Final answer:
Kidney stones are primarily composed of calcium oxalate (Ca(C2O4) H2O) and calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2), accounting for 75-90% of their composition. They form from sparingly soluble calcium salts and are influenced by dietary calcium intake and oxalate levels in the urine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kidney stones are most commonly composed of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. These stones tend to form from sparingly soluble calcium salts within the kidneys. About 75-90% of kidney stones are primarily comprised of calcium oxalate (Ca(O2CCO2) H2O) and calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2). The formation of these stones is connected to various factors, such as the concentration of calcium and oxalate in the urine, which may be influenced by dietary intake.
As the intake of calcium decreases, the amount of oxalate absorbed into the bloodstream, and consequently excreted into the urine, increases. The presence of increased levels of oxalate in the urine is a strong promoter of calcium oxalate precipitation, leading to the formation of renal calculi. Therefore, consuming adequate amounts of dietary calcium is important in preventing the crystallization of these compounds in the kidneys.