Home Ingredients Lime Fruit and Juice (Citrus aurantiifolia and Citrus latifolia)
Kidney/Urinary Tract

Lime Fruit and Juice (Citrus aurantiifolia and Citrus latifolia)

Citrus aurantiifolia; Citrus latifolia
Evidence Level
Limited
8 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Lime is the green citrus fruit sold as Key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and Persian or Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia). Its juice is one of the richest food sources of citric acid, about 1.38 g per ounce of fresh juice, and supplies about 30 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. Most human research on lime tests urine chemistry in people who form calcium stones. Fresh lime juice did not raise urine pH in healthy volunteers, while a Thai lime juice and peel powder that also supplies potassium was followed by fewer new stones than placebo in one 2-year trial registered only after it ended. A company-linked trial of a lime peel extract reported better sleep lab measures, and lime peel powder did not change weight, blood sugar or blood fats in overweight teenagers. Skin contact with lime followed by sunlight can cause a burn-like rash, and the rind holds furanocoumarins linked to grapefruit-type drug interactions.

Studied Dose Fresh lime juice 10 mL in 250 mL water three times daily for 7 days; lime powder drink 7.75 g each evening for 2 years; lime peel extract 300 mg a day for 2 weeks; limeade with 25 mg vitamin C twice daily for 8 months; peel powder capsules for 4 weeks.
Active Compound Lime juice, fruit and peel (Citrus aurantiifolia and Citrus latifolia). The juice is rich in citric acid (about 1.38 g per ounce of fresh juice) and supplies vitamin C (30 mg per 100 g). The peel holds flavonoids and furanocoumarins such as bergapten, which are far more concentrated in the rind than in the pulp. Studied products include a Thai lime juice and peel powder drink that also supplies potassium and a standardized lime peel extract.

Benefits

Urinary measures with a lime juice and peel powder drink

In 173 Thai adults whose calcium oxalate stones had been removed, a lime juice and peel powder drink taken each evening for 2 years was followed by new stones in 14% versus 45% on placebo. Each sachet also supplies 21 mEq of potassium, and the full formula is not disclosed. The trial was registered only after it ended, and its groups were unequal (98 versus 75) despite planned equal allocation.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Urine pH with fresh lime juice compared with potassium citrate

In 47 healthy medical students, 10 mL of fresh lime juice in 250 mL of water three times a day for 7 days did not raise urine pH, while prescription potassium citrate did. Neither changed the urine calcium to creatinine ratio significantly. Each juice dose held 460 mg of citric acid versus 560 mg in each potassium citrate dose.

Supported by Trial 4

Sleep lab measures with a standardized lime peel extract

In 80 adults with disturbed sleep, 300 mg a day of a standardized lime peel extract for 2 weeks was reported to shorten the time to fall asleep, reduce time awake and raise sleep efficiency and total sleep time on overnight sleep recordings. The published summary does not say whether these changes differed from placebo, and a correction to the paper has been issued. Several authors list a supplement company affiliation.

Supported by Trial 5

Weight, blood sugar and blood fats with lime peel powder in teenagers

In 60 overweight or obese adolescents aged 10 to 18, daily capsules of dried Key lime peel and membrane powder for 4 weeks did not change body mass index, fasting blood sugar, blood fats, blood pressure or blood vessel markers compared with cornstarch capsules. The paper calls the fruit lemon, but it was Citrus aurantifolia.

Supported by Trial 6

Iron status with vitamin C from limeade at meals

In 36 iron-deficient women in rural Mexico eating a high-phytate diet, 500 mL of limeade with 25 mg of vitamin C at each of two meals a day for 8 months raised blood vitamin C but did not improve hemoglobin, ferritin or transferrin receptor levels compared with a lime-flavored drink without vitamin C or citric acid.

Supported by Trial 7

Vitamin C and citric acid content of the juice and fruit

USDA data list 30 mg of vitamin C and 25 kcal per 100 g of raw lime juice, and one lime yields about 44 g of juice, roughly 13 mg of vitamin C. A whole raw lime of 67 g holds about 19 mg. In laboratory analysis, fresh lime juice held 1.38 g of citric acid per ounce and lime juice concentrate 1.06 g.

Supported by Trial 8, Trial 4

Mechanism of action

1

Citric acid as a dietary source of urinary citrate

Citrate in urine helps keep calcium from crystallizing, and lime juice is rich in citric acid. Fresh juice delivers that citrate with little alkali, which may be why it did not raise urine pH in volunteers, while the Thai lime powder pairs citrate with potassium and raised urinary pH and citrate from baseline in patients.

2

Peel flavonoids and the GABA-A receptor in mice

In mice, the same standardized lime peel extract shortened the time to fall asleep and increased non-REM sleep. A flavonoid-rich fraction carried the effect, the extract bound to and activated GABA-A receptors in lab tests, and a GABA-A blocker abolished it. These are animal and laboratory findings, not results in people.

3

Furanocoumarins in the rind and the CYP3A4 enzyme

Lime rind held 6 to 182 times more furanocoumarins than the pulp, mostly bergapten. In lab tests lime juice contained more bergamottin than grapefruit juice and blocked the drug-processing enzyme CYP3A4. In people, quarter-strength lime juice did not change average levels of the drug felodipine, but more than doubled them in 2 volunteers.

Clinical trials

1
Lime Powder Drink vs Placebo for 2 Years: Multicenter Double-Blind RCT
PubMed

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at six Thai hospitals of a lime juice and peel powder (LPR) dissolved in water each evening, with a maltodextrin placebo; registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry in 2025 after follow-up ended in 2022. Funded by the National Research Council of Thailand; no competing interests declared. (Dissayabutra et al. 2025, PLoS One)

173 adults whose calcium oxalate stones had been removed, randomized 98 to LPR (7.75 g sachet with 63 mEq citrate, 21 mEq potassium and 153 mg of flavonoids; full formula not disclosed) and 75 to placebo; 151 completed.

Stones recurred on CT in 14% with LPR versus 45% with placebo over 2 years (13 of 86 versus 33 of 65 completers, 15.1% versus 50.8%, in the results section) (hazard ratio 0.24, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.44). Urinary protein and IL-8 fell with LPR versus placebo among completers. No serious adverse events; transient tooth sensitivity was reported. Complete urine chemistry was not available for all participants, and the arms were unequal despite planned 1:1 randomization.

2
Lime Powder Drink vs Placebo for 6 Months: Phase 2 Double-Blind RCT
PubMed

Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the same Thai lime powder regimen (LPR), a limeade-based supplement containing potassium and citrate. Funding not stated in the abstract. (Ungjaroenwathana et al. 2019, Nephrology (Carlton))

74 adults with kidney stones at high risk of recurrence, randomized to LPR or placebo for 6 months.

The abstract reports that LPR raised urinary pH, citrate and potassium, lowered urinary calcium, oxalate and supersaturation, and raised urinary antioxidant status; it does not give between-group statistics. Gastrointestinal side effects were rare, and no participant formed a new stone during the trial.

3
Lime Powder vs Potassium Citrate vs Placebo: 3-Month Randomized Study
PubMed

Randomized three-arm study of a drink made from an in-house lime powder, prescription potassium citrate, or a lactose placebo, with the lime powder and potassium citrate matched for potassium (21 mEq) and citrate (63 mEq). Supported by non-US government funding. (Tosukhowong et al. 2008, Urol Res)

31 Thai adults with kidney stones: 13 on lime powder, 11 on potassium citrate and 7 on placebo.

Urinary pH, potassium and citrate rose in both the lime powder and potassium citrate groups, while the placebo group was unchanged apart from urinary chloride. Lime powder also raised red cell glutathione and lowered urinary malondialdehyde and two tubular damage markers. Results are reported within groups, and the groups were small.

4
Fresh Lime Juice vs Potassium Citrate: Randomized Crossover in Healthy Volunteers
PubMed

Prospective, single-center, unblinded randomized crossover study of 7 days of fresh lime juice versus mist potassium citrate, with a 2-week washout. Funded by a university research grant. (Sivananthan et al. 2023, Malays Fam Physician)

50 healthy medical student volunteers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 47 analyzed after 3 withdrew because of the taste of potassium citrate. Lime juice dose was 10 mL in 250 mL of water three times daily.

Potassium citrate raised urine pH (6.2 to 6.7), while lime juice did not (5.9 after treatment, P = 0.148). Neither treatment changed the urine calcium to creatinine ratio significantly. Lime juice caused no gastrointestinal side effects. Fluid, protein and salt intake were not controlled.

5
Standardized Lime Peel Extract vs Placebo for 2 Weeks: Polysomnography RCT
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with overnight polysomnography. Several authors list Nutra-it Inc. research affiliations, and the corresponding author reports funding from the Korea Ministry of SMEs and Startups. A correction was published in September 2025 (Phytomedicine 145:156978); its content is not shown in PubMed. (Kim et al. 2025, Phytomedicine)

80 adults with sleep disturbance in Korea, given 300 mg a day of standardized lime peel extract or placebo for 2 weeks.

The abstract reports that the extract significantly improved overnight sleep recordings, with shorter sleep latency, wake after sleep onset and total wake time and higher sleep efficiency, total sleep time and stage 2 sleep, and lower Epworth daytime sleepiness scores. It does not say whether these were differences from placebo or from baseline. No serious adverse effects were reported. A single short trial of one extract.

6
Key Lime Peel Powder vs Placebo in Adolescents: 4-Week Triple-Masked RCT
PubMed

Triple-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of capsules of dried peel and outer membrane of Citrus aurantifolia (called lemon in the paper) versus cornstarch capsules; the dose is not stated. Funded as a thesis by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. (Hashemipour et al. 2016, Med J Islam Repub Iran)

60 overweight or obese adolescents aged 10 to 18 in Isfahan, Iran; 30 and 29 completed.

No between-group differences in body mass index, fasting blood sugar, blood lipids, blood pressure, ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. Within the peel group, body mass index, LDL cholesterol and systolic pressure fell slightly. Low compliance kept the trial to 4 weeks.

7
Limeade With Vitamin C vs Placebo Drink for 8 Months: Community RCT
PubMed

Community trial in which two rural Mexican populations were randomly assigned to limeade providing 25 mg of vitamin C or a lime-flavored placebo drink free of vitamin C and citric acid, taken with two meals a day, 6 days a week. PubMed lists US government support. (Garcia et al. 2003, Am J Clin Nutr)

36 iron-deficient women, 18 per group, eating diets high in phytate and nonheme iron.

Plasma vitamin C was higher in the limeade group at every check. After adjusting for starting values, hemoglobin, plasma ferritin, transferrin receptors and their ratio did not differ between groups at 8 months. The extra vitamin C did not improve iron status.

8
Lime Juice vs Grapefruit Juice and Felodipine: Randomized Crossover
PubMed

Randomized crossover pharmacokinetic study of the blood pressure drug felodipine taken with 250 mL of grapefruit juice, one quarter-strength lime juice, red wine or water, with laboratory tests of CYP3A4 inhibition. Supported by non-US government funding. (Bailey et al. 2003, Clin Pharmacol Ther)

Healthy volunteers; the number is not given in the abstract.

Grapefruit juice nearly doubled average felodipine exposure (AUC 55 versus 29 nmol.h/L with water). Quarter-strength lime juice did not change average values, but more than doubled felodipine exposure and peak level in 2 participants, and individual responses to lime and grapefruit juice were closely correlated. Lime juice held 100 versus 25 micromol/L of bergamottin.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Skin reactions in sunlight: lime juice or rind on the skin followed by sun exposure can cause phytophotodermatitis, a burn-like reaction. A 6-year-old boy who soaked his hands in lime juice while making limeade developed painful swelling and large blisters on both hands. The rind held 6 to 182 times more furanocoumarins than the pulp, mainly bergapten. This is a skin contact effect, not an effect of drinking the juice.
Tooth enamel: lime juice is strongly acidic. A case report described erosion and tooth sensitivity in a woman who drank lime juice regularly to lose weight, and transient tooth sensitivity was reported in the 2-year lime powder trial.
Stomach tolerance: in a 7-day trial, 10 mL of lime juice three times a day caused no gastrointestinal side effects, and gastrointestinal complaints were rare or not significant in the Thai lime powder trials.
A 2-week trial of a lime peel extract reported no serious adverse effects; longer use has not been studied.
Lime essential oil and kaffir lime leaves are different materials and are outside the scope of this page.

Important Drug interactions

Medicines with a grapefruit warning: a medical review states that limes, like Seville oranges and pomelos, can produce the grapefruit interaction, in which furanocoumarins block the CYP3A4 enzyme in the gut. In a volunteer study, quarter-strength lime juice did not change average blood levels of felodipine but more than doubled them in 2 people. Ask a pharmacist before using lime juice or peel products with such a medicine.
Prescription potassium citrate: fresh lime juice did not raise urine pH the way potassium citrate did, so it should not replace a prescribed medicine without your doctor's advice.
Potassium: the Thai lime powder products supplied potassium (21 mEq per dose in one study). People told to limit potassium, or taking medicines that raise blood potassium, should check with their doctor before using such products.
Sleep medicines and sedatives: a lime peel extract acted on GABA-A receptors in mice, the same target as some sleep drugs. Combined use was not tested; ask your prescriber first.

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Frequently asked questions about Lime Fruit and Juice (Citrus aurantiifolia and Citrus latifolia)

Can lime juice replace prescription potassium citrate?

The evidence says no. In healthy volunteers, 10 mL of fresh lime juice three times a day for a week did not raise urine pH, while potassium citrate did. The Thai lime powder that showed fewer new stones than placebo in one 2-year trial is a processed product that also supplies potassium, not plain juice, and that trial was registered only after it ended. Anyone who forms stones should follow their doctor's plan.

Why can lime juice on the skin cause a rash or blisters in the sun?

Lime rind and juice contain furanocoumarins such as bergapten, which react with sunlight on the skin and can cause phytophotodermatitis, a burn-like reaction that may blister and leave dark marks. In one case a child who soaked his hands in lime juice while making limeade developed large blisters. The rind holds far more of these compounds than the pulp.

Does lime interact with medicines the way grapefruit does?

Possibly, for some medicines. A medical review lists limes among the citrus fruits that can produce the grapefruit interaction. In a volunteer study, quarter-strength lime juice did not change average levels of the drug felodipine, but more than doubled them in 2 people. If a medicine carries a grapefruit warning, ask a pharmacist about lime too.

Does marinating food in lime juice make it safe to eat?

Not reliably. In laboratory tests of ceviche, lime juice cut Vibrio parahaemolyticus on raw fish to undetectable levels but reduced Salmonella only slightly. During a cholera outbreak in Guinea-Bissau, eating lime juice in sauce was linked to lower odds of illness, but that was an observational finding. Lime juice does not replace cooking, safe water and food hygiene.

How much vitamin C is in a lime?

USDA data list 30 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of raw lime juice, and one lime yields about 44 g of juice, roughly 13 mg. A whole 67 g lime holds about 19 mg.

What is Lime Fruit and Juice?

Lime is the green citrus fruit sold as Key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and Persian or Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia). Its juice is one of the richest food sources of citric acid, about 1.38 g per ounce of fresh juice, and supplies about 30 mg of vitamin C per 100 g.

What is Lime Fruit and Juice used for?

Lime Fruit and Juice is researched primarily for Kidney/Urinary Tract. In 173 Thai adults whose calcium oxalate stones had been removed, a lime juice and peel powder drink taken each evening for 2 years was followed by new stones in 14% versus 45% on placebo.

What is the recommended dosage of Lime Fruit and Juice?

The clinically studied dose is Fresh lime juice 10 mL in 250 mL water three times daily for 7 days; lime powder drink 7.75 g each evening for 2 years; lime peel extract 300 mg a day for 2 weeks; limeade with 25 mg vitamin C twice daily for 8 months; peel powder capsules for 4 weeks. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Lime Fruit and Juice safe, and does it have side effects?

Side effects and cautions reported for Lime Fruit and Juice include: Skin reactions in sunlight: lime juice or rind on the skin followed by sun exposure can cause phytophotodermatitis, a burn-like reaction. A 6-year-old boy who soaked his hands in lime juice while making limeade developed painful swelling and large blisters on both hands. It may also interact with some medications. Lime Fruit and Juice is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Lime Fruit and Juice interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Medicines with a grapefruit warning: a medical review states that limes, like Seville oranges and pomelos, can produce the grapefruit interaction, in which furanocoumarins block the CYP3A4 enzyme in the gut. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Lime Fruit and Juice?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Lime Fruit and Juice as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 8 study summaries and 16 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(16 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Dissayabutra T, Anegkamol W, Ratchanon S, Ungjaroenwathana W, Klinhom T, Sasivongsbhakdi T, Siriwattana P, Burami A, Wayakkanont U, Prapunwattana P, Tosukhowong P. Lime-based supplement reduces calcium oxalate stone recurrence: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2025;20(12):e0336892. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336892.PubMedUsed to support: Multicenter double-blind randomized trial at six Thai hospitals in 173 adults after calcium oxalate stone removal: a lime juice and peel powder regimen (LPR, 7.75 g sachet with citrate, potassium and 153 mg flavonoids) or maltodextrin placebo each evening for 24 months. Recurrence was 14% versus 45% (hazard ratio 0.24, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.44); urinary protein and IL-8 fell with LPR. Allocation was 98 versus 75 and the trial was registered (TCTR20250530001) in 2025 after follow-up ended. No serious adverse events; transient tooth sensitivity. Funded by the National Research Council of Thailand; no competing interests declared.
  2. Ungjaroenwathana W, Chiramongkolsiri T, Dissayabutra T, Boonla C, Prapunwattana P, Tungsanga K, Tosukhowong P. Lime powder regimen supplement alleviates urinary metabolic abnormalities in urolithiasis patients. Nephrology (Carlton). 2019;24(8):791-797. doi: 10.1111/nep.13493.PubMedUsed to support: Phase 2 double-blind trial in 74 adults with kidney stones of the lime powder regimen (a limeade-based supplement containing potassium and citrate) or placebo for 6 months. The abstract reports higher urinary pH, citrate and potassium and lower urinary calcium, oxalate and supersaturation with LPR, without between-group statistics; gastrointestinal adverse effects were rare and no one formed a new stone during the trial.
  3. Tosukhowong P, Yachantha C, Sasivongsbhakdi T, Ratchanon S, Chaisawasdi S, Boonla C, Tungsanga K. Citraturic, alkalinizing and antioxidative effects of limeade-based regimen in nephrolithiasis patients. Urol Res. 2008;36(3-4):149-55. doi: 10.1007/s00240-008-0141-9.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized three-arm study over 3 months in 31 adults with kidney stones: an in-house lime powder drink (n=13), potassium citrate (n=11) or lactose placebo (n=7), with lime powder and potassium citrate matched at 21 mEq potassium and 63 mEq citrate. Urinary pH, potassium and citrate rose in both active groups; lime powder also raised red cell glutathione and lowered urinary malondialdehyde and tubular damage markers; placebo was unchanged apart from urinary chloride.
  4. Sivananthan K, Nagappan P, Md Mansor M, Abdullah U, Azman A. Lime juice as a dietary alternative to mist potassium citrate for urine alkalinisation: A prospective, cross-over clinical trial. Malays Fam Physician. 2023;18:5. doi: 10.51866/oa.216.PubMedUsed to support: Prospective single-center randomized crossover study in 50 healthy medical students (47 analyzed): 10 mL of fresh lime juice in 250 mL of water three times daily versus mist potassium citrate for 7 days each, with a 2-week washout. Potassium citrate raised urine pH significantly and lime juice did not; neither changed the urine calcium to creatinine ratio significantly. Lime juice caused no gastrointestinal side effects. Unblinded; funded by a university research grant; the authors declared no conflicts of interest.
  5. Kim S, Um MY, Han JK, Kim D, Choi Y, Choi G, Bang C, Oh Y, Youn JH, Cho S. Efficacy and safety of standardized lime peel supplement in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, polysomnographic study. Phytomedicine. 2025;139:156510. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156510.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled polysomnography trial in 80 adults with sleep disturbance: standardized lime peel supplement 300 mg a day or placebo for 2 weeks. The abstract reports that the supplement significantly reduced sleep latency, wake after sleep onset and total wake time, increased sleep efficiency, total sleep time and stage 2 sleep, and lowered Epworth daytime sleepiness scores, without stating whether these were differences from placebo; no serious adverse effects. Several authors list Nutra-it Inc. affiliations; the corresponding author reports funding from the Korea Ministry of SMEs and Startups. A corrigendum was published in Phytomedicine 145:156978 (September 2025, PMID 40562573); its content is not shown in PubMed.
  6. Kim S, Kim D, Lee J, Han JK, Um MY, Jung JH, Yoon M, Choi Y, Oh Y, Youn JH, Cho S. Novel neuropharmacological activity of citrus lime (Citrus aurantifolia): A standardized lime peel supplement enhances non-rapid eye movement sleep by activating the GABA type A receptor. Biomed Pharmacother. 2024;179:117410. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117410.PubMedUsed to support: Mouse and laboratory study of the standardized lime peel supplement (Citrus aurantifolia): at 200 and 400 mg/kg it shortened sleep latency and increased non-REM sleep in mice; a flavonoid-rich fraction carried the effect, the extract bound to and activated GABA-A receptors, and the GABA-A blocker bicuculline abolished it. Animal and laboratory evidence only.
  7. Hashemipour M, Kargar M, Ghannadi A, Kelishadi R. The effect of Citrus Aurantifolia (Lemon) peels on cardiometabolic risk factors and markers of endothelial function in adolescents with excess weight: A triple-masked randomized controlled trial. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2016;30:429..PubMedUsed to support: Triple-masked randomized trial in 60 overweight or obese adolescents aged 10 to 18 in Iran: capsules of dried peel and outer membrane of Citrus aurantifolia (called lemon in the title) or cornstarch for 4 weeks; dose not stated. No between-group differences in BMI, fasting blood sugar, lipids, blood pressure, ICAM-1 or VCAM-1; small within-group falls in BMI, LDL cholesterol and systolic pressure in the peel group. Funded as a thesis by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
  8. Garcia OP, Diaz M, Rosado JL, Allen LH. Ascorbic acid from lime juice does not improve the iron status of iron-deficient women in rural Mexico. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;78(2):267-73. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/78.2.267.PubMedUsed to support: Community randomized trial in two rural Mexican populations: 18 iron-deficient women per group drank 500 mL of limeade with 25 mg of vitamin C or a lime-flavored placebo free of vitamin C and citric acid with each of two daily meals, 6 days a week for 8 months. Plasma vitamin C rose, but hemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin receptors did not differ between groups at the end.
  9. Bailey DG, Dresser GK, Bend JR. Bergamottin, lime juice, and red wine as inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 activity: comparison with grapefruit juice. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2003;73(6):529-37. doi: 10.1016/S0009-9236(03)00051-1.PubMedUsed to support: Laboratory and randomized crossover study: lime juice contained 100 micromol/L of bergamottin versus 25 in grapefruit juice and inhibited CYP3A4 in vitro. In volunteers, 250 mL of grapefruit juice raised felodipine AUC (55 versus 29 nmol.h/L with water) and peak level, while one quarter-strength lime juice did not change mean values but more than doubled felodipine AUC and peak in 2 subjects; individual responses to the two juices correlated closely.
  10. Bailey DG, Dresser G, Arnold JM. Grapefruit-medication interactions: forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences? CMAJ. 2013;185(4):309-16. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.120951.PubMedUsed to support: Clinical review of grapefruit and medicine interactions: furanocoumarins in grapefruit and certain related citrus fruits irreversibly inhibit CYP3A4. The review states that Seville oranges, limes and pomelos also produce the interaction, while sweet oranges such as navel and valencia do not contain furanocoumarins.
  11. Wagner AM, Wu JJ, Hansen RC, Nigg HN, Beiere RC. Bullous phytophotodermatitis associated with high natural concentrations of furanocoumarins in limes. Am J Contact Dermat. 2002;13(1):10-4. doi: 10.1053/ajcd.2002.29948.PubMedUsed to support: Case report and chemical analysis: a 6-year-old boy developed painful redness, swelling and large blisters on both hands after soaking them in lime juice while making limeade, followed by sun exposure. Lime rind contained 6 to 182 times the furanocoumarin levels of the pulp, with bergapten the most abundant.
  12. Bamise CT, Dinyain VE, Kolawole KA. Dental erosion due to lime consumption; review of literature and case report. East Afr J Public Health. 2009;6(2):141-3. doi: 10.4314/eajph.v6i2.51733.PubMedUsed to support: Case report and brief literature review: a 49-year-old woman with tooth wear and sensitivity had erosive lesions linked to habitual lime juice use for weight loss. The authors advise dentists to consider lime use as a dietary cause of erosion.
  13. Penniston KL, Nakada SY, Holmes RP, Assimos DG. Quantitative assessment of citric acid in lemon juice, lime juice, and commercially-available fruit juice products. J Endourol. 2008;22(3):567-70. doi: 10.1089/end.2007.0304.PubMedUsed to support: Laboratory analysis by ion chromatography of 21 commercial juices and concentrates and the juice of three fruits. Fresh lime juice contained 1.38 g of citric acid per ounce and lime juice concentrate 1.06 g per ounce (lemon 1.44 and 1.10 g); commercial lemonades ranged from 0.03 to 0.22 g per ounce.
  14. Rodrigues A, Sandström A, Cá T, Steinsland H, Jensen H, Aaby P. Protection from cholera by adding lime juice to food - results from community and laboratory studies in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Trop Med Int Health. 2000;5(6):418-22. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2000.00575.x.PubMedUsed to support: Case-control and laboratory study during a 1996 cholera outbreak in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: lime juice in the sauce eaten with rice was associated with lower odds of illness (odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.56), and in laboratory tests lime juice inhibited growth of Vibrio cholerae in rice with peanut sauce. Observational and laboratory evidence.
  15. Mathurand P, Schaffner DW. Effect of lime juice on Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella enterica inactivation during the preparation of the raw fish dish ceviche. J Food Prot. 2013;76(6):1027-30. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-12-526.PubMedUsed to support: Laboratory food safety study of ceviche: fresh lime juice at typical recipe strength reduced Vibrio parahaemolyticus on tilapia to below detection (about a 5-log reduction), but Salmonella enterica on the fish fell only about 1 to 2 logs. Marinating in lime juice is less effective against Salmonella.
  16. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Lime juice, raw (FDC ID 168156) and Limes, raw (FDC ID 168155). FoodData Central, SR Legacy. USDA FoodData Central. 2019;SR Legacy records published 04/01/2019; accessed 2026..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed-indexed (USDA nutrient database). Per 100 g raw lime juice: 30 mg vitamin C, 25 kcal, 117 mg potassium; one lime yields 44 g of juice, about 13 mg of vitamin C. Per 100 g raw lime: 29.1 mg vitamin C, 30 kcal, 2.8 g fiber; one 2-inch fruit weighs 67 g, about 19 mg of vitamin C.