Apple Cider Vinegar for the Prevention of Urinary Lithiasis (APUL)

Apple Cider Vinegar for the Prevention of Urinary Lithiasis (APUL)

The purpose of this study is to assess whether certain beverages can increase urinary citrate levels in healthy individuals with no history of kidney disease.

Higher urinary citrate levels have been shown to decrease one's risk of developing kidney stones. The study will compare apple cider vinegar, coconut water, diet citric soda and lemonade and determine which is superior at raising citrate levels. Research participants will consume two of the four drinks, each for 7 day periods, according to a prescribed regimen. Throughout the course of the study, participants will periodically provide blood draws for metabolic panels, as well as 24-hour urine samples to measure citrate levels. There will be 12 study arms, accounting for the permutations of two drinks for each patients out of four possibilities. 3 participants per arm is the goal, for a total of 36, but the recruitment aim is 50 participants, to account for dropout and noncompliance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female volunteers 18-65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of peptic ulcer disease or gastroparesis
• Pregnant females
• History of chronic kidney disease
• History of urolithiasis
• Currently taking medications that interfere with urinary electrolyte excretion (thiazide and loop diuretics)javascript:document.
• History of Diabetes