Lemon

botanical
Best with a meal

What is it

Lemon (Citrus limon) is a citrus fruit rich in vitamin C, citric acid, and citrus flavanones (eriocitrin, hesperidin, naringenin). The peel essential oil is rich in limonene.

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Kidney stone prevention (citrate)

Strong

Citrate from lemon juice or potassium citrate effectively reduces recurrence of calcium oxalate stones.

Vitamin C status

Strong

Reliable vitamin C source.

Vascular function (via citrus flavanones)

Good

Citrus polyphenol RCTs show modest improvements in endothelial function.

How it works

Lemon delivers vitamin C (antioxidant, collagen cofactor, immune support), citric acid (alkalinizing urine, raising citrate; helps prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones), and citrus flavanones with vascular and metabolic effects. Limonene from the peel has investigated cancer-chemopreventive and digestive effects. Citric acid also forms soluble complexes with calcium and iron in the gut, slightly improving absorption.

Dosage

Whole fruit, juice, or peel extract is dosed by intent. Citric acid for kidney stone prevention: 30-60 mEq citrate/day (equivalent to half a cup of lemon juice in 1-2 liters water).

When and how to take it

Use with meals or in beverages. Rinse mouth with water after acidic drinks to protect enamel.

2 commercial forms

Whole lemon or juice

Standard food source.

Provides vitamin C, citrate, and flavanones.

Lemon polyphenol extract (eriocitrin-standardized)

Concentrated flavanones.

Used in vascular/metabolic supplements.

Safety

Very safe as food. Citric acid can erode tooth enamel; rinse with water after acidic drinks. Lemon essential oil can cause photosensitivity on skin.

Who should be cautious

Severe dental erosion, untreated GERD (acidity). Kidney stone history: citrate is generally helpful but discuss with urologist.

Interactions

Vitamin C in large amounts may interact with certain chemotherapies. Citrate may alkalinize urine, affecting drug excretion. Naringin from some citrus is a CYP3A4 inhibitor; lemon has less than grapefruit.

Food sources

FoodAmount%DV
Lemon juice (1 oz)~7-15 mg vitamin C, ~12 mEq citrate—
Whole lemon (medium)~30 mg vitamin C33%

Frequently asked questions

Does lemon water help kidney stones?⌄

Yes, citrate from lemon juice is one of the inhibitors of calcium oxalate stones.

Will it interact with my medication like grapefruit?⌄

Lemon has less CYP3A4-inhibiting naringin than grapefruit. Risk is lower but not zero.

References

  • Lemon on Wikidata — Wikidata link
  • Lemon on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Lemon (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Lemon with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.