In a previous article, we explained what a crystallization inhibitor is and its use to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Depending on the type of stone, some inhibitors are more specific, such as theobromine, a specific inhibitor of uric acid crystals.
Theobromine is a chemical compound found naturally in various foods, especially in cocoa beans. Theobromine has many properties, such as causing enthusiasm or happiness when consuming cocoa, as well as a diuretic and relaxing effect. It is particularly useful for people who have uric acid kidney stones due to its molecular structure being very similar to that of the uric acid molecule. This characteristic allows it to bind to the surface of the crystals and prevent more uric acid molecules from aggregating, thus preventing the growth of the stone. This stone can be eliminated naturally through the flow of urine, thereby preventing it from reaching a size large enough to block the urinary tract.
To take theobromine, the solution is not to consume a lot of chocolate, as, apart from theobromine, it is also rich in sugar, fats, and especially oxalate, which could generate another type of stone. The best way to take theobromine is concentrated in food supplements that act in conjunction with the alkalinization of urinary pH, as it can help prevent the formation of uric acid stones, as demonstrated in several clinical studies 1,2.
If you have uric acid stones, it is important to maintain a balanced diet with sufficient water intake, as well as regular physical activity.
- Grases F, Rodríguez A, Costa-Bauza A. et al. Theobromine inhibits uric acid crystallization. A potential application in the treatment of uric acid nephrolithiasis. PLoS ONE 9(10): e111184.
- Hernandez Y, et al. Comparison of Two Dietary Supplements for Treatment of Uric Acid Renal Lithiasis: Citrate vs. Citrate + Theobromine. Nutrients 2020.
