Oxalates, commonly found in vegetable juices, and animal proteins bind with calcium and iron to make oxalate crystals which are excreted in the urine.
A low oxalate diet is a diet that limits foods that are high in oxalates. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that are found in many plants. They are also produced by the body.
Oxalates can bind to calcium to form oxalate crystals. These crystals can deposit in the kidneys and other organs, leading to health problems such as kidney stones, gout, and arthritis.
A low oxalate diet is often recommended for people with kidney stones, gout, and other health conditions that are aggravated by oxalates. It may also be beneficial for people who are at risk of developing these conditions.
Excess oxalates have the potential to grow kidney stones.
