Besides stone formation, what general physiological issue arises from high oxalate intake in the digestive tract?
Interference with the absorption of essential minerals
A significant consequence of consuming high levels of oxalates is their interference with the body's ability to properly absorb necessary dietary minerals in the gut. Oxalic acid readily chelates (binds) with minerals present in the digestive environment. The text specifically highlights that when oxalate binds to calcium within the gut lumen, this calcium becomes chemically unavailable for uptake into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall. This means that even if an individual consumes sufficient calcium-rich foods, a high oxalate intake can functionally cause a deficiency by preventing that mineral from reaching systemic circulation where it is needed for bone health and numerous other metabolic processes.
