Mendelian randomization analysis reveals fresh fruit intake as a protective factor for urolithiasis

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Genetic Epidemiology
• Urology

Background:

• Dietary factors are implicated in urolithiasis risk.
• Previous studies suggest associations between food intake and kidney stone formation.
• Causal relationships require robust investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal effect of various food intakes on urolithiasis risk.
• To utilize Mendelian randomization for assessing genetic predispositions to dietary habits and their impact on kidney stone development.

Main Methods:

• A two-sample Mendelian randomization study design was employed.
• Genetic variants for food intake were identified from UK Biobank GWAS data.
• Associations with urolithiasis were analyzed using FinnGen Consortium data.

Main Results:

• Tea intake showed a protective effect against kidney and ureter calculus (OR=0.433).
• Fresh fruit intake significantly reduced the risk of kidney and ureter calculus (OR=0.358).
• The protective association of fresh fruit intake persisted after adjusting for vitamin D and C.

Conclusions:

• Genetically predicted fresh fruit intake is causally associated with a lower risk of kidney stones.
• Tea consumption may also play a role in reducing urolithiasis risk.
• These findings support dietary recommendations for kidney stone prevention.