Patient Perceptions of Dietary Supplement Use and Kidney Stone Disease

There is a seemingly high prevalence of dietary supplement use in the kidney stone population. We aimed to understand patients' perceptions of dietary supplements and their role in the management of kidney stones.

We performed a standardized survey of patients presenting for management of kidney stones. We investigated the knowledge and use of apple cider vinegar (ACV), turmeric, and cranberry extract, as well as opinions on the safety of dietary supplements and sources of information. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and survey data.

Ninety-five patients were surveyed; 18 (18.9%) patients reported using ACV, 19 (20%) reported using cranberry extract, and 11 (11.6%) reported using turmeric. Similar numbers reported having heard of these dietary supplements being used for kidney stone prevention and/or treatment. Most patients believed these dietary supplements to be probably (ACV, n = 61, 64.2%; cranberry, n = 62, 65.3%; turmeric, n = 61, 64.2%) or definitely (ACV, n = 22, 23.2%; cranberry, n = 28; 29.5%; turmeric, n = 22, 23.2%) safe. For those who had heard about these supplements being used to treat or prevent kidney stones, friends/family (n = 25, 26.3%), online websites (n = 21, 22.1%), and social media (n = 15, 15.8%) were the most common sources of information.

Apple cider vinegar, turmeric and cranberry extract have unknown risks or benefits in the management of kidney stones. Furthermore, their impact on stone pathophysiology remains unclear; however, many of our surveyed patient population uses them. Our study provides insight into patients' use and perception of dietary supplements that clinicians should consider in the management of kidney stones. Further studies are needed to better counsel patients on the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements.