Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 12 Researches
6.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8.5
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 4 Tablets
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10
Total Carbohydrate
1 g
<1%**
Dietary Fiber
1 g
4%**
Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol)
15 mcg (600 IU)
75%
Calcium (as calcium citrate)
1000 mg
77%
Sodium†
20 mg
<1%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
Urinary factors impact kidney stone risk
We undertook a thorough analysis of 24-hour urine collections from over 6,200 participants to explore how various urinary factors contribute to kidney stone formation.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of urine volume, citrate, potassium, magnesium, and uric acid were linked to a lower risk of developing stones. Conversely, increased levels of calcium, oxalate, phosphorus, and sodium were associated with a higher risk.
Interestingly, urine acidity did not seem to play a role. Our research highlighted the complexity and varying importance of these urinary factors regarding their relationship with stone formation.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of urine volume, citrate, potassium, magnesium, and uric acid were linked to a lower risk of developing stones. Conversely, increased levels of calcium, oxalate, phosphorus, and sodium were associated with a higher risk.
Interestingly, urine acidity did not seem to play a role. Our research highlighted the complexity and varying importance of these urinary factors regarding their relationship with stone formation.
Read More
4
Vitamin D's limited effect on kidney stones
We conducted a clinical trial to explore how different vitamin D treatment protocols affect kidney stones in patients who frequently experience them and have low vitamin D levels. We involved 62 participants, all with serum vitamin D levels between 10 to 20 ng/ml, and split them into two groups: one received 2000 IU of oral vitamin D daily for 12 weeks, while the other took 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks.
Our results showed that both treatment approaches led to a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium. However, we observed no notable difference between the two therapies regarding this measure. Importantly, while there was an increase in 24-hour urine calcium, neither treatment affected the supersaturation levels of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are critical in the formation of kidney stones.
We also noted a significant rise in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, with the weekly regimen showing a greater increase. Alongside these changes, parathyroid hormone levels decreased in both groups. Ultimately, while vitamin D supplementation did elevate urine calcium levels, it did not enhance supersaturation factors that contribute to kidney stone formation, indicating that the benefits of vitamin D in this context may be limited.
Our results showed that both treatment approaches led to a significant increase in 24-hour urine calcium. However, we observed no notable difference between the two therapies regarding this measure. Importantly, while there was an increase in 24-hour urine calcium, neither treatment affected the supersaturation levels of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which are critical in the formation of kidney stones.
We also noted a significant rise in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, with the weekly regimen showing a greater increase. Alongside these changes, parathyroid hormone levels decreased in both groups. Ultimately, while vitamin D supplementation did elevate urine calcium levels, it did not enhance supersaturation factors that contribute to kidney stone formation, indicating that the benefits of vitamin D in this context may be limited.
Read More
7
We explored the effects of a low-calorie, high-citrate beverage named Moonstone on patients with calcium kidney stones. Administered twice daily, this drink increased urine citrate levels and pH while reducing calcium oxalate levels compared to plain water.
While this drink was well-received and tolerated by participants, the benefits seen are similar to those from potassium-magnesium citrate. Although promising, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in reducing kidney stones in broader patient groups.
While this drink was well-received and tolerated by participants, the benefits seen are similar to those from potassium-magnesium citrate. Although promising, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in reducing kidney stones in broader patient groups.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Osteoporosis treatment success.
4 people found this helpful
The product performs excellently, and one gets accustomed to the large capsules. I have been using it for three years to treat osteoporosis and have seen improvements in my densitometry results, rising from -2.6 to -1.4. Previously, I took Nycomed Forte Calcium D3 for two years, which affected my kidneys and my osteoporosis did not improve. I’m delighted to have found this product.
Read More
9
Kidney safe
18 people found this helpful
Calcium is the best form as it does not overload the kidneys. I only took one star due to the presence of magnesium stearate.
Read More
7.5
Kidney stones avoided.
1 people found this helpful
Excellent calcium from Solgar! The citrate form is the best, ensuring proper absorption even with low gastric acidity. It’s crucial to note that calcium citrate suppresses kidney stone formation.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 12 Researches
6.3
- All Researches
8
Magnesium supplements benefit kidney stone formers
We evaluated how magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate supplements affect kidney stone formers with high oxalate levels. In a rigorous study with 90 participants, we found that both supplements helped lower oxalate excretion and calcium oxalate supersaturation when compared to a placebo.
Notably, magnesium citrate showed even stronger results, especially for those with normal urine magnesium levels. While both options are effective in reducing potential kidney stone risks, magnesium citrate may offer an edge in certain patients.
Notably, magnesium citrate showed even stronger results, especially for those with normal urine magnesium levels. While both options are effective in reducing potential kidney stone risks, magnesium citrate may offer an edge in certain patients.
Read More
8
Urinary factors impact kidney stone risk
We undertook a thorough analysis of 24-hour urine collections from over 6,200 participants to explore how various urinary factors contribute to kidney stone formation.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of urine volume, citrate, potassium, magnesium, and uric acid were linked to a lower risk of developing stones. Conversely, increased levels of calcium, oxalate, phosphorus, and sodium were associated with a higher risk.
Interestingly, urine acidity did not seem to play a role. Our research highlighted the complexity and varying importance of these urinary factors regarding their relationship with stone formation.
Our findings revealed that higher levels of urine volume, citrate, potassium, magnesium, and uric acid were linked to a lower risk of developing stones. Conversely, increased levels of calcium, oxalate, phosphorus, and sodium were associated with a higher risk.
Interestingly, urine acidity did not seem to play a role. Our research highlighted the complexity and varying importance of these urinary factors regarding their relationship with stone formation.
Read More
8
We investigated how combining sulfated polysaccharides with potassium citrate could inhibit calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal formation and protect kidney cells.
Our study utilized various additive groups to compare their effectiveness. Excitingly, the combination of sulfated compounds and potassium citrate showed an impressive increase in their protective effects on renal cells and their capability to prevent crystal aggregation.
Particularly, the SDLP-Kcit combination stood out as an effective option for treating kidney stones, outpacing standalone treatments. This suggests a promising avenue for future kidney stone therapies.
Our study utilized various additive groups to compare their effectiveness. Excitingly, the combination of sulfated compounds and potassium citrate showed an impressive increase in their protective effects on renal cells and their capability to prevent crystal aggregation.
Particularly, the SDLP-Kcit combination stood out as an effective option for treating kidney stones, outpacing standalone treatments. This suggests a promising avenue for future kidney stone therapies.
Read More
8
We explored the connection between vitamin D and kidney stones by analyzing data from a large national health survey. Our goal was to understand whether increasing vitamin D intake could help reduce the prevalence of kidney stones, a painful condition affecting many people.
From our investigation, we observed that higher levels of vitamin D intake were linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing kidney stones. Specifically, those with high vitamin D intake showed a significant protective effect compared to those with lower intake levels. This suggests that vitamin D may play a beneficial role in kidney health.
However, our study also revealed some nuances. While vitamin D seemed to provide protection, the relationship with vitamin C intake was more complicated. As vitamin C intake rose, its effects shifted—initially protective but later potentially harmful if consumed in excess.
Additionally, our findings indicated that when vitamin D is taken alongside other vitamins, the protective effects against kidney stones could be enhanced. Overall, co-exposure to multiple vitamins was seen as beneficial, making vitamin combinations an interesting area for further research.
From our investigation, we observed that higher levels of vitamin D intake were linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing kidney stones. Specifically, those with high vitamin D intake showed a significant protective effect compared to those with lower intake levels. This suggests that vitamin D may play a beneficial role in kidney health.
However, our study also revealed some nuances. While vitamin D seemed to provide protection, the relationship with vitamin C intake was more complicated. As vitamin C intake rose, its effects shifted—initially protective but later potentially harmful if consumed in excess.
Additionally, our findings indicated that when vitamin D is taken alongside other vitamins, the protective effects against kidney stones could be enhanced. Overall, co-exposure to multiple vitamins was seen as beneficial, making vitamin combinations an interesting area for further research.
Read More
7
We investigated whether calcium citrate treatment helps prevent kidney stones over a long period. Our analysis followed patients with calcium stones for up to 12 years, focusing on how medical therapy, like calcium citrate, impacts stone recurrence.
We found that patients treated with calcium citrate, particularly those forming calcium-oxalate stones, showed lower recurrence rates after about five years. This delay in seeing benefits is crucial for understanding how we can plan future treatments.
We found that patients treated with calcium citrate, particularly those forming calcium-oxalate stones, showed lower recurrence rates after about five years. This delay in seeing benefits is crucial for understanding how we can plan future treatments.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8.5
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Osteoporosis treatment success.
4 people found this helpful
The product performs excellently, and one gets accustomed to the large capsules. I have been using it for three years to treat osteoporosis and have seen improvements in my densitometry results, rising from -2.6 to -1.4. Previously, I took Nycomed Forte Calcium D3 for two years, which affected my kidneys and my osteoporosis did not improve. I’m delighted to have found this product.
Read More
9
Kidney safe
18 people found this helpful
Calcium is the best form as it does not overload the kidneys. I only took one star due to the presence of magnesium stearate.
Read More
7.5
Kidney stones avoided.
1 people found this helpful
Excellent calcium from Solgar! The citrate form is the best, ensuring proper absorption even with low gastric acidity. It’s crucial to note that calcium citrate suppresses kidney stone formation.
Read More
9
Effective calcium supplement.
Calcium citrate, which is calcium combined with citric acid, does not form stones and is well absorbed, with bioavailability up to 40%. It can be taken by those with reduced gastric acidity.
Read More
6
Prevents stones
This calcium is fantastic! I’m thrilled to have purchased it. I believe that calcium citrate, combined with vitamin D, will be absorbed effectively. I take four tablets for a month, then reduce to three in the evening, as calcium supposedly absorbs better then. I’ve heard many mention that other calcium salts can lead to kidney deposits, including sands and stones—particularly affecting many pregnant women. Therefore, it’s essential to select the right product and care for yourself.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Osteoporosis treatment success.
4 people found this helpful
The product performs excellently, and one gets accustomed to the large capsules. I have been using it for three years to treat osteoporosis and have seen improvements in my densitometry results, rising from -2.6 to -1.4. Previously, I took Nycomed Forte Calcium D3 for two years, which affected my kidneys and my osteoporosis did not improve. I’m delighted to have found this product.
7.5
Kidney stones avoided.
1 people found this helpful
Excellent calcium from Solgar! The citrate form is the best, ensuring proper absorption even with low gastric acidity. It’s crucial to note that calcium citrate suppresses kidney stone formation.
6
Prevents stones
This calcium is fantastic! I’m thrilled to have purchased it. I believe that calcium citrate, combined with vitamin D, will be absorbed effectively. I take four tablets for a month, then reduce to three in the evening, as calcium supposedly absorbs better then. I’ve heard many mention that other calcium salts can lead to kidney deposits, including sands and stones—particularly affecting many pregnant women. Therefore, it’s essential to select the right product and care for yourself.
9
Effective calcium supplement.
Calcium citrate, which is calcium combined with citric acid, does not form stones and is well absorbed, with bioavailability up to 40%. It can be taken by those with reduced gastric acidity.
8
Magnesium supplements benefit kidney stone formers
We evaluated how magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate supplements affect kidney stone formers with high oxalate levels. In a rigorous study with 90 participants, we found that both supplements helped lower oxalate excretion and calcium oxalate supersaturation when compared to a placebo.
Notably, magnesium citrate showed even stronger results, especially for those with normal urine magnesium levels. While both options are effective in reducing potential kidney stone risks, magnesium citrate may offer an edge in certain patients.
Notably, magnesium citrate showed even stronger results, especially for those with normal urine magnesium levels. While both options are effective in reducing potential kidney stone risks, magnesium citrate may offer an edge in certain patients.
7
We investigated whether calcium citrate treatment helps prevent kidney stones over a long period. Our analysis followed patients with calcium stones for up to 12 years, focusing on how medical therapy, like calcium citrate, impacts stone recurrence.
We found that patients treated with calcium citrate, particularly those forming calcium-oxalate stones, showed lower recurrence rates after about five years. This delay in seeing benefits is crucial for understanding how we can plan future treatments.
We found that patients treated with calcium citrate, particularly those forming calcium-oxalate stones, showed lower recurrence rates after about five years. This delay in seeing benefits is crucial for understanding how we can plan future treatments.
5
We set out to investigate whether there’s a connection between vitamin D levels and kidney stone disease (KSD) using data from the UK Biobank, which included a large group of participants. By analyzing this data through survival models, we aimed to find out if higher levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) could influence the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
Our analysis covered over 444,000 people, and we tracked the incidence of kidney stones over an average of 12.6 years. Interestingly, while higher 25(OH)D levels didn’t show a clear connection to kidney stones across the general population, we noted a significant finding in women over 60 years old. For this group, higher serum vitamin D concentrations were actually linked to a lower risk of KSD, suggesting a potential protective effect.
Despite these observations, it's noteworthy that an increase in vitamin D didn't correlate with a higher incidence of kidney stones, especially when serum calcium levels remained normal. This news could ease concerns around vitamin D supplementation solely aimed at boosting 25(OH)D levels. Overall, we could conclude that while there are nuances depending on age and sex, vitamin D’s role in kidney stone prevention appears limited.
Our analysis covered over 444,000 people, and we tracked the incidence of kidney stones over an average of 12.6 years. Interestingly, while higher 25(OH)D levels didn’t show a clear connection to kidney stones across the general population, we noted a significant finding in women over 60 years old. For this group, higher serum vitamin D concentrations were actually linked to a lower risk of KSD, suggesting a potential protective effect.
Despite these observations, it's noteworthy that an increase in vitamin D didn't correlate with a higher incidence of kidney stones, especially when serum calcium levels remained normal. This news could ease concerns around vitamin D supplementation solely aimed at boosting 25(OH)D levels. Overall, we could conclude that while there are nuances depending on age and sex, vitamin D’s role in kidney stone prevention appears limited.
4
We set out to understand the increasing prevalence of kidney stones in children and how vitamin D might contribute to this issue. In our study, we analyzed data from patients aged 1 month to 18 years, focusing on those diagnosed with urolithiasis at a pediatric nephrology clinic.
Among our findings, we discovered that vitamin D supplementation, particularly at doses higher than 400 IU per day, might pose a risk for kidney stone formation in children. Interestingly, we also noted that many mothers tended not to offer water to their infants, which could impact hydration levels and potentially influence stone development.
In addition to vitamin D levels, we observed other factors such as family history and metabolic issues that are linked to kidney stones. Though potassium citrate was a beneficial treatment in many cases, our work revealed that vitamin D supplementation itself could be a double-edged sword, necessitating careful monitoring of its dosage in pediatric patients.
Among our findings, we discovered that vitamin D supplementation, particularly at doses higher than 400 IU per day, might pose a risk for kidney stone formation in children. Interestingly, we also noted that many mothers tended not to offer water to their infants, which could impact hydration levels and potentially influence stone development.
In addition to vitamin D levels, we observed other factors such as family history and metabolic issues that are linked to kidney stones. Though potassium citrate was a beneficial treatment in many cases, our work revealed that vitamin D supplementation itself could be a double-edged sword, necessitating careful monitoring of its dosage in pediatric patients.
References
- Taheri M, Jalali S, Borumandnia N, Tavasoli S, Basiri A, et al. Effect of magnesium oxide or citrate supplements on metabolic risk factors in kidney stone formers with idiopathic hyperoxaluria: a randomized clinical trial. Magnes Res. 2024;37:12. doi:10.1684/mrh.2024.0524
- Ruchi R, Di Valerio EA, Bozorgmehri S, Bacchus MW, Canales BK, et al. Pharmacotherapy and Stone Mineral Subtype Influence Long-Term Recurrence Rates in Calcium Stone Formers. Kidney360. 2024;5:1333. doi:10.34067/KID.0000000000000526
- Ferraro PM, Taylor EN, Curhan GC. 24-Hour Urinary Chemistries and Kidney Stone Risk. Am J Kidney Dis. 2024;84:164. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2024.02.010
- Goldfarb DS, Modersitzki F, Asplin JR, Nazzal L. Effect of a high-citrate beverage on urine chemistry in patients with calcium kidney stones. Urolithiasis. 2023;51:96. doi:10.1007/s00240-023-01468-w
- Liu JH, Ouyang JM. Synergistic inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal formation and synergistic protection of HK-2 cells from crystal damage by sulfated polysaccharide and potassium citrate. Biomater Sci. 2023;11:3524. doi:10.1039/d3bm00087g
- Gao C, Gao M, Huang Y. Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and kidney stone: a cohort study in the UK Biobank. Int Urol Nephrol. 2024;56:3585. doi:10.1007/s11255-024-04111-8
- Dhayat NA, Mattmann C, Seeger H, Ritter A, Ernandez T, et al. The Vitamin D Metabolite Diagnostic Ratio Associates With Phenotypic Traits of Idiopathic Hypercalciuria. Kidney Int Rep. 2024;9:1072. doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2024.01.004
- Akinci A, Karaburun MC, Kubilay E, Solak VT, Sanci A, et al. Urinary stone in infants; should vitamin D prophylaxis be stopped?. J Pediatr Urol. 2024;20:604.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.04.006
- 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
- Sardari Masihi L, Borumandnia N, Taheri M, Basiri A, Imani H, et al. Effect of two vitamin D repletion protocols on 24-h urine calcium in patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones and vitamin D deficiency: a randomized clinical trial. Eur J Med Res. 2023;28:246. doi:10.1186/s40001-023-01226-z
- Isik G, Bozdag PG. Why is childhood urolithiasis increasing? Etiology, diagnosis and management: a single-center experience. J Nephrol. 2023;36:1599. doi:10.1007/s40620-023-01638-4
- 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
