What is oxalates in the urine

Kidney stones that form in children and teenagers are likely to be caused by an underlying condition, such as hyperoxaluria. All young people with kidney stones should see a doctor for a thorough evaluation, including a test that measures oxalate in the urine. Adults with recurrent kidney stones also should be evaluated for oxalate in the urine.

Hyperoxaluria occurs when there is too much of a substance called oxalate in the urine. There are several types of hyperoxaluria:. Primary hyperoxaluria. Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare inherited genetic condition present at birth. In this type, the liver doesn't create enough of a certain protein enzyme that prevents overproduction of oxalate, or the enzyme doesn't work properly.

Excess oxalate is eliminated through your kidneys, in your urine. The extra oxalate can combine with calcium to create kidney stones and crystals, which can damage the kidneys and cause them to stop working renal failure. Kidney stones form early and most often cause symptoms during childhood or adolescence. Because of the very large amounts of oxalate produced, the kidneys of many people with primary hyperoxaluria fail by early to middle adulthood. But renal failure can occur as early as infancy, while others with primary hyperoxaluria never develop kidney failure.

To date, experts have identified three different genetic causes of primary hyperoxaluria. Untreated primary hyperoxaluria can eventually damage your kidneys. Over time your kidneys may stop working. For some people, this is the first sign of the disease.

Oxalosis in its late stages can cause a variety of complications outside the kidney, including bone disease, anemia, skin ulcers, heart and eye problems, and in children, a failure to develop and grow normally. Hyperoxaluria and oxalosis care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

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Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Foods High in Oxalate. It should leave your body through your urine. If your oxalate levels are too high, the extra oxalate can combine with calcium to form kidney stones.

These stones are hard masses of chemicals that can get stuck in the urinary tract. They commonly cause severe pain. Calcium-oxalate kidney stones are the most common type. Higher levels of oxalate may be caused by eating foods high in oxalate, or by your body absorbing or making too much oxalate. You may need this test if you have kidney stones often.

Your healthcare provider might order this test to help them advise you on treatment. It may also be used to find out how well limiting the amount of oxalate in your food is working. You might have this test to see if you have a rare inherited condition called primary hyperoxaluria and are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones. You might also need tests to look for other chemicals in your urine: glycolate and glycerate.

A blood sample may also be needed to test for a genetic form of hyperoxaluria. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things.