Some kidney stones including calcium phosphate and struvite stones form in vary alkaline urine (high pH). Currently available medication for stone prevention, namely citrate supplementation, can lead to even higher pH levels and promote stone formation. Multiple prior studies have looked at ways to acidify the urine to reduce the risk of recurrent stone formation. Ascorbic acid has been evaluated but showed no reduction in urinary pH. Ammonium chloride has shown to be effective but poorly tolerated (GI upset) at higher doses and thus is not recommended. Most recently, citric acid has been investigated but demonstrated no change in pH as compared to placebo. L-methionine is an amino acid which is metabolized to sulfate and hydrogen ions by the liver, thereby conferring an acid load onto the kidney and in theory can reduce the pH. Prior studies have demonstrated effective acidification of the urine in healthy individuals and amongst struvite stone formers. The purpose of this study is to assess the ability of L-methionine to acidify the urine of calcium phosphate stone formers. The study will involved patients abiding by a short term metabolic diet. The diet consists of typical foods (some frozen, some fresh) that have been carefully balanced to match the recommended/optimal amount of calories, protein, fat, sodium and calcium for a specific body weight. After eating this diet for 2 days, patients will begin taking L-methionine. The metabolic diet will then be resumed for 2 days at the end of taking the L-methionine (both taken together). At various times of the study, urine collections will be performed to see whether the urine becomes more acidic as a result of the L-methionine. If applicable, participants will be asked to undergo drug washout, to begin after consenting. If participants are taking Thiazide diuretics including hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, and indapamide and alkali medications including potassium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and potassium bicarbonate, they will be asked to stop taking them 5 days before Day 1 of the protocol.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any patient, aged 18-90 and not incarcerated, under the care of a urologist at UIHC, with a history of kidney stones with >60% calcium phosphate composition, prior 24 hour urine collection showing a urine pH of >6.1, internet access to complete REDCap surveys

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any patient over the age of 90 years old, incarcerated or with any one or multiple of the features below:

  • struvite component on prior stone analysis
  • bacteria with urease producing organism at time of stone removal
  • history or evidence of systemic acidosis
  • use of acetazolamide, topiramate, zonisamide, valproic acid
  • Stage >=3 CKD (GFR<60)
  • Hepatic disease
  • Taking thiazide diuretics or alkali and not agreeable to holding medications for the study
  • Pregnancy
  • History of osteoporosis
  • Allergy to methionine, sulfa or sulfa-containing products
  • Allergy to any food products to be provided as part of the study
  • Dietary restrictions that would prevent eating the supplied food such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, kosher, etc.
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Homocystinuria