Can black tea extract contribute to kidney stone formation?

[big mike]

I know that black tea has been linked to kidney stones, so I would assume that black tea extract could result in the same problem, correct?

[CausticSymmetry]

big mike - The first study is on green tea, it's EGCG is inhibitory of oxalates due to the antioxidant activity. The second study suggest that black tea and coffee may increase oxalate. However, you can eliminate kidney stone virtually 100% by taking sufficient magnesium and b-complex (especially B6).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16724910

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17711092

[edony]

CS-

the needs in B-6 can be covered entirely by the brewer's yeast or an extra B-6 supplement would be required. In what form of B-6?

[CausticSymmetry]

edony - Brewer's yeast would be enough. Even though the weight in milligrams may seem small compared to standard, synthetic isolates, the energy or work is much greater.

[big mike]

CS -

So you're saying that sufficient magnesium and brewers yeast supplementation can negate the kidney stone forming potential of black tea? Also, do you think there is any validity to the claim that black tea has DHT lowing capabilities? Is it worth adding to a regiment? Thanks for all of your help.

[CausticSymmetry]

big mike - That's correct, Magnesium & Brewer's yeast (or other source of B6) can prevent kidney stone formation.

As far as black tea goes, it can inhibit DHT by 72%, which is 2% above finasteride. Probably even more interesting is in that study, testosterone levels rose significantly which is very positive sign.

Some time ago I did a thread on Theaflavin extract, which comes from black tea. I honestly forgot try it as I had planned (see thread below). At the time of the thread I was not able to find Theaflavin extract at a reasonable price. I think this is worth a strong look, because Theflavins are incredibly potent free radical scavengers.

http://immortalhair.forumandco.com/natural-hair-regrowth-forum-f1/making-the-switch-to-non-gallated-black-tea-polyphenols-theaflavins-t559.htm

[big mike]

CS -

I'm thinking about trying the Theaflavin supplement below. In your opinion is this a good route to go to stop shedding and is it safe to take along with beta sitosterol? I know they are both known to lower cholesterol....thanks

http://www.iherb.com/Life-Extension-Theaflavin-Standardized-Extract-30-Veggie-Caps/10451?at=0

[CausticSymmetry]

big mike - It would be safe, in fact I put this in a shopping cart today. Regarding the Beta-Sitosterol, try to keep the dose around 100 mg or less per dose (up to twice per day).

[Ramjet]

Caustic- can simply drinking black tea block DHT by 72% and how many cups would it take, as I already drink several cups a day and didn't even realize it had that potential?

[CausticSymmetry]

Ramjet - I'm not totally certain. Evidence suggests that black tea polyphenols do protect against androgen oxidation based inflammation. However, how long this remains active is another question.