Effect of KSPtabs Supplementation on Key Urine Parameters Associated with Kidney Stone Formation

In the United States, the prevalence of kidney stones has doubled since 1972, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people. The incidence is escalating globally across sex, race, and age, with up to 50% of stone formers developing recurrence after their initial event. Annual economic burden exceeds $5 billion — including treatment costs and indirect costs from lost patient productivity.

Kidney stones form when compounds that are normally soluble accumulate as solid crystals within the kidney. Normal urine contains elements — such as a basic pH and urinary citrate — that innately inhibit stone development. When these inhibitory components are outweighed by stone-promoting factors like dehydration or low pH, stones are more likely to form and grow.

Approximately 80% of kidney stones are calcium oxalate; another 10% are uric acid stones. Dietary potassium citrate bonds calcium ions in the urine, raises urine pH, and reduces calcium oxalate stone formation. Dietary magnesium directly binds oxalate, inhibiting crystal formation. While lemon and lime juices contain citrate, they carry disadvantages including effects on tooth enamel and high vitamin C content — which can increase oxalate absorption. A safe, palatable alternative is needed.

We created KSPtabs effervescent tablets to prevent kidney stone development by increasing urine pH and urinary concentrations of citrate and magnesium while encouraging overall hydration.

In this prospective study, participants were selected from a urology practice in Austin, Texas with a known history of kidney stones. Participants received KSP supplements and testing materials at no expense and were not compensated for their time.

For the control arm, participants performed a 24-hour urine collection prior to KSP supplementation. For the study arm, participants repeated the collection while taking KSPtabs — dissolving 1 tablet per 16 ounces of water three times daily. Participants maintained a similar diet throughout both arms to control for dietary influences. Results were calculated by LabCorp and provided to the authors for comparison. An end-study questionnaire was also administered.

Urine citrate — a primary inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystallization — showed the largest improvement at +128%. Urine volume increased by 50%, meaningfully reducing the concentration of stone-forming compounds. Uric acid supersaturation decreased by 74% and urine calcium by 25%, both associated with reduced stone-forming risk.

One study participant was an outlier with more acidic urine after supplementation. Overall, participants did not exhibit significant adverse events and KSPtabs effervescent tablets were well tolerated.

KSPtabs effervescent tablets demonstrate a positive impact on stone-inhibiting urinary factors, which could lead to a reduction in urinary crystallization. A significant increase in fluid consumption was also observed. Patient feedback questionnaires demonstrated a 78% improvement in reported water "drinkability."

Variables difficult to control include individual dietary intake and comorbidities. KSPtabs continues to monitor outcomes and compile additional data with 2- and 4-tablet daily use protocols respectively.