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ingestible · for kidney stone prevention

Fresh Lemon Juice (Citrate Therapy)

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

A 2021 pragmatic RCT (PMID 34977512, eClinicalMedicine/The Lancet, n=203 calcium oxalate stone formers) found that 60 mL fresh lemon juice twice daily significantly reduced stone recurrence at 1 year: 10 recurrences vs. 22 in controls (HR 0.43, p=0.028), though the effect attenuated over 2 years with declining adherence.$10-20/month

How to use

Squeeze the juice of 2 fresh lemons (approximately 60 mL) and dilute in 1-2 litres of water. Drink throughout the day rather than all at once to avoid enamel erosion. Use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice; bottled versions have lower citrate content and added preservatives. Consistency daily matters more than the exact dose.

How it works

Citric acid in lemon juice raises urinary citrate levels; citrate binds calcium in the urine and inhibits the nucleation and growth of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate crystals.

Where to buy

Fresh lemons at any grocery store. For convenience, 100% pure lemon juice (no additives) is available refrigerated in most supermarkets but contains less citrate than fresh-squeezed.

Typical cost: $10-20/month

Safety notes

Lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel - always dilute, drink through a straw, and rinse mouth with water after. May aggravate acid reflux or GERD. Not a substitute for prescription potassium citrate in patients with documented hypocitraturia. People with citrus allergy should avoid.

Drug & supplement interactions

  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
  • Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
  • Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
  • Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.

Clinical source

eClinicalMedicine 2021

This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.