THE INFLUENCE OF DIET ON URINARY STONE DISEASE

Purpose: Conflicting data on the role of diet in the pathogenesis of n ephrolithiasis prompted us to review the relevant literature regarding the impact of diet-on urinary stone disease. Materials and Methods: M EDLINE searches were obtained from 1966 to date using a variety of key words, including urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, diet, protein, carboh ydrate, fat, calcium, oxalate, phosphate, magnesium, sulfate, citrate, sodium, potassium, fiber, fluids, alcohol and vitamins. References ea rlier than 1966 were obtained through bibliographies of these MEDLINE searches. The search included in vitro and in vivo animal and human st udies. Results: Of the extracted articles 83% addressed the issue of n ephrolithiasis and diet, and were included in this report. All article s were independently reviewed by each of us. The reviews were summariz ed and compiled according to each dietary component. Conclusions: Appr opriate dietary manipulation may be beneficial in the prevention of re current urolithiasis in only a select group of patients.