The relationship between kidney stones and dietary habits

BACKGROUND: Kidney stones are considered a serious disease, due to the great discomfort that they can cause and may even lead to renal failure. Dietary habits could be the reason behind stone formation in kidneys. METHODS: Twelve kidney stone samples were collected and analyzed together with typical foodstuffs frequently consumed in the Koya area using the x-ray fluorescent technique. RESULTS: All the analyzed stones were found to be calcium-based. The results show that elements such as Ca, Zr, S and Cl can be regarded as the core elements for the formation of kidney stones in Koya city in north Iraq. CONCLUSION: Many dietary foods and drink frequently consumed by the people in Koya city were observed to contain the core elements. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate if dietary intake may be the main source for kidney stone formation.