CalcoSin® Ultra is a food supplement containing potassium and magnesium citrates and plant extracts (phyllanthus, stonebreaker, birch, pellitory-of-the-wall and restharrow), in 20 sachets to dissolve in water. It is intended for adults predisposed to stone formation who want to care for their urinary tract health, alongside proper hydration and their doctor's advice. It may support urinary health, but it does not prevent or treat stones and does not replace treatments or specialist advice.
- 1 sachet per day to dissolve in water
- Two mineral citrates and 5 plant extracts
- Pack of 20 sachets, equivalent to 20 days of use
Kidney stones and urinary stone disease: what they are
Stones are solid formations that develop in the kidneys when certain substances in urine, such as calcium, oxalate or uric acid, become too concentrated and crystallize. When the crystals are very small, like grains of sand, they are called kidney gravel. Their formation is encouraged by several factors:
- drinking too little water and having highly concentrated urine;
- consuming too much salt;
- a diet too rich in animal protein;
- overweight and a sedentary lifestyle;
- family history and individual characteristics.
Types of stones: calcium oxalate, uric acid and others
Stones are classified into different types according to their composition:
- calcium oxalate stones, the most common type;
- calcium phosphate stones;
- uric acid stones, also linked to urinary pH;
- struvite stones, associated with urinary tract infections;
- cystine stones, which are rare and genetic in origin.
Stone analysis and tests prescribed by a urologist or nephrologist make it possible to provide advice tailored to each individual case.
Urinary pH and citrates: why they matter
Citrates, salts of citric acid, are naturally present in urine. They bind to calcium and make the environment less favorable for the formation of calcium oxalate crystals; urinary pH also affects stone formation, particularly uric acid stones. For this reason, European urology guidelines provide for citrate, at doses determined by a doctor, for people with recurrent stones and low urinary citrate levels.
CalcoSin® Ultra provides potassium and magnesium in the form of citrates as nutritional support, alongside proper hydration and a balanced diet. It does not replace prescribed treatments.
Composition per sachet
The table shows the amount of each ingredient in the recommended daily dose.
| Ingredient |
Daily amount |
| Potassium citrate |
1667 mg |
| of which potassium |
600 mg (30% NRV*) |
| Magnesium citrate |
909.1 mg |
| of which magnesium |
100 mg (26.7% NRV*) |
| Total citrates |
1626 mg |
| Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus niruri) dry extract |
300 mg |
| of which tannins |
45 mg |
| Birch dry extract |
200 mg |
| Stonebreaker |
200 mg |
| Pellitory-of-the-wall |
100 mg |
| Restharrow dry extract |
100 mg |
*NRV: Nutrient Reference Values.
Potassium citrate
This is the main component of the formula. Potassium contributes to normal muscle function, normal functioning of the nervous system, and the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Magnesium citrate
Completes the formula's mineral component. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance, normal muscle function, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Plant extracts
The plant extracts complement the formula with naturally sourced ingredients to support urinary system wellbeing:
-
Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus niruri, standardised to 15% tannins), known in South America as chanca piedra: supports urinary function;
-
Birch (Betula pendula, leaves): supports urinary function;
-
Rustyback fern (Ceterach officinarum, leaves): supports urinary function and the drainage of body fluids;
-
Pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria officinalis): supports urinary function and the drainage of body fluids;
-
Restharrow (Ononis spinosa, root): promotes the drainage of body fluids and has a soothing and emollient effect on the urinary tract.
How to use CalcoSin® Ultra: 1 sachet a day
Dissolve 1 sachet a day in a glass of water. It is important to drink enough throughout the day while taking it.
Urinary tract supplement in sachets or tablets: which is best for the kidneys?
There is no single best supplement: the choice depends on the type of stone, test results and any ongoing treatments. Those looking for a supplement for kidney stones or the urinary tract will find a wide range of formulations, from sachets to tablets. Before choosing, it is worth considering:
- the presence and amounts of mineral citrates;
- the plant extracts included;
- the format: sachets, tablets or capsules;
- the pack size, for example 20 or 30 sachets;
- any medications being taken and kidney function.
Supplements do not replace a doctor's assessment or treatment for kidney stones.
Preventing kidney stones: water and diet
Drinking enough is the most important rule for urinary tract health and preventing kidney stones. European guidelines recommend that people prone to forming stones:
- drink 2.5-3 litres of fluids a day, spread throughout the day;
- limit salt to 4-5 grams a day;
- do not eliminate calcium from your diet, but consume a normal amount;
- moderate animal protein intake and eat fruit and vegetables every day;
- maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
These are basic measures to reduce the risk of new episodes; more specific advice depends on the type of stone and test results.
Renal colic: when to see a doctor
Renal colic occurs when a stone moves along the urinary tract. The most common symptoms are:
- severe pain in the side or back, which may radiate to the abdomen or groin;
- nausea or vomiting;
- blood in the urine;
- frequent need to urinate or burning.
Seek medical attention immediately in case of very severe pain, fever, chills or difficulty urinating. Recurrent episodes should also be assessed by a specialist.
What do they do at the emergency department for renal colic?
At the emergency department, the pain is treated first, usually with injected anti-inflammatory drugs, followed by urine and blood tests and an ultrasound or CT scan to locate the stone. If the stone is small, you may be able to wait for it to pass on its own, sometimes with medication to relax the ureter; if you have a fever or the kidney is obstructed, urgent drainage may be needed with a stent or nephrostomy.
How kidney stones are treated
Treatment depends on the size, location and composition of the stone. Your doctor may recommend monitoring stones that can pass spontaneously, medication, extracorporeal lithotripsy, endoscopic procedures and metabolic investigations in recurrent cases.
Food supplements are not medicines for human use: CalcoSin® Ultra does not dissolve or remove existing stones, and stone fragmentation is a medical treatment.
Warnings
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
- Food supplements should not be considered a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Keep out of reach of children under three years of age.
- Do not take if you are taking potassium-sparing medicines or have chronic kidney disease without consulting your doctor.
- In case of kidney disease or ongoing treatment, consult your doctor before use.
- Birch preparations are contraindicated in cases of aspirin allergy.
Product information: food supplement in 20 sachets
In summary, the key information on the package.
- Product: CalcoSin® Ultra 20 sachets – food supplement, net weight 90 g
- Directions for use: 1 sachet per day
- Brand: GP Nutraceuticals – made in Italy
- Ministry of Health Food Supplement Register: code no. 86181
Want to know more? Read the complete guide to kidney stones: symptoms, renal colic, treatments, and what studies say about citrates and supplements
Sources
The information on this page is based on European urology guidelines, regulations on health claims and European Medicines Agency monographs.
- European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis. uroweb.org
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 – authorised health claims. eur-lex.europa.eu
- National Institute of Health – ISSalute. Kidney stones. issalute.it
- European Medicines Agency. Betulae folium. ema.europa.eu
- European Medicines Agency. Ononidis radix. ema.europa.eu
- Ministry of Health. Food Supplement Register. salute.gov.it