Zinc can inhibit the growth of calcium oxalate kidney stones, which are the most common type of kidney stone. Zinc binds to oxalate in the urine, preventing it from crystallizing and forming stones.
However, zinc can also promote the growth of struvite kidney stones, which are less common but more serious. Struvite stones are composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate, and zinc can increase the concentration of these minerals in the urine, leading to stone formation.
Therefore, the effect of zinc on kidney stone growth depends on the type of kidney stone.
