Purpose: Conflicting data on the role of diet in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis prompted us to review the relevant literature regarding the impact of diet on urinary stone disease.
Materials and methods: MEDLINE searches were obtained from 1966 to date using a variety of key words, including urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, diet, protein, carbohydrate, fat, calcium, oxalate, phosphate, magnesium, sulfate, citrate, sodium, potassium, fiber, fluids, alcohol and vitamins. References earlier than 1966 were obtained through bibliographies of these MEDLINE searches. The search included in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies.
Results: Of the extracted articles 83% addressed the issue of nephrolithiasis and diet, and were included in this report. All articles were independently reviewed by each of us. The reviews were summarized and compiled according to each dietary component.
Conclusions: Appropriate dietary manipulation may be beneficial in the prevention of recurrent urolithiasis in only a select group of patients.