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organic lime juice

Also known as: Citrus aurantiifolia, Citrus latifolia, Lime juice, Organic lime juice, Lime extract

Overview

Organic lime juice is the liquid extracted from fresh limes grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It is a natural source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), citric acid, flavonoids, and other beneficial phytochemicals. As a dietary supplement, it is primarily used to increase vitamin C intake, provide antioxidant support, and potentially enhance mineral bioavailability, particularly calcium. The high vitamin C content, approximately 32% of the daily value per lime, supports immune function and skin health. The acidic pH, due to citric acid, contributes to its ability to chelate minerals. Research on lime juice as a specific supplement is moderate, with evidence ranging from in vitro and animal studies to small human trials. Systematic reviews on citrus juices exist, but few focus solely on lime juice.

Benefits

The primary benefits of organic lime juice include enhancing calcium bioaccessibility and providing vitamin C supplementation. Citric acid in lime juice increases calcium solubility, improving its absorption, as demonstrated in an in vitro digestion study where lime juice increased calcium bioaccessibility in yogurt snacks from 17-25% to 24-40%. One lime provides approximately 32% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, supporting immune function, skin health, and antioxidant defense. Secondary benefits include potential anticancer and antimicrobial activity, as shown in in vitro studies. Topical application may improve skin appearance, though clinical trials are lacking. Individuals with low dietary vitamin C intake or calcium absorption issues may benefit most.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for lime juice is the chelation of calcium ions by citric acid, which increases their solubility and prevents precipitation in the gut, thereby enhancing bioavailability. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. The phytochemicals present in lime juice may also modulate cellular proliferation pathways, as observed in in vitro cancer studies. These components interact with the immune system, gut mineral absorption, and, potentially, cancer cell cycle regulation.

Side effects

Organic lime juice is generally recognized as safe when consumed in dietary amounts. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of consumers, may include gastrointestinal discomfort due to its acidity, especially when consumed in large quantities. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, can include skin irritation or allergic reactions upon topical application. Rare side effects, seen in less than 1% of users, may involve photosensitivity leading to dermatitis with topical use. Vitamin C may interact with the absorption of certain drugs, and citric acid can alter urinary pH, affecting drug excretion. It is contraindicated for topical use before sun exposure and should be used with caution by individuals with citrus allergies or acid reflux.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose for lime juice supplementation. Dietary intake of juice from one lime (approximately 30-40 mL) provides a substantial amount of vitamin C. For enhancing calcium bioaccessibility, the amounts used in food studies have varied, focusing on sufficient acidification of the food matrix. High consumption may lead to dental erosion or gastrointestinal upset; however, no formal upper limit has been established. It is best consumed with meals to enhance mineral absorption. Fresh organic lime juice is preferred for maximal phytochemical content. Co-ingestion with calcium-rich foods enhances the benefit of increased calcium bioaccessibility.

FAQs

Is organic lime juice effective for boosting calcium absorption?

In vitro evidence supports increased calcium bioaccessibility due to citric acid content, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in vivo.

Can lime juice prevent cancer?

Experimental studies show antiproliferative effects in cell lines, but there is no conclusive human evidence to support lime juice as a cancer prevention agent.

Is it safe to apply lime juice on skin?

It may help exfoliate but can cause irritation and photosensitivity. Use cautiously and avoid sun exposure after application.

How much lime juice should I consume daily?

Consuming juice from one lime daily can provide significant vitamin C. More for specific effects is not established and may increase the risk of side effects.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765558/ – This in vitro digestion study demonstrated that lime juice increased calcium bioaccessibility in freeze-dried yogurt snacks from 17-25% to 24-40% due to citric acid chelation effects. The findings suggest that lime juice has the potential to improve mineral absorption in foods, but human trials are needed to confirm these results.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5491624/ – This review of the anticancer potential of citrus juices summarized in vitro and animal studies showing antiproliferative effects on various cancer cell lines. Citrus flavonoids and vitamin C are implicated in these effects, but the lack of RCTs in humans limits the clinical applicability of these findings.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/304448 – This nutritional analysis highlights that one lime provides about 32% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which supports immune and skin health. While clinical evidence for other benefits is limited, the analysis suggests promising potential for antioxidant support due to the vitamin C content.
https://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/collections/organic-lime-juice – This website discusses the benefits of using organic lime juice in skincare products. It suggests that the acids in lime juice can promote exfoliation and improve skin appearance by removing dead cells and reducing acne flare-ups, though clinical trials are lacking to support these claims.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-lemon – This article from WebMD discusses the general health benefits of citrus fruits, including limes. It highlights the vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, suggesting potential benefits for immune function and overall health, but it does not focus specifically on organic lime juice.