Apple Cider Vinegar for Kidney Stones? What the Research Says
Quick Summary: A recent study looked at how people with kidney stones use complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) like apple cider vinegar (ACV). The research found that ACV has alkali content, which could help with kidney stones, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Kidney Stones?
The study found that some people with kidney stones use ACV. ACV contains alkali, which is a substance that can help make your urine less acidic. This is important because less acidic urine can help prevent certain types of kidney stones from forming. However, the study didn't directly test if ACV prevents kidney stones.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 204 people with kidney stones. Half had kidney stones for the first time, and half had them repeatedly.
- How long: The study looked at data collected between 2019 and 2020.
- What they took: The study didn't have people take ACV. Instead, researchers tested the alkali content of ACV products.
What This Means For You
- ACV Might Help (Potentially): ACV could help prevent kidney stones because it has alkali.
- More Research Needed: This study doesn't prove ACV prevents kidney stones.
- Talk to Your Doctor: If you have kidney stones, talk to your doctor before using ACV or any other CAM. They can help you decide if it's right for you and if it will interact with any other treatments you're using.
- Recurrent Stone Formers: People who get kidney stones repeatedly were more likely to use CAMs.
Study Limitations
- Not a Cause-and-Effect Study: The study showed that people use ACV, but it didn't prove ACV prevents kidney stones.
- Lab Test, Not Real People: The study only tested ACV in a lab, not in people.
- Relied on Patient Reports: The study relied on what people said they were using, which might not always be accurate.
- Specific Population: The study mostly included Caucasian people, so the results might not apply to everyone.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study identified apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with measurable alkali content, suggesting potential utility in urinary alkalinization, a strategy to reduce kidney stone recurrence. Among patients with kidney stones, 23% reported CAM use, with recurrent stone formers more likely to use CAM therapies (31%) compared to first-time formers (15%). However, no direct clinical outcomes (e.g., stone recurrence rates) were tested for ACV itself.
Study Design
This cross-sectional study combined patient surveys with laboratory analysis of CAM products. Researchers collected data from 204 kidney stone patients (102 first-time, 102 recurrent) at a tertiary care center between 2019–2020. Commercially available ACV and other CAMs were analyzed for alkali content using titration methods.
Dosage & Administration
The study did not test dosages or administer ACV to participants. Instead, it quantified the baseline alkali content (in milliequivalents, mEq) of ACV products commonly used by patients.
Results & Efficacy
ACV was found to contain 1.6–2.4 mEq of alkali per tablespoon (15 mL), comparable to other CAMs like lemon juice (1.7–2.6 mEq/15 mL). Recurrent stone formers reported higher use of CAMs (p = 0.008) and dietary modifications. No statistical significance was established for ACV’s clinical efficacy, as the study focused on descriptive data rather than interventional outcomes.
Limitations
The study’s cross-sectional design limits causal inferences about CAM use and stone prevention. Alkali content analysis was in vitro, not tested in vivo for urinary pH effects. Self-reported CAM usage may introduce recall bias. Demographics were not detailed, but the sample included predominantly Caucasian patients (74%) with a mean age of 52 years. Future research should evaluate ACV’s in vivo impact on urine chemistry and stone recurrence.
Clinical Relevance
While ACV contains alkali that may theoretically support urinary alkalinization (a treatment target for calcium oxalate stones), this study does not confirm clinical benefits. Supplement users should not replace medical advice with ACV alone. For recurrent kidney stone patients, discussing CAM integration with a healthcare provider, alongside proven therapies like hydration and thiazide diuretics, is recommended. Further trials are needed to assess ACV’s role in stone prevention.
Analysis based on the study’s abstract and published metadata. Full details may require access to the complete article.
Original Study Reference
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in First-time and Recurrent Kidney Stone Formers.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2021-10-01
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 34293376)
