The use of vitamin supplements is fraught with the formation of kidney stones
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Long-term calcium intake, as well as supplements containing vitamin D, can increase the risk of kidney stones, a group of American researchers recently discovered. Detailed results of the analysis will soon be presented at the 94th annual meeting of the American Endocrinology Society.
"The use of vitamin supplements with a trace element content is not as safe as we thought before," the official research report notes. "Exceeding the dosage currently recommended by the Health Care Guidelines in the amount of 800 international units of vitamin D and 800-1200 mg. Calcium per day can significantly increase the risk of kidney stones. "
Also, a condition known as hypercalcemia characterized by exceeding the permissible level of calcium in the urine can lead to various problems with the bones and bladder of a person. Doctors say that the relevance of their research is due to the excessive popularity of this type of vitamin supplements in the US. According to statistics today, in some states, supplements with calcium and vitamin D intake are more than 66% of women of childbearing age.
The study involved 163 women. All participants were randomized to receive vitamin D at a dosage of 400, 800, 1600, 2400, 3200, 4000, or 4800 international units per day, while a separate group was given a placebo. During the study, their calcium intake was increased from the initial dose of 691 mg per bed to 1200-1400 mg per day. The researchers measured the level of calcium in the urine and blood at the beginning of the study, and then every three months for one year. They found that about 48 participants, or 33% of the total number of patients, regularly had an increased risk of kidney stones.
All of them were in the group of increased intake of vitamin D and calcium. According to scientists, the risk of kidney stones at a level of 1600 international units of vitamin D and 1400 mg. Calcium increases by 35%, and then increases in proportion to the increase in dosage. However, while the researchers can not answer the question - which of the two elements is more guilty in this effect. According to the researchers' opinion, their action is interdependent, that is, they do not increase the risk of stone formation, acting separately in the kidneys. Nevertheless, for the time being it is only a hypothesis and additional studies are needed to confirm it.