Final answer:
Excess vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones. Lifestyle and diet, including high intake of animal protein and insufficient fluid consumption, also contribute to the risk. Preventive measures include balanced hydration and avoiding high-protein foods rich in purines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dietary supplement that can increase the risk of kidney stones is excess vitamin C. While it is essential for body functions, taking it in extremely high doses might have health implications, including the formation of kidney stones. Individuals with a history of kidney stones are often advised to avoid taking large amounts of vitamin C supplements. Kidney stones can also be caused by various other factors, including specific metabolic conditions like renal tubular acidosis and genetic predispositions. Lifestyle factors such as high consumption of cola soft drinks, diets rich in animal protein, and inadequate fluid intake can also be contributing factors in kidney stone formation.
Maintaining a balanced diet with adequate hydration is an effective preventive measure against kidney stones. Certain fruit juices like orange juice, blackcurrant, and cranberry juice may help lower the risk for specific types of stones. Furthermore, making dietary changes by reducing the intake of high-protein foods, especially those high in purines, such as tea, coffee, and chocolate, can also help minimize the risk of kidney stones and gout, a related condition where uric acid accumulates in joints.