A large U.S. study has found that consuming high amounts of added sugarsâthe kind hidden in sodas, candy, desserts, and processed foodsâmay significantly raise the risk of developing kidney stones.
Analyzing data from more than 28,000 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers discovered that participants with the highest intake of added sugars were 39% more likely to report kidney stones compared to those with the lowest intake. Alarmingly, individuals who derived more than 25% of their daily calories from added sugars had an 88% greater risk.
Kidney stones affect up to 15% of people in North America and are notorious for causing severe pain, nausea, fever, and even long-term kidney damage. While dehydration, obesity, and certain medical conditions are known risk factors, this is the first large-scale study to directly link added sugar intake with kidney stones.
Researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to understand how sugar contributes to stone formation, but limiting added sugars remains a practical step toward prevention. Reducing sugary drinks and processed foods could not only protect your kidneys but also improve overall health.
Source: Yin, S., Yang, Z., Zhu, P., Du, Z., Yu, X., Tang, T., & BornĂ©, Y. (2023). Association between added sugars and kidney stones in U.S. adults: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007â2018. Frontiers in Nutrition, Aug. 4, 2023
