ScienceDaily (Apr. 28, 2009) — Patients with stone disease could benefit from drinking diet soda. New research from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that the citrate and malate content in commonly consumed sodas may be sufficient to inhibit the development of calcium stones.

Increased alkalinity is proven to augment citraturia, a known factor for calcium stones. Malate increases the amount of alkali delivered. Researchers measured the citrate and malate content of 15 popular diet sodas. The researchers found that Diet Sunkist Orange contained the greatest amount of total alkali and Diet 7-Up had the greatest amount of citrate as alkali.

"This study by no means suggests that patients with recurrent kidney stones should trade in their water bottles for soda cans," said Anthony Y. Smith, MD, an AUA spokesman. "However, this study suggests instead that patients with stone disease who do not drink soda may benefit from moderate consumption."

The study was presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

Study presented: Eisner, B; Asplin, J; Stoller, M. Citrate, malate and alkali concentrations in commonly consumed diet sodas: implications for urinary stone patients. J Urol, suppl. 2009: 181, 4, abstract 1832.

Story Source:

Adapted from materials provided by American Urological Association, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:

1. Eisner, B; Asplin, J; Stoller, M. Citrate, malate and alkali concentrations in commonly consumed diet sodas: implications for urinary stone patients. J Urol, suppl, 2009: 181, 4

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Patients with stone disease could benefit from drinking diet soda. (Credit: iStockphoto)

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