Prevailing dietary patterns in renal stone formers and healthy subjects

Objectives To compare the dietary intake of stone formers and non-stone formers and to evaluate the effect of dietary and urinary risk factors on stone formation. Methods Cases and controls were recruited from the stone clinic of the SIUT during same period. Personal characteristics, dietary habits and 24 hours urinary biochemical parameters of 30 stone formers[SF] and 30 non-stone formers[NSF] were collected and analyzed by statistical methods. Results Body weight and BMI was higher in stone formers. The mean nutrient intake showed calcium intake of SF to be lower than NSF. There was no significant difference in mean caloric, protein and CHO intake. However, food frequency questionnaire revealed that the stone formers were consuming more oxalate and their fiber and calcium intakes were low. 24 hours urinary calcium and oxalates were significantly higher in stone formers. Conclusion Dietary risk factors for calcium-base renal stones are many and complex. This study indicates the combined role of genetic and nutritional factors in the pathogenesis of renal stones and preventive dietary modifications can be suggested for specific population