Abstract
Background and Objectives: Use of mineral water for therapeutic purposes has an old past records. Being natural waters, absence of side effects, ease of usage and low price are important factors that make it necessary to do laboratory and clinical studies at this field. At present study effects of Jermuk bicarbonate calcium-rich alkaline mineral water on kidney parameters in renal stone formers were assessed and compared with Tabriz tap water.
Materials and Methods: The study followed a randomized double blind clinical trial. A total of 42 renal stone-forming volunteers participated in the study. Subjects were instructed to drink mineral water and Tabriz tap water lasting for 2 month each. During the baseline phase and after each 2-month period, kidney parameters were assessed and subjects underwent kidneys sonography.
Results: Jermuk mineral water is an alkaline and magnesium, bicarbonate, calcium and potassium rich mineral water. During the intake of mineral water urinary citrate and magnesium excretion and pH increased significantly compare to baseline phase (P 0.05), but no significant decrease was established at urinary oxalate excretion during the mineral water ingestion
(P >0.05).
Conclusion: Bicarbonate calcium-rich alkaline mineral water can increase urinary volume, pH, citrate, uric acid and magnesium excretion of renal stone forming subjects by consumption at enough volume (at least 2lit/day).