[Role of magnesium in the physiopathology and treatment of calcium renal lithiasis].

The inhibitory effect of magnesium on the first stages of renal calcium stone formation is modest in vitro and more pronounced in experimental in vivo studies. Magnesium deficiency has not yet been convincingly demonstrated in man. However, urinary magnesium concentrations are abnormally low in relation to urinary calcium concentrations in more than 25% of patients with kidney stones. A supplementary magnesium intake corrects this abnormality and prevents the recurrence of stones. Magnesium seems to be as effective against stone formation as diuretics. The modalities of magnesium therapy still have to be determined and its results to be confirmed. Magnesium, possibly added to drinking water, may well play a role in the primary prevention of renal calcium stones.