Kidney stones are small but mighty when it comes to pain. Anyone who has had them will tell you how sharp, sudden and unbearable the discomfort can be. The good news is that science is finding new ways to prevent stones.
An upcoming study led to bringing Vitamin B3 (also called niacin) to the forefront. Researchers discovered that people with a higher intake of Vitamin B3 as part of their diets were at a 22% lower chance of getting kidney stones. It’s an impressive number and could be as simple as altering your food choices could aid in protecting your kidneys.
What Exactly Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard stones of salts and minerals that build up inside your kidneys. They can lead to:
- Severe pain in the back or side
- Pain while urinating
- Blood in urine
- Nausea or vomiting
They are more likely to occur if you’re dehydrated, eat a lot of salt or protein or have a family history of stones. While medical treatments exist prevention is always easier and less painful
The New Study on Vitamin B3 and Kidney Stones
Researchers found that people who included more Vitamin B3 in their diet were less likely to develop kidney stones. They discovered:
- People who ate more niacin-rich foods had a 22% lower risk of stones.
- Even small increases in Vitamin B3 intake cut the risk by around 17%.
- The effect was strongest in people under 60.
This shows that Vitamin B3 might be a valuable part of kidney stone prevention.
How Vitamin B3 May Help Your Kidneys
Doctors and scientists believe niacin helps in a few important ways:
- Supports energy production – keeps kidney cells healthy.
- Balances calcium levels – may prevent calcium oxalate stones, the most common type
- Acts as an antioxidant – protects kidney cells from damage.
- Reduces inflammation – less swelling means lower stone risk.
Foods Stuffed With Vitamin B3
The most effective method to get Vitamin B3 is through diet. Here are some food items rich in Niacin you can incorporate into your meals:
- The meat and the poultry include turkey, chicken liver, beef, and chicken
- Fish: salmon, tuna and anchovies
- Eggs and dairy
- Peanuts, nuts and other legume beans, lentils
A balanced diet that includes these food items will provide your body with sufficient Vitamin B3 without the requirement of supplements.
Other Tested Ways to Stop Kidney Stones
Although Vitamin B3 is promising, physicians continue to advise tried and true preventive measures:
- Drink 2–3 liters of water daily.
- Reduce salt and processed foods.
- Consume moderate protein as too much red meat increases stone risk.
- Reduce oxalate foods such as spinach, beetroot and nuts
- Maintain a healthy weight by being physically active
Limitations of the Study
It’s interesting to note:
- The study indicates a connection, but doesn’t show that Vitamin B3 definitely prevents stones.
- It relied on diet and the history of kidney stones reported by patients, which is not always consistent.
- It is only considered to be a dietary Vitamin B3 and not tablets.
While it’s acceptable to eat niacin-rich foods, don’t go forward and consume Vitamin B3 tablets without consulting your doctor.
FAQs
Q1: Can Vitamin B3 help me if I already suffer from kidney stones?
Vitamin B3 may be useful in the prevention of stone formation, however in the event that a stone has already formed, it is usually likely to require medical treatment. Based on the size and location the doctor may recommend treatment, changes to your lifestyle or non-surgical options.
Q2: Are there any negative effects from excessive Vitamin B3?
Yes. Excess in Vitamin B3 supplements could cause an upset stomach, flushing or even damage to the liver. This is why it’s best to get it through food, unless your doctor suggests supplements.
Q3: Can all forms of kidney stones be affected by Vitamin B3?
A majority of kidney stones consist of calcium oxalate. Recent research has identified the role of niacin in this type of stone, however further research is required to determine whether or not it affects other forms of kidney stones, such as urinary struvite or uric acid stones.
Q4 Who is at greater risk of developing kidney stones?
Anyone with a family background of drinking, a deficiency of water, or consuming a lot of salty or processed food items or other medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure is at an increased risk.
Q5 What is the best time to consult an expert regarding kidney stones?
If you’re suffering from intense back or side pain, blood leaking from the urine, queasy or fever, you must seek medical attention immediately. These are signs that a huge stone or infection could be present and should be treated right away.
Eat Smart, Stay Stone-Free – With Expert Guidance from Dr. Deepanshu Gupta
Vitamin B3 is showing great potential in lowering your risk of kidney stones and as such is a valuable nutrient to add to your routine. It’s no miracle cure but adding niacin containing food items to your diet along with simple habits such as drinking lots of fluids and being on a healthy diet and being active can be a big assistance to keeping your kidneys healthy.
If you are dealing with kidney stones or need professional advice it is always advisable to consult an expert. Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is one of the best Urologists in Gurgaon having performed hundreds of high-standard kidney stone procedures and is well known for his patient centric approach towards treatment. His expertise in minimally invasive techniques ensures patients get proper advice and treatment, whether prevention or treatment is involved.