Washington, Apr 27: Drinking diet soda may reduce the risk of forming kidney stones, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that the citrate and malate content in commonly consumed sodas may be sufficient to inhibit the development of calcium stones.

Increased alkalinity is proven to augment citraturia, a known factor for calcium stones. Malate increases the amount of alkali delivered.

Researchers measured the citrate and malate content of 15 popular diet sodas.

The researchers found that Diet Sunkist Orange contained the greatest amount of total alkali and Diet 7-Up had the greatest amount of citrate as alkali.

But a spokesman for the American Urological Association has warned people not to put all their faith in diet drinks.

"This study by no means suggests that patients with recurrent kidney stones should trade in their water bottles for soda cans," said Anthony Y Smith.

"However, this study suggests instead that patients with stone disease who do not drink soda may benefit from moderate consumption," he added.

The study was presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

ANI