담석증은 흔한 소화기질환 중 하나이며, 비만, 여성, 장기 간의 금식, 빠른 체중감량, 총 경정맥영양 등 담석발생의 다양한 위험인자가 알려져 있다. 증상이 있는 담석의 치료는 담낭절제술이 일반적인 치료이다. 무증상 혹은 경한 증상을 보이는 담석증에서 담즙산제제인 UDCA가 담도산통의 유발이나 급성 담낭염, 급성 췌장염과 같은 합병증 발생을 낮춘다고 알려져 있으나, 대규모 전향적 연구가 필요한 실정이 다. 담석, 특히 콜레스테롤 담석의 발생에 영향을 미치는 식이요소들로는 고콜레스테롤, 포화지방산, 정제된 탄수화물, 설탕 들이 있다. 예방적 효과를 보이는 식이는 불포화지방산, 섬유질, 커피, 적당양의 알콜 등이 있다. 또한 특정 음식 에 대한 과민반응으로 담석 증상이 발혈 될 수 있으며, 그 외 영양 첨가물로 비타민 C, 레시틴, 철분 등이 영향을 미칠 수 있고, 식물 terpenes 복합물도 도움이 될 수 있다.

Gallstone disease represents one of the most common gastroenterological disorders. Several risk factors for cholesterol gallstone formation in the general population have been identified. There is a strongly increased risk of gallstone disease during prolonged fasting, rapid weight loss, total parenteral nutrition, and somatostatin analogue treatment. Cholecystectomy is the most frequently recommended conventional treatment for symptomatic gallstones. In asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstone carriers, treatment with the hydrophilic bile salt ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been claimed to reduce the risk of biliary colic and gallstone complications such as acute cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis. However, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are lacking. There is evidence that dietary factors influence the risk of developing cholesterol gallstones. Dietary factors that may increase risk include cholesterol, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, refined sugar, and possibly legumes. Obesity is also a risk factor for gallstones. Dietary factors that may prevent the development of gallstones include polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, fiber, and caffeine. Consuming a vegetarian diet is also associated with decreased risk. In addition, identification and avoidance of allergenic foods frequently relieves symptoms of gallbladder disease, although it does not dissolve gallstones. Nutritional supplements that might help prevent gallstones include vitamin C, soy lecithin, and iron. In addition, a mixture of plant terpenes (Rowachol®) has been used with some success to dissolve radiolucent gallstones.

• 차상우(순천향대학교 의과대학 내과학교실 소화기병센터) | Sang-Woo Cha Corresponding author