Tag: Dietary citrate

According to a study published in the *Journal of Endourology*, lemons and limes contain the highest concentration of naturally occurring citric acid, which is converted to citrate in the body. These citrus powerhouses are far from the only source, though, as many other fruits and even some vegetables contain varying amounts of this beneficial compound.

Kidney stones affect a significant portion of the population. A common concern is whether citric acid can break down the common calcium oxalate stones and provide a natural method for prevention.

A randomized controlled trial showed that lemonade therapy can significantly increase urinary citrate levels, which helps explain its protective effect against kidney stones. The action of lemon juice is not to cancel out oxalates entirely but to interfere with their ability to form problematic crystals.

Did you know that about 1 in 10 Americans will develop kidney stones in their lifetime? For those susceptible to the most common type, calcium oxalate stones, dietary choices—including knowing what fruit is good for calcium oxalate stones—are a crucial part of a prevention strategy.

Lemons are famously high in citric acid, which can constitute 5–6% of their juice. This is a crucial fact for understanding the question, 'Is lemon juice citrate?', as the answer lies in the chemical relationship between these two compounds and how your body processes them.