Is Lemon Safe for Kidney Stones? (Safe)
mg oxalate
per serving
Serving: 1 slice (7 g)
Verdict: 🟢 Safe
Per 100g: 8 mg
Data: Harvard T.H. Chan SPH (2024)
In practical terms, Lemon is a low-risk food for kidney stone patients. Its 1 mg oxalate per serving stays under the 25 mg line, so it can appear in your regular rotation without extra calculation. As always, staying hydrated and getting dietary calcium supports stone prevention.
Among fruits, Lemon sits well below the category average of 21 mg. For context, 101 out of 113 fruits (89%) are rated 🟢 Safe (under 25 mg oxalate/serving). The average fruits in our database has 21 mg oxalate per serving — which means Lemon is 96% below the category norm. Within its specific category, Lemon ranks among the lower-oxalate options. This context matters because two 'Safe' foods can have very different oxalate levels — one might have 5 mg while another has 24 mg. Both are Safe, but the first gives you more dietary flexibility. Browse all fruits rated Safe to compare within the same verdict level.
Why does the safe threshold matter?
The 25 mg line is the reference point clinicians use to separate everyday foods from ones that need caution. Every value on this page traces back to Harvard's 2024 lab analysis, so the threshold is applied to measured data rather than estimates. Applied to Lemon: 1 mg oxalate per 1 slice — Safe per Harvard (2024).
Can I eat this food every day?
If it's in the Safe zone (under 25 mg/serving), yes — it can be a regular part of your diet. For Caution or Avoid foods, frequency matters. Rotate them with lower-oxalate options throughout the week. Applied to Lemon: 1 mg oxalate per 1 slice — Safe per Harvard (2024).
Where does the oxalate data come from?
The numbers come from Harvard T.H. Chan SPH's 2024 laboratory measurements, published through the OHF database. Direct lab analysis, which is why they're treated as the reference values for food oxalate. For Lemon, the measured oxalate value is 1 mg per 1 slice (Safe).
Should I also check sodium and calcium?
Yes — kidney stone risk isn't just about oxalate. High sodium increases urinary calcium (a stone promoter). Adequate dietary calcium (from food, not supplements) actually binds oxalate in your gut. Check the food's full nutrition page for the complete picture. Applied to Lemon: 1 mg oxalate per 1 slice — Safe per Harvard (2024).