[Influence of diet in idiopathic hypercalciuria]

To find out if differences in diet may justify the presence of idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) and to verify if the calcium-restricted diet, often recommended for treatment of IH, is nutritionally appropriate.

Dietary intake and mineral and electrolyte urinary excretion were studied twice in 10 children diagnosed of IH and in 9 controls. First, while being on a free diet. Second, after a week of suppression of milk and dairy products.

Intakes of calories, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals were similar in IH patients and controls. Withdrawal of dairy products of diet resulted in an important reduction in the intakes of calcium (71.1%), phosphorus (63.5%) and fats (30.1%), although only calcium intake was remarkably below international recommendations (33.6 +/- 10.4%).

Spontaneous diet of this group of hypercalciuric children was no different from that of control children. Suppression of milk and dairy products causes a nutritionally inappropriate diet.