Current research suggests that a diet containing adequate calcium is associated with reduced risk of stone formation. It is thought that a low calcium intake can actually increase the risk of forming kidney stones. 1
The Adequate Intake (AI) for calcium for adults is 1000 – 1200 milligrams (mg) per day. The average intake of calcium from food and supplements among adults in British Columbia is only 870 – 1000 mg per day.2
| Food Item | Serving | Calcium (mg) |
| Milk (skim, 1%, enriched soy) | 1 cup (250 ml) | ~300 |
| Yogurt, reduced fat | ¾ cup (175 ml) | 294 |
| Hard cheese (low sodium cheddar, Swiss) | 1.5 oz (50 g) | 360 – 400 |
| Orange juice, calcium fortified | ½ cup (125 ml) | 185 |
| Salmon, canned with bones | ~ ⅓ can (75 g) | 171 |
| Cottage cheese, 1% | ½ cup (125 ml) | 70 |
| Lentils & beans (kidney, garbanzo, lima) | ¾ cup (175 ml) | 25 – 60 |
| Orange | 1 medium | 60 |
| Snow peas, cooked | ½ cup (125 ml) | 36 |
| Broccoli, cooked | ½ cup (125 ml) | 33 |
| Bread, oat bran | 1 slice | 23 |
| Antacids | 1 tablet | 200 – 600 |
Source: Health Canada. Canadian Nutrient File, 2007. Canadian Nutrient File Home Page, http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/food-aliment/ns-sc/nr- rn/surveillance/cnf-fcen/e_index.html
In the past, calcium stone formers were advised to restrict their dietary calcium intake. Current evidence, however, suggests that limiting dietary calcium may lead to an increased risk of stone formation. The greatest protective effects, in fact, are seen in those who maintain adequate calcium and also reduce their sodium and animal protein intake.
Make sure to get the recommended 1200 milligrams of calcium per day, but avoid excessive consumption of calcium-rich foods and do not use calcium supplements unless specifically prescribed by your doctor or if you are lactose or dairy intolerant. Calcium supplements, if recommended by your physician, should also be taken with meals to promote oxalate binding.
References:
- Taylor EN, Curhan GC. Role of nutrition in the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones. Nephon Physiology 2004; 98: 55-63.
- Forster-Coull L, Levy Milne R, Barr SI. British Columbia Nutrition Survey. Ministry of Health Services, Health Canada and University of British Columbia; 2004