What types of kidney stones are there?
Not all kidney stones are the same: There are several different types of kidney stones, which can be distinguished according to their chemical composition. Below you will find an overview of the most common types and their proportion.
Calcium oxalate stones: This type accounts for by far the largest proportion of all kidney stones found. About 70 % of all kidney stones consist of calcium oxalate, a salt of oxalic acid.
Uric acid stones (or urate stones): This type accounts for about 15 % of all kidney stone cases. Possible causes are, for example, diseases that lead to greatly increased uric acid levels (hyperuricemia).
Struvite Stones: This type of kidney stone is caused by bacterial infection in the urinary tract system. They account for about 10–15 % of cases.
Further types: There are also other types, for example calcium phosphate, cystine or xanthine stones. These are much less common and have genetic causes, for example.
The exact circumstances that lead to the formation of kidney stones are not yet fully understood. It seems likely that a combination of several different factors is needed to trigger the formation and agglomeration of tiny crystals in the urinary tract. Over time, these crystals can reach a size of several millimeters.
Diet as a therapy for kidney stones
Treatment and prevention of kidney stones depends on the type and cause of the stones, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor. Diet can play an important role in the formation of kidney stones. For this reason, the therapy often consists of a combination of a targeted change in diet and the use of medication.
Our app OxiPur has special dietary profiles that help you with adjusting your diet for the two most common types of stones (see screenshots 1 & 2). Other types of stones are not supported, though.
Our app OxiPur has special dietary profiles that help you with adjusting your diet for the two most common types of stones (see screenshots 1 & 2). Other types of stones are not supported, though.
▲ Screenshot 1: For calcium oxalate stone formers there are two profiles that can help you restrict the oxalate intake either moderately or strongly.
▲ Screenshot 2: For uric acid stones we recommend the profile Low purine diet for gout.
