Fluid intake recommendations in urolithiasis and general advice to patients without metabolic risk factors

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a highly prevalent global disease with substantially increasing incidence in the last two decades. Data from the literature suggests that 26%-50% of patients will have a recurrence within 10 years after an initial symptomatic stone episode. Therefore, interest has been raised in preventive strategies, aiming to modify the risk factors of stone recurrence by implementing dietary and lifestyle changes and specific medical treatments for stone formers, depending on their recurrence risk factors. Certain dietary factors are thought to contribute significantly to the increased incidence of urolithiasis, particularly a diet low in fiber and high in animal protein, fat, and sodium. Fluid intake is perhaps the most important and modifiable step in the prevention of urolithiasis, irrespective of stone composition. However, the amount of fluid to be consumed and the implications of various fluid types on stone formation are still controversial. In this article, the relationship between fluid intake, beverage types and stone formation-prevention will be discussed. Moreover, general dietary recommendations for patients without metabolic risk factors will be reviewed based on the current literature.