THE EFFECTS OF THE CALCIUM-RESTRICTED DIET OF UROLITHIASIS PATIENTS WITH ABSORPTIVE HYPERCALCIURIA TYPE-II ON RISK-FACTORS FOR KIDNEY-STONES AND OSTEOPENIA

The calcium (Ca)-restricted diet of urolithiasis patients with absorpt ive hypercalciuria type II may decrease Ca excretion but increase bioc hemical markers of risk for osteopenia. We randomly allocated 25 patie nts from six hospitals into an experimental group (Ca restriction to 5 00 mg/day, oxalate-rich products discouraged and normalization of anim al protein and sodium) and a control group (no restrictions) for one m onth. The urinary Ca excretion did not decrease significantly, but the oxalate excretion decreased, although not significantly. The hydroxyp roline:creatinine ratio in fasting urine seemed to increase and the ca lcium:creatinine ratio to decrease. The deoxypyridinoline:creatinine r atio in fasting urine did not change. We conclude that our Ca-restrict ed diet, which is lower in Ca, animal protein and table salt due to th e omission of dairy products, may be of benefit for absorptive hyperca lciuria type II patients without enhancing the risk for osteopenia. Ho wever, a long-term clinical trial is required.