Lime

botanical

What is it

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia, the Key/Mexican lime, or Citrus latifolia, the Persian lime) is a small citrus fruit used in food, drinks, and traditional medicine as a source of vitamin C, citric acid, and flavonoids.

Evidence for 3 uses

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

Scurvy prevention (historical)

Strong

Citrus fruits including lime were historically used to prevent scurvy on long voyages. Hence the British nickname 'limeys' for sailors. Vitamin C deficiency is rare today but lime remains a valid source.

Kidney stone prevention (calcium oxalate)

Good

Lime and lemon juice increase urinary citrate, an inhibitor of calcium oxalate stone formation. Useful adjunct to standard hydration and dietary changes.

Vitamin C source

Good

Lime provides modest vitamin C (less than orange) and citrus flavonoids; contributes to overall ascorbate intake.

How it works

Lime juice contains vitamin C (about 30 mg per 100 g, less than lemon), citric acid (5 to 7 percent of juice), and citrus flavonoids including hesperidin, naringenin, and limonin. Citric acid raises urinary citrate, which inhibits the formation of calcium kidney stones, and acidifies the urine. The peel contains more concentrated essential oils (notably limonene) and furanocoumarins (bergapten, oxypeucedanin) in some varieties. Furanocoumarins can sensitize skin to UV light (phytophotodermatitis) and interfere with drug metabolism. Lime peel and zest are used in some supplements for digestive support and the polyphenol content. Lime juice is widely used in kidney stone prevention regimens alongside lemon juice.

Dosage

Culinary: 1 to 3 limes/day for citrate effect, or about 120 mL of lime juice diluted in water. Supplemental citrus peel extracts vary; follow label.

When and how to take it

Use lime juice freely in cooking and drinks. For kidney stone prevention, drink lime water consistently throughout the day. For tooth enamel protection, drink through a straw and rinse with water afterward.

2 commercial forms

Lime juice (fresh)

Acidic; provides vitamin C, citrate, and flavonoids.

Most common use; in drinks or cooking.

Lime peel extract or zest

Higher concentration of limonene and furanocoumarins.

Used as flavoring and in digestive support supplements.

Safety

Very safe as food. Concentrated peel exposure may cause skin photosensitivity (especially with sun exposure). Acidic juice can erode tooth enamel; rinse with water after consuming.

Who should be cautious

People taking medications affected by grapefruit should ask their pharmacist about lime as well. Those with calcium kidney stones may benefit from lime juice; those with uric acid stones may benefit from alkalinizing fruits more than lime.

Interactions

Like other citrus, lime contains furanocoumarins that may interact with CYP3A4-metabolized medications, though typically less significantly than grapefruit. Caution with statins, calcium channel blockers, and certain immunosuppressants if consuming lime juice in large daily amounts.

Food sources

FoodAmount%DV
Lime juice (1 lime)30 mL—
Lime zest1 tsp—

Frequently asked questions

Does lime juice interact with my medications like grapefruit does?⌄

Lime has similar furanocoumarins as grapefruit but at lower concentrations. The interaction risk is less, but exists for the same drugs. Ask your pharmacist.

Will lime juice help my kidney stones?⌄

For calcium oxalate stones (the most common type), lime and lemon juice can help by raising urinary citrate. Continue medical evaluation and stay well-hydrated.

References

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

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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.