Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Kidney Stones
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
Supplement | Amount | Why |
---|---|---|
Magnesium Citrate and Potassium Citrate (Abdominal Pain) | 1,600 mg daily potassium as citrate and 500 mg daily of magnesium as citrate | [3 stars] Supplementing with a combination of potassium citrate and magnesium citrate may reduce the recurrence rate of kidney stones. |
IP-6 | 120 mg daily | [2 stars] IP-6 (inositol hexaphosphate, also called phytic acid) reduces urinary calcium levels and may reduce the risk of forming a kidney stone. |
Chondroitin Sulfate | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Chondroitin sulfate may help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. One trial found that glycosamionoglycans significantly lowered urinary oxalate levels, which reduces the risk of stone formation. |
Pumpkin Seeds | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Two trials from Thailand reported that eating pumpkin seeds reduces urinary risk factors for forming kidney stones. |
Vitamin B6 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Taking vitamin B6 with magnesium can inhibit oxalate stone formation. |
Vitamin E | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, supplementing with synthetic vitamin E was found to reduce several risk factors for kidney stone formation in people with elevated levels of urinary oxalate. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.