Is phosphorus toxic to the kidneys?
In this detailed study, researchers found that excessive intake of phosphate (phosphorus) increases a substance called FGF-23. One of FGF-23 main tasks is to maintain phosphorus balance in the blood. It does that by increasing the excretion of phosphorus in the urine. This study found that the presence of high phosphorus in the kidney tubules causes them to bind with calcium forming tiny crystals that are very toxic to the tubular cells and leads to fibrosis. Investigators found that a level of FGF-23 above 53 pg/mL is associated with progression of kidney disease in humans.
Coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of kidney stones
Investigators used Mendelian randomization to study the link between coffee consumption and the risk of kidney stones. They looked into the UK and Finland genetic databases and tried to find the association between coffee drinking genotype and kidney stone phenotype.
The study found that genetically predicted coffee and caffeine consumption was associated with a lower risk of kidney stones. This supports other observational studies that indicated the same.
But of course, the study means that consumption of black coffee is associated with decreased risk for kidney stones. It does not addresses latté or triple caramel Frappuccino. So, as always drink coffee in moderation.
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One in every 5 CKD patients receives a nephrotoxic medication
This study published ahead of print looked into the use of nephrotoxic medications in the US and Sweden. They studied a total of 74,135 patients with stage 3-5 CKD. In one year, one in every 5 patients with CKD, received a nephrotoxic medication.
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