Extremely rapid stone formation in cystinuria: look out for dietary supplements!

Clin Kidney J. 2021 Jan 28;14(6):1694-1696. doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfab013. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent nephrolithiasis. The prevention of new stones is based on diluting and alkalinizing urine, as well as a low salt and moderate protein intake. The avoidance of food rich in methionine (the precursor of cystine) is also advocated. We report the case of a young adult adherent to the preventative strategy who was stone-free and within months formed a large stone. This coincided with the recent intake of a dietary supplement containing both cystine and methionine. Patients and physicians should be aware of the potential harm of such supplements in patients with cystinuria.

Keywords: amino acid; cystine; cystinuria; kidney stone; methionine; nephrolithiasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports