True or False: Reducing dietary calcium intake decreases the risk of calcium-containing kidney stones.

True or False: Reducing dietary calcium intake decreases the risk of calcium-containing kidney stones.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Both true and false

Answer: (B)

Calcium in the gut binds oxalate from the diet, forming insoluble calcium oxalate that is excreted in the stool rather than absorbed. If you cut back on calcium, more oxalate is absorbed, leading to higher urinary oxalate and a greater chance of forming calcium oxalate stones. So reducing calcium intake does not decrease stone risk; it can actually increase it. Keeping normal dietary calcium is advised, and calcium-containing meals can help reduce oxalate absorption. Other strategies to prevent calcium-containing stones include staying well hydrated and moderating high-oxalate foods as appropriate.

Calcium in the gut binds oxalate from the diet, forming insoluble calcium oxalate that is excreted in the stool rather than absorbed. If you cut back on calcium, more oxalate is absorbed, leading to higher urinary oxalate and a greater chance of forming calcium oxalate stones. So reducing calcium intake does not decrease stone risk; it can actually increase it. Keeping normal dietary calcium is advised, and calcium-containing meals can help reduce oxalate absorption. Other strategies to prevent calcium-containing stones include staying well hydrated and moderating high-oxalate foods as appropriate.