Saturday June 15, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study in Journal of Urology suggests that high intake of both dairy calcium and non-dairy calcium from plant foods may reduce the risk for kidney stones or symptomatic nephrolithiasis.

The study led by E. N. Taylor and G.C. Curhan from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME shows that men and women in the highest quintile of non-dairy dietary calcium were about 30% less likely to develop kidney stones, compared with those in the lowest quintile.  A similar association was also found for dairy calcium.

The study was based on data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, the Nurses' Health Study I, and the Nurses' Health Study II.  Only participants aged younger than 60 years were included in the study.   High intake of calcium may not reduce the risk for kidney stones in those older than 60.

The researchers concluded "Higher dietary calcium from either non-dairy or dairy sources is independently associated with lower kidney stone risk."

Non-dairy or plant foods high in calcium include calcium-fortified soy milk and soy foods, bok choy, broccoli, collards, kale, Chinese cabbage, mustard greens, and okra.   Those who do not have sufficient intake of calcium may consider taking calcium supplements.

Calcium is an important element for bone health.  All  people, young and old, need to have sufficient intake of this nutrient. (reporting by Jimmy Downs)