Lemon Water & Infused Water: Nutrients, What Research Shows and Safety
Lemon water and infused water: USDA values for lemon juice and vitamin C, small studies on kidney stones and gout, teeth and acidity, and the claims that lack proof.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Lemon water is plain water with lemon juice or a lemon slice added; infused water uses other fruit, cucumber or herbs. People drink it for the taste, to drink more water, and in the hope of "detox", weight loss or stone prevention. This page looks at lemon water as a drink, using USDA values for raw lemon juice, and keeps it apart from lemon juice taken in large amounts, lemon supplements and "cleanse" programs. It says what small studies found and where proof is missing. [1] [2]
Read this first
- The main benefit is that it is easy to drink water. The CDC lists adding a wedge of lemon or lime to water as a tip to drink more water, and plain drinking water counts toward your daily water. [2]
- The juice of one lemon gives about 19 mg of vitamin C in the USDA data, about 21% of the FDA Daily Value (90 mg), plus roughly 11 kcal. A single wedge gives much less. [1]
- Lemon juice is acidic. A 2025 lab study on extracted human teeth found lime juice, a similar citrus juice, reduced enamel hardness over 10 days of immersion. That was a lab test, not a study of people sipping lemon water. [11]
- Kidney stones: mixed. Citrus juices raise urine citrate in small studies, but a crossover trial found lemonade did not improve citrate or urine pH, unlike potassium citrate medicine. [7] [8]
- The evidence in one line: lemon water is a pleasant way to drink water. We did not find proof for detox, weight loss or disease prevention in the sources we read.
What is in it (USDA values)
The values below are for raw lemon juice (USDA FoodData Central item 167747, SR Legacy), not for a glass of lemon water. [1] How much ends up in your glass depends on how much juice you add. The serving column uses the USDA household portion "1 lemon yields" 48 g of juice, mixed into water. [1] The last column uses "1 wedge yields" 5.9 g.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g juice | Per 48 g juice (one lemon) | % Daily Value per 48 g | Per 5.9 g (one wedge) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 22 kcal | 10.6 kcal | not set | 1.3 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 6.9 g | 3.3 g | 1% | 0.4 g |
| Total sugars | 2.52 g | 1.2 g | no DV | 0.15 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g | 0.1 g | under 1% | 0.02 g |
| Vitamin C | 38.7 mg | 18.6 mg | 21% | 2.3 mg |
| Potassium | 103 mg | 49.4 mg | 1% | 6.1 mg |
| Folate (DFE) | 20 mcg | 9.6 mcg | 2% | 1.2 mcg |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0.5 mg | under 1% | 0.06 mg |
% Daily Value uses the FDA 2016 Daily Values. The serving figures are the 100 g values multiplied by the portion weight. Values vary with the lemon variety and ripeness. If you add the juice of a whole lemon to a glass, the glass holds about the 48 g column plus water, which has no calories. Infused water with slices left in a pitcher usually extracts far less than squeezed juice; the USDA data in our file do not measure that, so we make no claim about it. [1]
Lemons also contain citric acid and plant flavonoids (compounds that give color and flavor). Our USDA file does not list them. Studies of citrate in urine are summarized below. [7]
What research says
| Health goal | What the sources found | Strength of evidence | What was studied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking more water | The CDC lists a lemon or lime wedge as a way to flavor water so you drink more, and says plain water counts toward your daily total. [2] | Practical tip; no trial of lemon water vs plain water for intake read | Advice |
| Weight loss | We did not find a trial of lemon water for weight. In one small trial, 48 adults on a reduced-calorie diet who drank 500 mL of plain water before meals lost about 2 kg more over 12 weeks than those on the diet alone. [5] That was plain water, not lemon water. | Insufficient evidence for lemon; limited for pre-meal water | Plain water before meals |
| Kidney stone prevention | A 2021 review of 13 articles found ten small studies where lemon, orange and grapefruit juices raised urine citrate, but lemon juice did not clearly make urine less acidic and larger data were needed before recommendations. [7] In a 21-patient crossover trial, lemonade did not improve urine citrate or pH, while potassium citrate did. [8] A 2026 trial in 8 stone formers found a sugar-free citrate lemonade beverage was well tolerated, but no differences reached statistical significance. [9] NIDDK says drinking enough liquid, mainly water, is the most important thing you can do to prevent kidney stones. [6] | Mixed; small studies | Lemon juice and lemonade; stone formers |
| Gout and blood uric acid | A retrospective Polish clinic study of 90 patients who drank the juice of two lemons mixed with 2 L of water each day found uric acid fell over six weeks in gout patients and those with high uric acid, compared with controls. The authors called it a pilot study. [10] | Preliminary; one retrospective study | Fresh lemon water, patients |
| Colds and immunity | A Cochrane review of 29 trial comparisons (11,306 people) found regular vitamin C supplements (at least 0.2 g a day) did not reduce how many colds people got in the general community, but shortened colds slightly. [4] The review is about supplements, not lemon water. | Not shown for lemon water | Vitamin C supplements |
| "Detox" or "alkalizing" | Proper evidence not found in the sources we read. | No good evidence | None |
Food vs supplement. The kidney and gout findings come from drinking lemon juice or lemonade over weeks, sometimes in amounts well above a squeeze in a glass. They do not show that a slice in your water does the same. [7] [10]
How much is a normal serving
The USDA household portions for lemon juice are 1 lemon (48 g of juice), 1 wedge (5.9 g) and 1 fl oz (30.5 g). [1] That is information, not a prescription. The NHS says adults aged 19 to 64 need 40 mg of vitamin C a day, and lists citrus fruit and orange juice among sources. [3] For how much water to drink, see How much water do you need.
Safety, allergy and medicines
- Teeth and acid. Lemon and lime juice are acidic. Lab studies on removed teeth found citrus juice softened enamel. [11] A 2026 study of acidic drinks found tooth-surface pH fell within a minute and recovered within 10 to 15 minutes in most drinks. [12] The studies we read did not test lemon water as people actually drink it, so we cannot say how much it matters; people with sensitive teeth or enamel wear can ask a dentist.
- Kidney stones. NIDDK's advice is to drink enough fluid; it does not mention lemon. [6] If you form stones, ask your clinician before using lemon juice as a treatment. Citrate medicine was more effective than lemonade in one crossover trial. [8]
- Citrus allergy. The sources we read gave no allergy data for lemon. Citrus can cause reactions in some people; for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call 911 (or your local emergency number).
- Medicines. The sources we read do not describe interactions between lemon and medicines. The grapefruit interaction is a separate matter; see the interactions guide.
- Blood sugar and kidney disease. One lemon's juice has about 1.2 g of sugar and 49 mg potassium in the USDA data, so a squeeze is small. [1] Lemonade with added sugar is a different drink. If you have been told to limit potassium, ask your care team. [1]
- Pregnancy and children. The sources we read gave no specific advice for lemon water.
- Vitamin C limits. Vitamin C from food is unlikely to be a problem; the NHS says intakes above 1,000 mg a day from supplements can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and gas. [3]
Choosing, storing and food safety
- Rinse the lemon before cutting. We did not read an official source on washing or storing cut lemons, so we give no timings.
- Fresh juice is not the same as bottled lemonade, which can carry added sugar; check the Nutrition Facts label.
- To protect teeth, the sources we read tested immersion times, not habits; ask a dentist about straws or rinsing with plain water afterward.
Related pages
Health connections for Lemon Water & Infused Water
What research links to eating or drinking this food, and how strong the evidence is. Many studies are observational or use juice, powder, oil or extracts rather than the food as eaten; each card says which.
Lemon water as a way to drink more water
Preliminary or mixedThe CDC lists a lemon or lime wedge as a tip to flavor water, and says plain drinking water counts toward daily water intake.
Supplements: Not applicable.
Vitamin C from lemon juice
Established roleThe juice of one lemon (48 g) has about 19 mg of vitamin C in the USDA data, about 21% of the FDA Daily Value. The NHS says adults 19 to 64 need 40 mg a day.
Supplements: Vitamin C is needed in the diet; lemon water is one food source, not a treatment.
Lemon juice and kidney stones
Preliminary or mixedSmall studies found citrus juices raise urine citrate, but a crossover trial found lemonade did not improve urine citrate or pH, unlike potassium citrate. NIDDK says drinking enough liquid, mainly water, is the most important prevention step.
Supplements: Potassium citrate medicine, not lemonade, improved urine values in one trial.
Lemon water and gout or uric acid
Preliminary or mixedA retrospective study of 90 patients who drank the juice of two lemons in 2 L of water daily found lower serum uric acid after six weeks in gout and high-uric-acid groups. The authors called it a pilot.
Supplements: Not applicable.
Water before meals and weight
Preliminary or mixedIn 48 adults on a reduced-calorie diet, 500 mL of plain water before meals went with about 2 kg more weight loss over 12 weeks. This was plain water, not lemon water; no trial of lemon water for weight was found.
Supplements: Not applicable.
Vitamin C and colds
Clinically supportedA Cochrane review of 29 comparisons (11,306 people) found regular vitamin C supplements did not reduce how many colds people got in the general community, but shortened colds slightly. The review is about supplements, not lemon water.
Supplements: The evidence is for supplements, at doses far above a squeeze of lemon, and for shorter colds only.
Detox and alkalizing claims
Not enough evidenceProper evidence for detox or alkalizing effects of lemon water was not found in the sources we read.
Supplements: Not applicable.
Connected topics
Open a group to see how each topic connects and how strong the evidence is.
Health goals (2)
- Immune SupportPreliminary or mixed
Lemon juice contains vitamin C, but the Cochrane evidence is for supplements and only a small effect on cold duration.
- Weight ManagementPreliminary or mixed
No lemon water trial found; plain water before meals aided weight loss in one trial on a calorie-reduced diet.
Body systems (1)
- Kidney & UrinaryPreliminary or mixed
Citrus juices raised urine citrate in small studies, lemonade did not beat potassium citrate; NIDDK stresses fluid.
Body parts (1)
- KidneysPreliminary or mixed
Studies of urine stone risk measures after lemon juice or lemonade; results mixed.
Functional actions (1)
- Hydration SupportPreliminary or mixed
Plain water counts toward fluid intake; lemon only flavors it.
Root causes (1)
- DehydrationPreliminary or mixed
The CDC suggests a lemon wedge to flavor water so people drink more of it; no trial measured hydration with lemon water.
Habits (2)
- HydrationPreliminary or mixed
Drinking water counts toward daily fluid, and flavoring it is a CDC tip; the benefit is practical rather than proven by trial.
- Balanced NutritionPreliminary or mixed
The CDC advises choosing water over sugary drinks; lemon water can be that swap.
Conditions & symptoms (3)
- NephrolithiasisPreliminary or mixed
Citrus juices raise urine citrate in small studies, but one crossover trial found lemonade did not improve citrate or pH.
- GoutPreliminary or mixed
One retrospective pilot study reported lower serum uric acid with daily lemon water.
- HyperuricemiaPreliminary or mixed
Same retrospective pilot study of 90 patients.
Documented risks and interactions (1)
- Lemon juice acidity and tooth enamel. Lab tests on extracted human teeth found lime juice softened enamel over 10 days of immersion; a 2026 study found tooth-surface pH fell after acidic drinks and recovered within 10 to 15 minutes. Neither tested lemon water as people drink it.
Frequently asked questions
Does lemon water help you lose weight?
We did not find a trial of lemon water for weight loss. One small trial found 500 mL of plain water before meals, with a reduced-calorie diet, went with about 2 kg more weight loss over 12 weeks. [5]
Does lemon water prevent kidney stones?
Not proven. Small studies show citrus juices raise urine citrate, but one crossover trial found lemonade did not improve citrate or pH. NIDDK says drinking enough liquid, mainly water, is the key step. [6] [7] [8]
Is lemon water bad for your teeth?
Lemon juice is acidic, and lab studies on removed teeth found citrus juice softened enamel. We did not read a study of how people actually drink lemon water. [11] [12]
How much vitamin C is in lemon water?
The juice of one lemon has about 19 mg of vitamin C in the USDA data, around 21% of the FDA Daily Value. [1]
Can lemon water lower uric acid or help gout?
One retrospective study of 90 patients reported lower uric acid after six weeks of drinking the juice of two lemons in 2 L of water daily. The authors called it a pilot, so it is not proof. [10]
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central: Lemon juice, raw (FDC 167747). SR Legacy, April 2018. Read 2026-10-24.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water and healthier drinks. Read 2026-10-24.
- NHS. Vitamin C. Read 2026-10-24.
- Hemila H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013. PMID 23440782. Abstract read 2026-10-24.
- Dennis EA, et al. Water consumption increases weight loss during a hypocaloric diet intervention in middle-aged and older adults. Obesity 2010. PMID 19661958. Abstract read 2026-10-24.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, diet, and nutrition for kidney stones. Read 2026-10-24.
- Role of citrus fruit juices in prevention of kidney stone disease (KSD): a narrative review. Nutrients 2021. PMID 34836376. Abstract read 2026-10-24.
- Comparison between lemonade and potassium citrate and impact on urine pH and 24-hour urine parameters in patients with kidney stone formation. Urology 2007. PMID 17572176. Abstract read 2026-10-24.
- Effects of a commercial lemonade beverage, potassium citrate, and combination therapy on urinary stone risk parameters in hypocitraturic stone formers: a randomized crossover trial. Transl Androl Urol 2026. PMID 42729157. Abstract read 2026-10-24.
- Lemon water reduces serum urate levels in gout patients and individuals with hyperuricemia: a pilot study. Int J Rheum Dis 2025. PMID 41355048. Abstract read 2026-10-24. (A correction notice for this paper exists, PMID 41705413; we did not read it.)
- Evaluating the erosive effects of freshly squeezed local fruit juices on human dental enamel and consumption patterns among Malaysian adults. Nutrients 2025. PMID 40871604. Abstract read 2026-10-24.
- An in vitro and in vivo assessment of acidogenicity of several alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Clin Exp Dent Res 2026. PMID 42830648. Abstract read 2026-10-24.