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Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Risk Factors for Kidney Stones and Chronic Kidney Disease
James F Borin1, John Knight2, Ross P Holmes2
1Department of Urology, New York University and New York Harbor VA Healthcare System, New York, New York.
Summary
Oat, rice, macadamia, and soy milk are favorable dairy alternatives for kidney stone patients. Coconut milk is a good choice for chronic kidney disease patients due to low potassium, sodium, and oxalate.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Nephrology
- Food Science
Background:
- Patients with kidney stones and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often require dietary modifications, including limiting animal protein, sodium, and oxalate, and ensuring adequate calcium intake.
- Plant-based diets are increasingly popular for health and environmental reasons, leading to a rise in dairy milk alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the concentrations of key ingredients relevant to kidney stone and CKD management in popular plant-based milk alternatives.
- To inform healthcare providers and patients about the nutritional profiles of these alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Nutritional labels were used to determine sodium, calcium, and potassium content.
- Oxalate concentration was quantified using ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Macadamia milk had the highest calcium, while cashew, hazelnut, and coconut milk had the lowest.
- Almond milk exhibited the highest oxalate levels, followed by cashew, hazelnut, and soy milk. Coconut and flax milk had undetectable oxalate.
- Oat milk's nutritional profile (moderate calcium, potassium, sodium; low oxalate) closely resembled dairy milk. Rice, macadamia, and soy milk also showed similar profiles.
- Coconut milk was low in potassium, sodium, and oxalate.
Conclusions:
- Oat, macadamia, rice, and soy milk present favorable profiles compared to dairy milk regarding kidney stone risk factors.
- Almond and cashew milk contain higher potential risk factors for kidney stones.
- Coconut milk may be a suitable alternative for CKD patients due to its low potassium, sodium, and oxalate content.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of plant-based milk alternatives on urine chemistry.
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