What Supplements Should You Not Take With Kidney Stones?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

As many as 1 in 10 people will experience a kidney stone in their lifetime, according to the National Kidney Foundation. For those with a history of these painful mineral deposits, navigating the world of supplements requires a mindful approach, as several popular products can worsen your condition and increase the risk of recurrence.

Quick Summary

Individuals with a history of kidney stones must avoid specific supplements to prevent recurrence. High doses of Vitamin C, calcium, and Vitamin D can promote stone formation, as can products like creatine and certain herbal remedies. Proper hydration and balanced dietary choices are essential preventive strategies.

Key Points

High-Dose Vitamin C is Risky: Excess Vitamin C is converted to oxalate, a primary component of calcium oxalate stones, and should be avoided in supplement form.
Rethink Calcium Supplements: Get calcium from food sources rather than high-dose supplements, which can increase urinary calcium and stone risk, especially when taken between meals.
Be Cautious with Creatine: Individuals with kidney issues or a history of stones should avoid creatine supplements, as they can cause kidney strain.
Monitor Vitamin D Levels: Excessive vitamin D intake increases calcium absorption and can promote stone formation, so ensure proper dosage under medical supervision.
Avoid Certain Herbals: Unregulated products like ephedra or high-oxalate 'superfood' powders can worsen kidney stone risk and should be approached with caution.
Prioritize Hydration: Drinking plenty of water to produce at least 2.5 liters of urine per day is the single most important preventive measure.
Balance Your Diet: Moderating animal protein and sodium intake while increasing fruits and vegetables helps prevent stone formation.

The Link Between Supplements and Kidney Stone Formation

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They often develop when your urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. While many factors influence their formation, including diet, hydration, and genetics, certain supplements can significantly increase your risk. Understanding the role these products play is the first step toward effective prevention.

High-Dose Vitamin C

While Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, excessive amounts—typically from supplements, not food—can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones. High doses, especially over 1,000 mg per day, are partially metabolized by the body into oxalate, a key component of the most common type of kidney stone. Excess oxalate in the urine promotes the clumping of crystals into stones. Studies have even shown that men taking high-dose Vitamin C supplements were twice as likely to develop kidney stones. It is crucial for those with a history of calcium oxalate stones to avoid high-dose ascorbic acid supplements.

Excessive Calcium Supplements

This is one of the most misunderstood areas of kidney stone prevention. For decades, many believed that cutting calcium from the diet would prevent calcium-based stones. However, research has shown that getting enough dietary calcium can actually help prevent stones by binding with oxalate in the intestines before it reaches the kidneys. The danger lies in high-dose calcium supplements, particularly when taken between meals rather than with food. High-intake from supplements can lead to hypercalciuria (excess calcium in the urine) and a greater risk of stones. Studies have shown an increased risk of stone formation in postmenopausal women taking combined calcium and vitamin D supplements. The key is balance: aim for the recommended 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium daily from food sources.

High-Dose Vitamin D

Like calcium, vitamin D is vital for health but can pose a risk in excess. High levels of supplemental vitamin D increase the body's absorption of calcium, which can lead to higher calcium levels in both the blood and urine. In susceptible individuals, this can promote kidney stone formation. Some randomized trials have reported an increased risk of kidney stones as an adverse event when vitamin D is administered alongside calcium supplementation. The risk of developing stones is likely higher in people already prone to hypercalciuria. Therefore, monitoring vitamin D levels and taking supplements only as recommended by a doctor is crucial, especially when combined with calcium.

Creatine and High-Protein Powders

Bodybuilding and athletic supplements often contain creatine and high levels of protein. For individuals with existing kidney disease, creatine can place extra stress on the kidneys. It can also temporarily elevate creatinine levels in the blood, a waste product filtered by the kidneys, which could mimic worsening kidney function. While studies generally suggest that creatine is safe for healthy individuals, those with a history of kidney stones should proceed with caution and consult a healthcare provider. Similarly, very high-protein diets and protein powders can lead to excess waste buildup, forcing the kidneys to work harder.

Herbal and Over-the-Counter Supplements

Many herbal supplements are not regulated and can contain hidden ingredients or interact dangerously with medications. Some examples include:

Ephedra and related products: These stimulants have been linked to kidney stones and damage, and ephedrine stones are known to form in individuals taking excessive quantities of ephedrine-containing preparations.
Licorice root: This herb can lead to high blood pressure and low potassium levels, which can worsen kidney function and fluid retention.
Certain 'superfood' powders: Some of these products are high in oxalate and can contribute to calcium oxalate stones.
Turmeric and Cinnamon: In supplement form, these can contain surprisingly high levels of oxalates and should be approached with caution.

Comparison of Supplement and Diet Approaches for Stone Prevention


Feature	Safer Dietary Habit	High-Risk Supplement Habit
Calcium Intake	1,000-1,200 mg from dairy, fortified foods, leafy greens.	High-dose calcium supplements, especially on an empty stomach.
Vitamin C Intake	Getting adequate vitamin C from fruits and vegetables (e.g., oranges, peppers).	Consuming high-dose (1,000+ mg) ascorbic acid supplements.
Oxalate Management	Pairing calcium-rich foods with high-oxalate foods to bind oxalate in the gut.	Taking supplements known to be high in oxalates, like certain green powders or turmeric.
Kidney Support	Drinking plenty of water (2.5L/day), especially after heavy sweating.	Taking creatine or excessive protein, which can overwork the kidneys.
Ingredient Awareness	Using whole foods to obtain nutrients and flavor.	Consuming unregulated herbal supplements or over-the-counter concoctions without a doctor's clearance.

Creating a Safer Supplement and Diet Plan

To proactively manage your kidney stone risk, the focus should be on dietary adjustments and smart hydration. The cornerstone of prevention is sufficient fluid intake. Aim to drink enough water to produce at least 2.5 liters of clear, pale urine daily. Additionally, moderate your intake of animal protein, as it can increase uric acid and calcium excretion. Incorporating more plant-based foods, including fruits and vegetables, can provide beneficial minerals and citrate, which help prevent stones. For calcium, prioritize getting the recommended daily amount from food sources, as dietary calcium plays a protective role. If any supplementation is medically necessary, particularly calcium and vitamin D, discuss the appropriate dosage and timing with your healthcare provider. For instance, calcium supplements should be taken with meals to bind with dietary oxalate and minimize urinary calcium levels.

Conclusion

While supplements offer potential health benefits, individuals with a history of kidney stones must exercise caution. High-dose Vitamin C, excessive supplemental calcium and vitamin D, creatine, and certain herbal products can exacerbate the risk of stone formation. The best approach involves focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, staying well-hydrated, and consulting a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement into your regimen. A doctor can help determine your specific stone type and provide tailored guidance to ensure your supplement routine supports rather than undermines your kidney health.

Visit the National Kidney Foundation's website for more information on kidney health and prevention strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard daily multivitamin generally contains lower doses of vitamins and is less likely to cause issues than high-dose, single-nutrient supplements. However, if you have a history of stones, it's wise to review the contents with your doctor, especially if it includes high levels of Vitamin C or D.

Fish oil itself has not been directly linked to increasing kidney stone formation. However, some combination products might include high levels of Vitamin D, which is a concern. Always check the ingredients and consult your healthcare provider.

Instead of restricting calcium, aim for 1,000-1,200 mg per day from food sources like dairy products, fortified juices, and leafy greens. This helps prevent stones by allowing calcium to bind to oxalate in the intestines.

Some studies have suggested that Vitamin B6 may actually be beneficial for those with high urine oxalate, as it helps regulate oxalate metabolism. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

For individuals with pre-existing kidney dysfunction, creatine can increase the workload on the kidneys and may elevate serum creatinine levels. While likely safe for healthy individuals, those with a history of stones should avoid it or use it only with a doctor's approval.

Yes, Vitamin C from natural food sources like lemons and other citrus fruits is not associated with an increased stone risk. In fact, citrus juices can increase citrate levels in the urine, which is a known inhibitor of stone formation.

When taken with meals, calcium supplements bind with dietary oxalate in the intestines, preventing it from being absorbed and later excreted by the kidneys. This reduces the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.