Products And Packaging Rumors

 Our Response:  We would like to assure you that soft drinks do not cause kidney stones. There are multiple causes of kidney stones, and the ingredients in cola beverages have not been shown to cause them. In fact, just the opposite is true. An inadequate intake of fluids is a major contributing factor toward formation of kidney stones. Soft drinks provide a pleasant and refreshing way to consume part of a person's daily fluid requirements, thereby encouraging adequate fluid intake.

You may choose to obtain a copy of "A prospective study of dietary calcium and other nutrients and the risk of symptomatic kidney stones." by Curhan GC, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ New England Journal Medicine 1993;328(12):833-838. The study states, "Sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sucrose, fiber, and sugared cola were not associated with risk when we controlled for potential confounders."

Review on kidney stones does not list Coca-Cola/Diet Coke in foods to limit

National Kidney Foundation does not list Coca-Cola/Diet Coke in foods to limit

There are 17 mg of phosphorus per 100 mL. in Coca-Cola. This is equivalent to the amount of phosphorus, for example, in orange juice and considerably less than in milk, cheese, and bread. Proportionately, meat products have more phosphorus than any other food. In fact, the phosphorus in cola beverages contributes 2.1% or less of the total dietary intake of phosphorus.

Below is a table that shows the amount of phosphorus in 100 grams of different products:

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