A recent study has identified a connection between increased consumption of added sugars, prevalent in processed food, and a heightened risk of kidney stones. By examining data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers found that individuals with the most consumption of added sugars had a 39% increased likelihood of kidney stone formation.
This research marks the first demonstration of a link between higher intake of added sugars and a greater risk of developing kidney stones.
Kidney stones are a common ailment in North America, affecting 7% to 15% of the population, 5% to 9% in Europe, and 1% to 5% in Asia. These solid mineral deposits in the kidneys lead to intense pain and other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and blood in the urine. Beyond mere discomfort, kidney stones can also result in infections, kidney swelling known as hydronephrosis, diminished kidney function, and even end-stage renal disease over time.
Certain groups are more prone to kidney stones, including adult men, the obese, and those with chronic illnesses such as diarrhea, dehydration, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and gout.
A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition indicates that high consumption of added sugars, commonly found in sugary sodas, fruit drinks, candy, ice cream, cakes, and cookies, may be added to the list of risk factors for kidney stones.
Dr. Shan Yin, the lead author of the study and researcher at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China, remarked, “This is the first study to reveal a relationship between consuming added sugar and kidney stones, suggesting that reducing added sugar in our diet could help in preventing kidney stone formation.”
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
The study analyzed data from 28,303 adult men and women between 2007 and 2018 from NHANES. Participants were asked about their kidney stone history and their daily intake of added sugars, based on their recall of recent meals, both face-to-face and in a follow-up phone interview.
A healthy eating index score (HEI-2015) was assigned to each participant, reflecting the quality of their diet in terms of beneficial food components and harmful ones.
Various factors were considered in the analysis of kidney stone risk, including gender, age, race, income, BMI, HEI-2015 score, smoking status, and diabetes history.
The study revealed that higher added sugar consumption was associated with an increased prevalence of kidney stones, lower HEI scores, and lower education levels. On average, the intake of added sugars was 272.1 calories per day, constituting 13.2% of total daily energy intake.
A Direct Link between Added Sugars and Kidney Stones
The findings showed a consistent positive correlation between energy intake from added sugars and kidney stones, even after adjusting for other factors. For example, those with the top 25% intake of added sugars had 39% higher chances of developing kidney stones during the study.
Participants who got more than 25% of their energy from added sugars had 88% higher odds compared to those who got less than 5% from added sugars.
The study also found that some ethnic groups, such as Native American or Asian, and individuals with a higher Poverty-Income Ratio (PIR), had higher odds of developing kidney stones with more added sugars consumption.
Potential Confounders
The exact mechanisms that cause the increased risk of kidney stones from consuming added sugars remain unknown. Since this was an observational study, unknown confounding factors could influence the findings.
Yin stated that more studies are needed to explore the association in detail, including understanding specific types of kidney stones most linked to added sugar intake and determining how much reduction in added sugar is required to lower the risk. Nevertheless, the research provides valuable insights for those making decisions.
Reference: “Association between added sugars and kidney stones in U.S. adults: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018” was published on 4 August 2023 in Frontiers in Nutrition.
The Doctoral Fund Project of North Sichuan Medical College funded the study.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about It seems that your message was cut off or you were looking for further information. If you need additional assistance or have any specific questions, please let me know!
What does the new study reveal about added sugars and kidney stones?
The study reveals a link between higher consumption of added sugars and an increased risk of kidney stones. Those with the highest intake had a 39% greater chance of developing kidney stones.
Who is more likely to develop kidney stones according to the research?
According to the research, the likelihood of developing kidney stones is higher in adult males, obese individuals, and those with chronic illnesses like diarrhea, dehydration, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and gout.
Where was the data for this study collected from?
The data was collected from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), involving 28,303 adult men and women between 2007 and 2018.
What types of foods are associated with high added sugar content?
Foods high in added sugars, as mentioned in the study, include sugar-sweetened sodas, fruit drinks, candy, ice cream, cakes, and cookies.
How much greater was the risk for participants with the highest added sugar intake?
Participants with the highest intake of added sugars had a 39% greater chance of developing kidney stones over the course of the study.
Are the exact mechanisms between added sugars and kidney stones known?
No, the exact mechanisms of the relation between consuming more added sugars and a greater risk of developing kidney stones are not yet known. Further studies are required to explore the association in detail.
Who funded the study on added sugars and kidney stones?
The study was funded by the Doctoral Fund Project of North Sichuan Medical College.
More about It seems that your message was cut off or you were looking for further information. If you need additional assistance or have any specific questions, please let me know!
- Association between added sugars and kidney stones in U.S. adults: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018
- Frontiers in Nutrition
- US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
- Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College
