Madeleine Hull
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has become popular for weight loss. However, there are several side effects and risks associated with the diet, including an increased risk of kidney stones. The incidence of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets is estimated to be 5.9%, with a 5.8% incidence in children and 7.9% in adults. The diet's restriction of carbohydrates can make it difficult to meet daily fiber needs, and the high intake of animal proteins can cause urine to become more acidic, increasing calcium and uric acid levels, and subsequently, the risk of kidney stones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incidence of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets | 5.9% |
| Incidence of kidney stones in children on ketogenic diets | 5.8% |
| Incidence of kidney stones in adults on ketogenic diets | 7.9% |
| Most prevalent type of kidney stone in patients on ketogenic diets | Uric acid stones |
| Second most prevalent type of kidney stone in patients on ketogenic diets | Calcium-based stones |
| Risk factors | High intake of animal proteins, chronic metabolic acidosis, dehydration, low urine pH, fat malabsorption |
| Preventative measures | Maximizing fluid intake, alkalinizing the urine, consuming more fiber |
| Populations who should avoid the ketogenic diet | People with kidney disease, people with type 1 diabetes, pregnant or lactating individuals |
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What You'll Learn
- Ketogenic diets can cause metabolic acidosis, which increases the risk of kidney stones
- High-fat animal foods are staples of the keto diet and can lead to acidic urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones
- Keto diets can reduce urine citrate levels, which normally prevent kidney stones from forming
- Keto diets are associated with an increased risk of kidney stones in adults and children
- The prevalence of kidney stones in people on a keto diet is 3-10%, compared to 1 in several thousand in the general population
Ketogenic diets can cause metabolic acidosis, which increases the risk of kidney stones
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become popular for weight loss and the treatment of epilepsy. However, there are several associated risks and side effects, including an increased risk of kidney stones.
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are a well-noted potential side effect of the ketogenic diet. The prevalence of kidney stones in people on the ketogenic diet is 3-10%, compared to 1 in several thousand in the general population. The pooled estimated incidence of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets is 5.9%, with a slightly higher incidence in adults (7.9%) than in children (5.8%).
The ketogenic diet can cause metabolic acidosis, which increases the risk of kidney stones. High-fat animal foods, such as eggs, meat, and cheese, are staples of the keto diet because they are low in carbs. A high intake of these animal foods can cause your blood and urine to become more acidic, leading to increased excretion of calcium in the urine. This condition is known as hypercalciuria and is a risk factor for kidney stone formation.
Additionally, the keto diet may reduce the amount of citrate in the urine. Citrate normally binds to calcium and prevents the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, reduced levels of citrate may also increase the risk of kidney stone development.
To prevent the formation of kidney stones in individuals on the ketogenic diet, it is recommended to maximize fluid intake and alkalinize the urine using oral potassium citrate.
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High-fat animal foods are staples of the keto diet and can lead to acidic urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become popular for weight loss. High-fat animal foods, such as eggs, meat, and cheese, are staples of the keto diet because they don't contain carbs. If you eat a lot of these foods, you may have a higher risk of kidney stones.
The keto diet restricts carbs, which can make it difficult to meet your daily fiber needs. Some of the richest sources of fiber, such as high-carb fruits, starchy vegetables, whole grains, and beans, are eliminated on the keto diet. As a result, the diet can lead to digestive discomfort and constipation.
High intake of animal proteins makes your urine more acidic and increases calcium and uric acid levels. This combination makes you more susceptible to kidney stones, while high uric acid can increase your risk of gout. The keto diet can also reduce the amount of citrate in your urine. Citrate binds to calcium and prevents the formation of kidney stones, so reduced levels may increase your risk of developing them.
Several studies have found a link between the keto diet and an increased risk of kidney stones. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies with 2,795 patients on ketogenic diets found an estimated pooled incidence of kidney stones of 5.9%. Another study in over 15,000 adults found that a low-carb, high-protein diet was associated with a greater all-cause death rate compared to moderate-carb diets.
Due to these risks, individuals with kidney disease, heart disease, or other medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before trying the keto diet. The keto diet may not be safe for everyone, and it's important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with the diet.
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Keto diets can reduce urine citrate levels, which normally prevent kidney stones from forming
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has become popular for weight loss and as a therapy for epilepsy in children. While the keto diet is relatively safe for adults, this may not be the case for children. The diet's emphasis on fat, which often comes from animal fat, increases the consumption of saturated fat, which may increase the risk of heart disease. It has also been associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
The keto diet can cause more acidic urine, which increases the risk of kidney stones. This is due to the high intake of animal proteins, which can cause your blood and urine to become more acidic, leading to increased excretion of calcium in your urine. Studies have shown that the keto diet may also reduce the amount of citrate that is released in the urine. Citrate normally binds to calcium and prevents the formation of kidney stones, so reduced levels may increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
In a study of children with epilepsy on the ketogenic diet, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) was a recurrent issue, with incidence rates ranging from 0 to 25%. Another meta-analysis of participants on a ketogenic diet showed a mean incidence of 5.9% in both children and adults after a mean follow-up period of 3.7 years. During the follow-up period, adults had a higher incidence of kidney stones, at 7.9%.
To prevent kidney stone formation, it is recommended to maximize fluid intake and alkalinize the urine using oral potassium citrate. Potassium citrate increases urine pH and solubilizes calcium, thereby decreasing the concentration of free calcium available to crystallize and form kidney stones.
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Keto diets are associated with an increased risk of kidney stones in adults and children
The ketogenic diet has been associated with an increased risk of kidney stones in both adults and children. This is due to several factors, including dietary composition and existing physiological conditions.
The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and high-protein diet that often includes a high intake of animal proteins and fats. This combination of nutrients can lead to more acidic urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones. The acid state can also worsen chronic kidney disease and increase calcium and uric acid levels in the body, further elevating the likelihood of stone formation.
Several studies have reported the development of kidney stones in both adults and children following the keto diet. The prevalence of renal calculi in individuals on a ketogenic diet is estimated to be between 3-10%, with a pooled incidence of kidney stones of 5.9%. Subgroup analyses show an incidence of 5.8% in children and 7.9% in adults.
The keto diet's restriction of carbohydrates can also make it challenging to meet daily fiber requirements, as many fiber-rich foods are high in carbs. This can lead to digestive issues and constipation, which may further contribute to the risk of kidney stones.
Additionally, the keto diet's impact on chronic metabolic acidosis can decrease calcium reabsorption in the renal tubules, increasing urinary calcium excretion. This, combined with reduced citrate levels in the urine, can promote the formation of kidney stones.
Given these risks, individuals considering the keto diet, especially those with existing health conditions, should consult their healthcare provider and a registered dietitian to ensure a balanced and safe approach.
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The prevalence of kidney stones in people on a keto diet is 3-10%, compared to 1 in several thousand in the general population
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become popular for weight loss. However, there are several side effects and risks associated with the diet, including an increased risk of kidney stones. The prevalence of kidney stones in people on a keto diet is estimated to be between 3% and 10%, a significantly higher rate compared to the general population, where the incidence is 1 in several thousand.
The keto diet's emphasis on animal-based fats and proteins is thought to be a key factor in the development of kidney stones. High intake of animal proteins and fats can cause urine to become more acidic, leading to hypercalciuria, a condition characterised by increased calcium levels in the urine. This increase in calcium excretion is a result of decreased calcium reabsorption in the renal tubules due to chronic metabolic acidosis. Additionally, acidosis can reduce citrate excretion, further increasing the risk of calcium crystallization and kidney stone formation.
Several studies have reported the development of renal calculi in individuals on the ketogenic diet, with rates varying between 3% and 10%. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies with 2795 patients on ketogenic diets found an estimated pooled incidence of kidney stones of 5.9%. Subgroup analyses within this study showed a slightly lower incidence of 5.8% in children and a higher incidence of 7.9% in adults.
The formation of kidney stones on the keto diet is influenced by several factors, including chronic acidosis, dehydration, low urine pH, and fat malabsorption. These factors contribute to the development of uric acid and calcium oxalate stones. It is important for individuals considering the keto diet to be aware of these risks and consult with healthcare professionals, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The ketogenic diet is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. The diet's restriction of carbohydrates can lead to a lack of fibre, which may negatively affect gut bacteria and cause digestive issues. The diet's focus on animal proteins and fats can also make urine more acidic, increasing calcium and uric acid levels, which can lead to kidney stones.
The pooled estimated incidence of kidney stones among patients on the ketogenic diet is 5.9%. This is significantly higher than the average annual incidence of kidney stones in the general population, which is reported to be between 0.25% and 0.3% per year.
Symptoms of kidney stones can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
The ketogenic diet can be dangerous for people with kidney disease, as it may worsen the progression of the disease. People with kidney disease should consult their doctor before starting any new diet.
