Evidence supporting the use of: Alkaline (unspecified)
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Alkaline (unspecified) substances, such as potassium citrate or sodium bicarbonate, are scientifically validated for use in the management of certain types of kidney stones, particularly uric acid and cystine stones. The rationale is based on the chemistry of stone formation: uric acid and cystine stones tend to form in acidic urine. By alkalinizing the urine (raising its pH), these substances increase the solubility of uric acid and cystine, thereby preventing stone formation and sometimes even dissolving existing stones.

Multiple clinical guidelines, including those from the American Urological Association, recommend urinary alkalinization as a first-line therapy for uric acid nephrolithiasis. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies have shown that potassium citrate effectively increases urine pH and reduces the recurrence rate of these types of stones. For calcium-based stones, the role of alkalinization is more nuanced and depends on the specific stone type and metabolic context.

However, the term "alkaline (unspecified)" is broad; not all alkaline substances are safe or effective for this purpose, and some (such as sodium bicarbonate) may be less preferred due to potential side effects like sodium overload. Nevertheless, the use of medically supervised, specific alkaline agents for kidney stones is evidence-based and widely practiced.

More about Alkaline (unspecified)
More about Kidney Stones

Other health conditions supported by Alkaline (unspecified)

Acid Indigestion
Gout
Indigestion
Kidney Stones
Overacidity

Products containing Alkaline (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.