Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 29/04/2012 11:22:01

Title: Can magnesium prevent kidney stones?
Post by: thedoc on 29/04/2012 11:22:01
Maureen Vermaak  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Good morning,
 
I have a query regarding calcium oxalate kidney stones.

The information that I'm questioning is quoted as follows: "some kidney stones are calcium oxalate, an insoluble compound. They are more common in areas where the water does not contain sufficient Magnesium. By taking a small amount of Magnesium daily, the formation of calcium oxalate is prevented because Magnesium is more reactive than Calcium and displaces Calcium to form a soluble compound which can be excreted"
 
According to the reactivity series that I have, Calcium is more reactive than Magnesium - so the statement above is untrue?!
 
Please could someone advise me?
 
Regards,
Maureen Vermaak
Pretoria, South Africa

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