To prevent calcium oxalate stones, which dietary component should be adequately consumed?

Adequate consumption of calcium is important in preventing calcium oxalate stones. This might seem counterintuitive, but including sufficient dietary calcium actually helps to reduce the risk of stone formation. Calcium binds to oxalate in the intestines, which reduces the absorption of oxalate into the bloodstream and subsequently decreases the amount of oxalate available to form stones in the kidneys.

In the absence of enough dietary calcium, more free oxalate may be absorbed, ultimately increasing the likelihood of forming calcium oxalate stones. Thus, maintaining a balanced intake of calcium can be a protective factor against stone development. It's essential to prioritize calcium intake through food sources (such as dairy products or fortified alternatives) as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the risk of stone formation.