Patient's question:
A few days ago, my mom's legs were shaking badly. The doctor said it was caused by calcium deficiency. After I bought calcium supplements, I suddenly thought that my mom has a rice-grain-sized kidney stone in her right kidney, which sometimes when she gets cold. Will taking calcium supplements worsen the kidney stone?Doctor's answer:
Hello, you can supplement calcium through diet. Suggestions: Patients with kidney stones can consume more foods rich in calcium and protein, such as tofu, dairy products, fish and shrimp, bone broth, shrimp skin, and seafood. These calcium sources not only have high absorption rates but also have loose structures, making it difficult for them to form crystals. For those with significant calcium deficiency, in addition to dietary calcium, various bioactive calcium tablets can be taken, such as pearl calcium, super calcium, Caltrate D, and Shenyi active calcium powder, while also supplementing vitamin D to promote calcium absorption and utilization in the intestines. Gluconate calcium and calcium carbonate have very low absorption rates. The reason is that after calcium ions from bioactive calcium are absorbed, their anions combine with other calcium and magnesium ions that are about to form stones during excretion, forming insoluble substances that are excreted from the body.When the body absorbs calcium, it requires an adequate amount of phosphorus. Additionally, alcohol and coffee should be avoided during calcium supplementation. The daily calcium intake should be 1 to 1.5 grams, which not only will not worsen kidney stone symptoms but also improve osteoporosis.
Precautions: Drink plenty of water moderately during the day. This can increase urine excretion, carrying out metabolic waste (such as calcium oxalate, which is the main component of urinary stones), thereby effectively preventing stones. Avoid foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, strawberries, amaranth, lotus root, beets, black tea, chocolate, bamboo shoots, and pickled vegetables. If you must eat them, soak them in water first, as this can remove most of the oxalates.