Drinking Diet Soda May Reduce the Risk of Forming Kidney Stones

LINTHICUM, Md., April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Patients with stone disease could benefit from drinking diet soda. New research from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that the citrate and malate content in commonly consumed sodas may be sufficient to inhibit the development of calcium stones. The study was presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

Increased alkalinity is proven to augment citraturia, a known factor for calcium stones. Malate increases the amount of alkali delivered. Researchers measured the citrate and malate content of 15 popular diet sodas. The researchers found that Diet Sunkist Orange contained the greatest amount of total alkali and Diet 7-Up had the greatest amount of citrate as alkali.

“This study by no means suggests that patients with recurrent kidney stones should trade in their water bottles for soda cans,” said Anthony Y. Smith, MD, an AUA spokesman. “However, this study suggests instead that patients with stone disease who do not drink soda may benefit from moderate consumption.”

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Experts are available to discuss this study outside normal briefing times. To arrange an interview with an expert, please contact the AUA Communications Office at the number below or e-mail Lacey Dean at LDean@AUAnet.org.

Eisner, B; Asplin, J; Stoller, M. Citrate, malate and alkali concentrations in commonly consumed diet sodas: implications for urinary stone patients. J Urol, suppl. 2009: 181, 4, abstract 1832.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 16,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients.

MEDIA BRIEFING: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 11-11:30 a.m. CT

Contact AUA Media Relations for call-in numbers

    MEDIA CONTACTS:  AUA Media Relations (on-site): 312-528-8253
    Wendy Isett (cell): 410-977-4770

SOURCE American Urological Association