The medical scientists noted that increased intake of calcium in foods, potassium and liquids reduce kidney stone formation. And, that calcium pills, salt, animal protein and sugar may increase the risk.

However, no studies have been done in younger women (27-44 years of age.) They analyzed the Nurses Health Study ll, which has 92,245 participants both to focus on this age group and to determine critically the contradiction of the different forms of calcium. And, to nail down the effects of dietary phytates*. The latter are expressly reduced or eliminated in Atkins-type diets. The researchers were not apparently, specifically aiming at the diets but rather desiring to determine the facts. Atkins-type diets reduce carbohydrate foods, the source of the phytate component.

"Conclusions: A higher intake of dietary calcium 'in foods] decreases the risk of kidney stone formation in women, but supplemental calcium 'in pills] is not associated with risk...Finally, dietary phytate may be a new, important, and safe addition to our options for stone prevention." Emphases added.

*Also called phytic acid.

In: Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 164. 2004. By: Curhan, Willett, Knight & Stampfer, Channing Lab. & Renal (Kidney) Division, Dept. of Med., Brigham & Women's Hosp., Boston, Mass.; Harvard Medical School, Boston.

DETAILS: Phytates, apparently helpful in preventing kidney stones, are found in grains, soy, and rice. Also, it appears that calcium pills, at least in this connection are of no help, but taking in milk and milk products, are.

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