Researchers Discover Possible New Cause for Kidney Stones

Kidney stone disease is on the rise, but too much calcium in the blood may not be the only reason. A new study links changes in the human microbiome to this common and painful condition. Researchers examined the gut, urinary, and salivary microbiomes of 83 kidney stone patients who had not recently taken antibiotics and compared them to 30 healthy controls. The results showed that changes in all three microbiomes were associated with kidney stone formation.

The lead author of the study explains that in healthy individuals, the microbes form a beneficial network. However, in people with kidney stones, that network breaks down. He notes that these individuals are not producing the same vitamins and useful metabolites—not just in the gut, but also in the urinary tract and oral cavity.

While more research is needed, the researchers emphasize that these findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome. This can be achieved through a microbiome-friendly diet and by minimizing antibiotic use.