate this potential connection and confirm its causal nature.
Read More
8
Vitamin C may reduce kidney stones
We explored the dietary habits of individuals from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to see how certain foods might influence kidney stone formation.

Our focus was particularly on vitamin C and its potential role in preventing these painful stones. We looked at a diverse group of nearly 17,000 people, analyzing their dietary intake alongside their kidney health over a span of several years.

Interestingly, our findings highlighted a connection between higher vitamin C intake and reduced kidney stone risk. Specifically, we noted that individuals consuming 60 to 110 mg of vitamin C daily had a lower chance of forming stones, with an even greater protective effect observed in those exceeding that amount.

While we didn't find significant associations with many other dietary elements, our results suggest that increasing vitamin C intake might be beneficial. This points towards a need for further research on how vitamin C and other dietary factors interact in the context of kidney stone prevention.
Read More
8
Vitamin C formulation lowers oxalate
We examined how different forms of vitamin C affect kidney stones, specifically looking at hyperoxaluria, a key risk factor for stone formation. In our study, conducted as a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, we compared the effects of traditional ascorbic acid with a formulation containing vitamin C and metabolites, known as Ester-C.

Our findings revealed that Ester-C significantly lowered urine oxalate levels compared to regular ascorbic acid. This is exciting because higher oxalate levels in urine can lead to kidney stones, and finding a formulation that mitigates this risk is important.

Although this study presents promising results, it's essential to note that further evaluation is necessary to fully understand these findings. We believe this is a novel insight into the potential of vitamin C to help prevent kidney stones, and we look forward to additional research in this area.
Read More
7
Vitamin C's complex impact revealed
We sought to understand how varying levels of vitamin C, among other vitamins, affect the prevalence of kidney stones. Our research relied on comprehensive data from NHANES, which allowed us to evaluate the relationships between nine common vitamins and kidney stone conditions.

Through logistic regression and detailed cluster analysis, we discovered that high vitamin C intake can have a complex impact. While individuals with very high vitamin B6 and D levels showed a decrease in kidney stone issues, vitamin C presented a different picture. Initially, as vitamin C intake increased, the risk for kidney stones seemed to drop. However, after a certain threshold, that benefit waned, and we observed a potential increase in risk instead.

This means that while vitamin C can be beneficial in moderation, too much might not be the best for kidney health. Furthermore, we found that when combined with other vitamins, particularly in specific patterns, the protective effects against kidney stones enhanced, suggesting that overall dietary balance is crucial.

Our findings shed light on a nuanced relationship between vitamin C and kidney stones, emphasizing the importance of considering not just individual vitamins, but how they work together.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.6
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
8.8
Improves blood flow
I love it! This is a high-quality Grape Seed supplement that has aided me due to its antioxidants. I take it to enhance blood flow, kidney function, and combat free radicals. The capsule is small and easy to swallow.
Read More
8.8
Supports kidney health
Excellent! I recommend taking this for overall health and well-being. I truly believe it aids kidney function and helps with inflammation for me.
Read More
8.8
Great kidney supplement
My husband and I consider this a valuable addition to our daily vitamin regimen. He believes it's an effective supplement for supporting his kidneys. We have encountered no issues with taking this Grape Seed extract.
Read More

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.

Grape seed extract is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of grapes, particularly those of the Vitis vinifera species. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), which are believed to provide various health benefits. These antioxidants help to combat oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing damage caused by free radicals. Grape seed extract is often marketed for its purported benefits related to cardiovascular health, including improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and decreased cholesterol levels. Additionally, some studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory effects and support skin health.

The extract can be found in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. When considering grape seed extract as a supplement, it’s important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer to ensure potency and purity. While many people may benefit from grape seed extract, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Based on user reviews, it appears that the time it takes to see results from this supplement for kidney stones can vary. Many users express satisfaction with the benefits they derive from taking Grape Seed extract. Some users feel improvements in kidney function and overall health relatively quickly, but specific timelines for results are not explicitly mentioned. For instance, one user highlighted the supplement's effectiveness in promoting kidney function and combating inflammation, suggesting ongoing positive effects without specifying a time frame (Read Review). Another user shared that they and their husband have found it a valuable addition to their vitamin regimen, which might imply that they observed benefits shortly after starting to take it (Read Review).

The relationship between vitamin C and kidney stones has been a topic of extensive research, yielding nuanced insights. Several studies indicate that increased dietary intake of vitamin C may lower the risk of developing kidney stones. For instance, a study examining the dietary habits of nearly 17,000 individuals found that those consuming between 60 to 110 mg of vitamin C daily had a reduced likelihood of forming stones, with even better protective effects observed at higher intakes [3]. Additionally, another investigation suggested that a higher antioxidant intake, particularly vitamin C, correlates with lower kidney stone risk [1]. However, moderation is crucial; excessive vitamin C intake, especially through supplements, has been associated with an increased risk of stones in men [4]. This indicates that while dietary vitamin C can be beneficial, its effects can vary based on dosage and individual factors.

Conversely, some findings suggest that high doses of vitamin C, especially from supplements, might not be beneficial. Research indicates that while men who consume high levels of vitamin C may see an uptick in kidney stone formation, women do not show the same correlation [6]. This complexity reinforces the need for a balanced approach when considering vitamin C intake. Moreover, the efficacy of different forms of vitamin C was highlighted in a study where a formulation containing vitamin C and metabolites significantly lowered urine oxalate levels, providing a promising avenue for preventing kidney stones [8]. In conclusion, while dietary vitamin C holds promise in reducing kidney stone risk, its supplementation should be approached with caution, particularly among men.

Many users report notable improvements in their overall health and kidney function after incorporating Grape Seed extract into their routines. For instance, one user emphasized the supplement's high-quality antioxidants, stating that it significantly helped enhance blood flow and kidney function while combatting free radicals (Read Review). Another reviewer echoed these sentiments, expressing a strong belief that this supplement aids not only in kidney function but also in mitigating inflammation, which underscores its perceived effectiveness in promoting general health and wellness (Read Review).

Additionally, a couple noted that they view Grape Seed extract as a valuable component of their daily vitamin regimen, with one partner specifically highlighting its effectiveness for kidney support (Read Review). While these anecdotal experiences indicate positive outcomes, it is important to remember that individual results can vary, and what works well for one person may not yield the same results for another.

Users report a general sense of satisfaction with Grape Seed Extract as a supplement for kidney health, although specific dosing information is not provided in the reviews. One user noted that they appreciate the antioxidants in Grape Seed, citing benefits related to kidney function and blood flow (Read Review). Another user emphasized the extract's role in supporting overall kidney function and combating inflammation (Read Review). Overall, although no precise dosage is mentioned, users consistently express positive experiences that suggest Grape Seed Extract could be beneficial for kidney health.

8.8
Supports kidney health
Excellent! I recommend taking this for overall health and well-being. I truly believe it aids kidney function and helps with inflammation for me.
8.8
Great kidney supplement
My husband and I consider this a valuable addition to our daily vitamin regimen. He believes it's an effective supplement for supporting his kidneys. We have encountered no issues with taking this Grape Seed extract.
8.8
Improves blood flow
I love it! This is a high-quality Grape Seed supplement that has aided me due to its antioxidants. I take it to enhance blood flow, kidney function, and combat free radicals. The capsule is small and easy to swallow.
8
Vitamin C may reduce kidney stones
We explored the dietary habits of individuals from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) to see how certain foods might influence kidney stone formation.

Our focus was particularly on vitamin C and its potential role in preventing these painful stones. We looked at a diverse group of nearly 17,000 people, analyzing their dietary intake alongside their kidney health over a span of several years.

Interestingly, our findings highlighted a connection between higher vitamin C intake and reduced kidney stone risk. Specifically, we noted that individuals consuming 60 to 110 mg of vitamin C daily had a lower chance of forming stones, with an even greater protective effect observed in those exceeding that amount.

While we didn't find significant associations with many other dietary elements, our results suggest that increasing vitamin C intake might be beneficial. This points towards a need for further research on how vitamin C and other dietary factors interact in the context of kidney stone prevention.
8
CDAI may reduce kidney stones
We examined the relationship between dietary antioxidant intake, particularly vitamin C, and the risk of developing kidney stones. Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we found that individuals with higher levels of antioxidants, as indicated by the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), had lower odds of forming kidney stones.

Stone formers, those who have experienced kidney stones, typically had a lower CDAI, showcasing significant differences based on gender. An interesting aspect of our findings was that vitamin C stood out as having the strongest negative correlation with kidney stones, suggesting that increased intake may be beneficial.

The results indicated that those in moderate and high CDAI groups had reduced odds of experiencing kidney stones compared to the lowest group. This was reflected in the odds ratios, which showed a significant decrease for those with higher antioxidant consumption. Therefore, it seems that a diet rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, could play a role in lowering kidney stone risks.

However, while our findings are promising, we emphasize the need for more in-depth cohort studies to further investigate this potential connection and confirm its causal nature.
4
Vitamin C linked to kidney stones
We explored the controversial relationship between vitamin C supplements, specifically ascorbic acid, and the risk of kidney stones. Our investigation included a systematic review of multiple studies up until March 2017 that looked at both men and women regarding their use of these supplements.

The findings revealed that men who took vitamin C supplements had a notably higher incidence of kidney stones compared to women. For instance, the analysis showed an increased risk in men with doses between 250 to 1499 mg per day, though higher doses (500 mg and above) did not significantly affect risk levels. Interestingly, women did not show any correlation between vitamin C intake and kidney stone formation at any dosage level examined.

Ultimately, our review suggests that while vitamin C may enhance kidney stone risk in men, it does not appear to affect women in the same way. Given these observations, more research is needed—specifically long-term studies and randomized controlled trials—to confirm these outcomes and enhance our understanding of vitamin C's role in kidney stone formation.
We examined the relationship between vitamin C intake and the risk of developing kidney stones in a large cohort. This study included a significant number of participants: 156,735 women from the Nurses' Health Studies and 40,536 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Our findings revealed that total and supplemental vitamin C intake was linked to a higher risk of kidney stones in men, but there was no such association evident in women. Specifically, among men, those who consumed higher amounts of vitamin C had greater likelihoods of developing stones when compared to those with lower intakes.

However, dietary vitamin C did not show a connection with kidney stones in either men or women. This suggests that while supplements may pose risks for men, dietary sources of vitamin C might not have the same impact. Overall, the study indicates that we should be cautious about high vitamin C supplement consumption, especially for men, while highlighting that dietary intake appears safe.
8
Vitamin C formulation lowers oxalate
We examined how different forms of vitamin C affect kidney stones, specifically looking at hyperoxaluria, a key risk factor for stone formation. In our study, conducted as a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, we compared the effects of traditional ascorbic acid with a formulation containing vitamin C and metabolites, known as Ester-C.

Our findings revealed that Ester-C significantly lowered urine oxalate levels compared to regular ascorbic acid. This is exciting because higher oxalate levels in urine can lead to kidney stones, and finding a formulation that mitigates this risk is important.

Although this study presents promising results, it's essential to note that further evaluation is necessary to fully understand these findings. We believe this is a novel insight into the potential of vitamin C to help prevent kidney stones, and we look forward to additional research in this area.

References

  1. Huang A, Huang W, Ye Y, Liu L, Wang H, et al. High composite dietary antioxidant index is associated with reduced risk of kidney stones: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2007-2020. Nutr Res. 2024;128:60. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2024.06.006
  2. Zeng H, Liu Z, He Y, Chen H, He J, et al. Multivitamins co-intake can reduce the prevalence of kidney stones: a large-scale cross-sectional study. Int Urol Nephrol. 2024;56:2991. doi:10.1007/s11255-024-04021-9
  3. Liu Kot K, Labagnara K, Kim JI, Loloi J, Gupta K, et al. Evaluating the American Urologic Association (AUA) dietary recommendations for kidney stone management using the National Health And Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). Urolithiasis. 2023;51:60. doi:10.1007/s00240-023-01423-9
  4. Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, et al. Ascorbic Acid Supplements and Kidney Stones Incidence Among Men and Women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16:115. doi:10.22037/uj.v0i0.4275
  5. Prier M, Carr AC, Baillie N. No Reported Renal Stones with Intravenous Vitamin C Administration: A Prospective Case Series Study. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7. doi:10.3390/antiox7050068
  6. Ferraro PM, Curhan GC, Gambaro G, Taylor EN. Total, Dietary, and Supplemental Vitamin C Intake and Risk of Incident Kidney Stones. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016;67:400. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.09.005
  7. Modi J, Modi P, Pal B, Bansal J, Kumar S, et al. Role of Vitamin C and E supplementation in reduction of serum level of renal injury marker following shock wave lithotripsy: Prospective single centre experience. Urol Ann. 2015;7:350. doi:10.4103/0974-7796.156143
  8. Moyad MA, Combs MA, Crowley DC, Baisley JE, Sharma P, et al. Vitamin C with metabolites reduce oxalate levels compared to ascorbic acid: a preliminary and novel clinical urologic finding. Urol Nurs. 2009;29:95.
  9. Ran Y, Liu Z, Ma H, Li C, Zhou J, et al. Associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D/calcium/alkaline phosphatase levels and the risk of developing kidney stones: Results from NHANES (2013-2018)-based and Mendelian randomization studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025;104:e41323. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000041323
image