Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Lemon Lime

Q: Are lemon/lime supplements safe?

Lemon/lime supplements are safe for most people at recommended doses. Monitor for gastrointestinal or allergic reactions. Discontinue use if adverse effects occur.

Q: When and how should I take lemon/lime?

It's best taken with meals to minimize GI discomfort. Juice can be diluted with water. Follow specific product instructions for extracts or powders.

Q: What results can I expect?

Expect modest weight loss and improved urinary citrate within weeks. Effects on kidney stone prevention are well-supported by research. Results vary by individual.

Q: Is lemon/lime a cure-all?

No, lemon/lime is not a cure-all. Benefits are modest and context-dependent. It should be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Also known as: Citrus limon, Citrus aurantiifolia, Lemon, Lime, Citrus, Lemon-lime, Citrus limon/Citrus aurantiifolia

Overview

Lemon and lime, scientifically known as *Citrus limon* and *Citrus aurantiifolia*, respectively, are citrus fruits celebrated for their high citric acid and vitamin C content, as well as bioactive flavonoids. Commonly consumed as juices, extracts, or whole fruits, they are utilized for various health applications, including weight management and urinary health, particularly in preventing kidney stones. These fruits are characterized by their low-calorie content and abundance of polyphenols, contributing to their antioxidant properties. Research on lemon and lime is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews available, though more extensive, long-term studies are warranted to solidify findings. The evidence supporting their benefits is strongest for urinary citrate enhancement and moderate for weight management, with most studies being short-term and involving moderate sample sizes.

Benefits

Lemon and lime offer several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis of 13 RCTs (n=921) indicated that citrus extracts significantly reduced body weight by 1.28 kg (95% CI: -1.82 to -0.74, p < 0.001), BMI by 0.32 kg/m² (95% CI: -0.60 to -0.05, p = 0.022), and waist/hip circumference by approximately 2.2 cm each. Systematic reviews also demonstrate that lemon and lime products increase urinary citrate and pH, which is beneficial for kidney stone prevention. Specifically, lemon juice has been shown to increase urinary citrate by 2.5-fold and potassium citrate by 3.5-fold, both leading to an increase in urine pH. While antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are plausible, they are less well-quantified. The benefits for kidney stone prevention are most pronounced in individuals with hypocitraturia. The weight loss effect is modest but statistically significant, while the increase in urinary citrate is clinically meaningful for stone prevention. Weight effects are typically observed after ≥4 weeks, while urinary citrate effects can be seen within days to weeks.

How it works

Lemon and lime exert their effects through several biological pathways. Citric acid increases urinary citrate levels, which reduces the formation of calcium oxalate stones in the urinary tract. The flavonoids and vitamin C present in these fruits provide antioxidant effects, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Primarily, lemon and lime affect the urinary tract and metabolism, with polyphenols potentially influencing lipid and glucose metabolism. Citrate transporters in the kidney are key molecular targets, along with antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory mediators. Citric acid and flavonoids are well-absorbed, leading to rapid and dose-dependent effects on urinary citrate levels.

Side effects

Lemon and lime are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at typical dietary and supplemental doses. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are rare but may include gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, may include mild allergic reactions, which are also rare. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, include severe allergic reactions and dental erosion with excessive juice consumption. No major drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when using high-dose potassium citrate with potassium-sparing drugs. Contraindications include severe citrus allergy, and caution is recommended for individuals with gastroesophageal reflux or a risk of dental erosion. While safe for most adults, there is limited data on the use of lemon and lime in children, pregnant women, or lactating women. Excessive consumption of lemon or lime juice can lead to dental erosion due to its high acidity.

Dosage

For urinary citrate enhancement, a minimum effective dose is approximately 120 mL of lemon juice daily, equivalent to about 2 lemons. Optimal dosage ranges from 120 to 250 mL of lemon juice or an equivalent extract daily for kidney stone prevention. For weight management, citrus extract doses vary by study but typically range from 500 to 1000 mg per day. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined, but excessive juice consumption may cause dental erosion or gastrointestinal upset. Lemon and lime can be taken with meals or spread throughout the day. They are available in juice, powder, or extract form, with juice providing additional hydration. Citric acid and flavonoids are well-absorbed, and no specific cofactors are required for their absorption.

FAQs

Are lemon/lime supplements safe?

Lemon/lime supplements are safe for most people at recommended doses. Monitor for gastrointestinal or allergic reactions. Discontinue use if adverse effects occur.

When and how should I take lemon/lime?

It's best taken with meals to minimize GI discomfort. Juice can be diluted with water. Follow specific product instructions for extracts or powders.

What results can I expect?

Expect modest weight loss and improved urinary citrate within weeks. Effects on kidney stone prevention are well-supported by research. Results vary by individual.

Is lemon/lime a cure-all?

No, lemon/lime is not a cure-all. Benefits are modest and context-dependent. It should be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32182635/ – This meta-analysis of 13 RCTs (n=921) found that citrus and/or its extracts significantly reduced body weight, BMI, and waist/hip circumference. The study indicated a reduction in body weight by 1.28 kg, BMI by 0.32 kg/m², and waist/hip circumference by approximately 2.2 cm each, suggesting a potential role for citrus in weight management.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5428529/ – This systematic review examined the effects of citrus-based products on urine profiles, including studies with both healthy individuals and urolithiasis patients. The review found that lemon/lime products increased urinary citrate and pH, with effects comparable to potassium citrate but of a lower magnitude, highlighting their potential in kidney stone prevention.
https://journals.lww.com/jbisrir/fulltext/2011/09481/the_effectiveness_of_lemon_solution_versus.8.aspx – This systematic review protocol outlines a study comparing lemon solution to potassium citrate for treating calcium kidney stones. The protocol suggests that lemon interventions may reduce urinary calcium and increase urine output, potentially with fewer side effects than potassium citrate, emphasizing the need for more high-quality RCTs in this area.
https://advanced.gg/products/lemon-lime – This URL links to a commercial product, Advanced GG Lemon Lime, and does not provide research-based information. Therefore, it is not suitable for inclusion as a research source in this context.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1556133/full – This URL links to a commercial product, Advanced GG Lemon Lime, and does not provide research-based information. Therefore, it is not suitable for inclusion as a research source in this context.