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Associations between dietary macronutrient composition and kidney stone prevalence in the US adult population

delete2026-04-01
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PRE
AI
D
Ding, Xijie
C
Chi, Zhichao
Q
Qiang, Ziyang
L
Li, Jianxing
C
Chen, Guojun
DOI:10.1007/s00240-026-01983-6delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The relationship between macronutrient intake and kidney stone formation remains unclear, with previous studies yielding inconsistent findings due to their focus on single nutrients. A more integrated dietary assessment may provide a clearer understanding of dietary contributions to lithogenic risk. To investigate the associations between the energy distribution of dietary macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) and the prevalence of kidney stones among U.S. adults. This cross-sectional study included 24,235 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. Macronutrient intake was assessed as a percentage of total energy based on 24-hour dietary recall data. kidney stone prevalence was determined via self-reported history. Multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to evaluate the nonlinear relationships between macronutrient energy proportions and kidney stone prevalence, adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical covariates. A significant U-shaped association was observed between protein intake and kidney stone prevalence, with the lowest prevalence at approximately 23% of total energy. Carbohydrate intake showed a similar U-shaped pattern, with the lowest prevalence at 40-50% of energy. Fat intake demonstrated a reverse L-shaped association; the prevalence remained stable when fat comprised < 35% of energy but increased notably above this threshold. In fully adjusted models, protein intake of 15-30% of energy was associated with a lower odds of kidney stones (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73-0.92), and fat intake > 40% was associated with a higher odds (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01-1.26). Our findings indicate that both insufficient and excessive macronutrient intake are associated with higher kidney stone prevalence. A balanced macronutrient profile-with moderate proportions of protein, carbohydrate, and fat-may be beneficial for kidney stone prevention and could help inform dietary recommendations. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these associations and clarify underlying mechanisms.
Keywords:
Kidney stone
Macronutrient intake
Dietary composition
Nutrition
Restricted cubic spline

Journal

U
UROLITHIASIS
IF:
2.2
Papers:
134
Citations:
0

Organization

T
tsinghua university
Scholars:
11.5W
Papers: 9.9W
Citations: 137
Q
qinghai university
Scholars:
1.8K
Papers: 522
Citations: 0
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