I recently had kidney stones. Is it safe to keep taking my vitamins?
Mar 31, 2010
in
Kidney Stone Pain Questions
I try to drink more water and avoid very salty foods, but is my vitamin complex another thing to be careful with? I will ask my doctor, of course. Thanks!
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2 comments
Doctor J on March 31, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Hi Sila.
There are many nutrients in a quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement that may help REDUCE your risk of kidney stone formation. Medical research indicates that Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin B6 play important roles in preventing stone formation. Citrate (e.g. potassium citrate, Magnesium citrate, and Calcium citrate) helps to raise the pH of the urine, which may help in preventing formation of some types of stones.
Vitamin C is controversial in terms of kidney stones. Some research suggests that very high intakes of Vitamin C may increase stone formation risks in a very, very small percentage of people. The Vitamin C content in a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is NOT likely high enough to be a problem, even for those rare people who may be at risk.
Best wishes and good luck.
►Noble◄ on March 31, 2010 at 4:25 pm
The answer depends on what type of kidney stone you had. There are 4 general types of Kindney stones. Some of them will get worse if you take calcium or vitamin D. In other cases vitamins may help. I need more info about what type of stone you had before I can answer this question. Ask your doctor as you planned to or add info as detail and drop me a message. I’ll do my best to answer.