Urinary calculi are associated with imbalance of which minerals?

• A. Calcium and phosphorus
• B. Sodium and potassium
• C. Magnesium and zinc
• D. Iron and copper

Answer: (A)

Urinary calculi most often form from calcium salts that precipitate when urine becomes concentrated or when the balance between calcium and phosphate shifts. Calcium-based stones are the most common type, forming as calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate crystals. When urinary phosphate is high, it can bind calcium and promote the precipitation of calcium phosphate, increasing stone risk. Conditions that raise calcium in urine (hypercalciuria) or phosphate levels in urine also contribute.

Sodium and potassium are key electrolytes for fluid and blood pressure control but don’t directly drive the formation of the common calcium-based stones. Magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper aren’t the primary minerals implicated in typical urinary calculi formation.