Kidney stones and dietary intake in adults: a population-based study in southwest Iran

Abstract Background The prevalence of kidney stones is on the rise globally. Several risk factors, including lifestyle, contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Nevertheless, there is a contentious debate about the relationship between diet and kidney stones. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the relationship between macronutrients and micronutrients and the formation of kidney stones. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the baseline phase of the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, focusing on adults aged 35–70 in southwest Iran. The information on demographic characteristics, anthropometrics, kidney stone history, and food frequency was collected. Chi-square and t-tests were utilized to assess the relationship between categorical and numerical variables with kidney stones. The ANCOVA and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationships while controlling for confounding factors. Results Among 10,009 participants, the overall prevalence of kidney stones was 18.77% (95% CI: 17.99–19.53). A higher intake of carbohydrates [OR = 1.02 (95% CI:1.002–1.03), p = 0.026] and copper [OR = 1.04 (95% CI:1.01–1.09), p = 0.025] were found to be associated with kidney stones. No associations were found between the other assessed macronutrients or micronutrients and kidney stones (p-tvalues > 0.05). Conclusion Our study’s findings indicate a correlation between diet and the formation of kidney stones. However, the relationship between dietary factors and kidney stones is complex, and further research is needed.