Kidney stones are a painful condition. They can cause severe pain in the back area. Many sufferers have to follow special diets that reduce the intake of foods and liquids that contribute to stone formation. Research shows that magnesium and vitamin B-6 supplementation may also provide relief, but check with your health care provider before adding any new supplements to your daily regimen.
Kidney Stones
One in every 1,000 adults will be hospitalized with kidney stones. The likelihood of recurrence is 60 percent within seven years. Kidney stones form from crystals in the kidney that separate from the urine. The most common type of kidney stone is made up of calcium and oxalate. Diets high in oxalate from peanuts, tea, instant coffee, chocolate, beets, beans, berries, and draft beer can contribute to stone formation, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Low daily water intake can also contribute to their formation. It is recommended that individuals prone to stones reduce the intake of foods and beverages that are high in oxalate and drink plenty of water.
Magnesium and Kidney Stones
Magnesium is an essential mineral for a healthy body because it's involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions. Magnesium supplementation has been linked with the ability to reduce the formation of kidney stones. In individuals with healthy kidneys, magnesium is reported to reduce stone formation by creating an alkaline environment in the body that inhibits the formation of calcium-oxalate crystals in the urine. A 2004 study published in the “Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand,” reported that magnesium supplementation effectively reduced the urinary risk factors that contribute to kidney stone formation.
Vitamin B-6 and Kidney Stones
Pyroxidine or B-6 is an essential vitamin. It is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Vitamin B-6 has also been associated with the ability to reduce kidney stone formation. It reportedly affects oxalate metabolism, thus reducing the amount present in urine. A 1999 study published in the “Journal of the American Society of Nephrology,” found that large doses of vitamin B-6 reduced kidney stone formation in women.
Magnesium and B-6 Working Together
Given that both magnesium and vitamin B-6 are associated with reducing the production of kidney stones, it makes sense that taking them together could significantly reduce kidney stone formation. In fact, this effect was clinically examined. A 1974 study, published in the “Journal of Urology,” demonstrated highly significant results when magnesium and B-6 were used together. In the study, 149 participants received magnesium and B-6 daily for four to six years. Kidney stone formation fell by over 90 percent, with no serious side effects reported.
References
- The National Kidney Foundation; Diet and Kidney Stones
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; The Effects of Potassium and Magnesium Supplementations on Urinary Risk Factors of Renal Stone Patients; S. Jaipakdee; March 2004
- "Journal of the American Society of Nephrology"; Intake of Vitamins B6 and C and the Risk of Kidney Stones in Women; G. C. Curhan, et al; April 1999
- "Journal of Urology"; Magnesium Oxide-Pyridoxine Therapy for Recurrent Calcium Oxalate Calculi; E. L. Prien Sr., S. N. Gershoff; 1974
