Kidney Stones And Soy Milk

[Wolfy]

I suffer from calcium-oxalate kidney stones and my doctor advised me to stop consuming all soy products. However, as I was also told to maintain a high dietary calcium, which inhibits stone formation, and I don't drink cow's milk, I still drink soy milk.

My question is this: Even though soy milk contains a high level of oxalic acid, most brands like Silk also contain calcium carbonate. My belief, as a retired chemist, is that the alkaline calcium carbonate slowly complexes with the oxalic acid in storage and produces insoluble calcium oxalate. In addition, as free calcium from the calcium carbonate is liberated by digestive hydrochloric acid, it also combines with any remaining oxalate.

Calcium oxalate in the digestive tract is insoluble, will not move through the digestive mucosa, and is not a risk to kidneys. Only free oxalate which can form calcium oxalate in the kidneys is a risk. I would appreciate the opinions of knowledgeable experts.

[Rob]

The intake of calcium reduces the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones, although too much calcium (2g/day) is disadvantageous. As you also suggested, calcium binds with oxalate and forms insoluble calcium oxalate. It is important that this calcium should be consumed together with the oxalate-rich foods. This protective effect will reduce if they are consumed at different times (for example calcium in the morning and oxalate-rich foods in the evening). Soy also contains phytic acid, which is known to reduce the risk of calcium kidney stone formation.

The fact that your doctor recommends to stop soy intake is based on his theoretical knowledge that soy contains moderate to high levels of oxalate. The actual effect of the consumption over a longer period of soy products on kidney stone formation is not know, at least I cannot find any evidence in scientific publications.

[pat]

[pat]

is it ok to use soy milk if you keep getting kidney stones also i have diabites type 2...im 71 work pt walk everyday weight 128=130 all the reasons not to have these things ...help

[Rob]

You have to discuss this subject with your doctor. But there is one study that concluded that "soy foods containing small concentrations of oxalate and moderate concentrations of phytate may be advantageous for kidney stone patients or persons with a high risk of kidney stones." Also, individuals with type 2 diabetes have a particular risk for uric-acid stones

[SemenOV]

Hello. While I want to, I do not drink whole milk, since I seem to have develop some negative reaction to it. Now, believing I really need to keep good serving of calcium everyday, I instead drink one of these low-fat milk brands Nestle Low-Fat or the high-calcium kind sold in the market. But my concern is that high calcium intake might cause kidney stones, especially with me who has history of kidney stones in the family. Is my concern valid and with basis? Id appreciate your expert opinion. Thanks.

[amslucas]