Impact of dietary habits on stone incidence

Abstract

Changes in dietary habits and lifestyle are suggested to contribute markedly to the rise in the prevalence and incidence of urolithiasis during the past decades. Insufficient fluid intake and diets rich in animal protein are considered to be important determinants of stone formation. Overweight and associated dietary pattern additionally contribute to the increasing incidence and prevalence of stone disease. Reduction of overweight through extreme fasting or high-protein weight-loss diets, e.g. Atkins diet, also appear to affect stone formation. Although there is evidence that changes in dietary habits can reduce urinary risk factors and the risk of stone formation, further randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary to evaluate long-term effects of dietary interventions on stone disease.