Oxalate is the conjugate base of oxalic acid which can bind to metal ions such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ to form
precipitates in the body. Consumption of high oxalate-containing foods may result in hyperoxaluria and
subsequent formation of insoluble calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, a primary component of kidney stones.
Although urinary oxalate originates from two sources, endogenous synthesis from various precursors and
exogenous intake from oxalate-containing foods, increased dietary oxalate intake and/or intestinal absorption
may provide the critical quantity of additional oxalate that triggers the formation of CaOx kidney stones
(Robertson et al. 1978; Robertson & Peacock, 1980).