The power of the lemon – new study on the health benefits of the consumption of lemon juice

The consumption of lemon juice as a supplement to a normal diet can reduce the risk
of a recurrence of kidney stones by up to 50 per cent. This is the conclusion of a new
research study involving 200 patients who added a controlled volume of lemon juice to
their normal diet over a test period of 2 years.

The study was carried out by the internationally renowned Mario Negri research
institute in Ranica (Bergamo) together with hospitals in Bergamo and will be presented
on 3 October 2013 at 9.30am at the institute in the Villa Camozzi, Via Camozzi, 3,
Ranica (Bergamo), Italy.

The presentation under the title “The hidden powers of the lemon” is organised in
cooperation with the Consorzio di Tutela del Limone di Siracusa IGP. As part of the
presentation, the consortium will be explaining the special characteristics of the lemon
and its contribution to health.

The aim of the research project was not only to establish what impact the consumption
of lemon juice has on the formation of kidney stones but also to establish its influence
on known complications such as urinary infections and colics, and whether it leads to a
reduced need for hospital treatment and surgery.

Kidney stones are a common condition affecting between 10 and 12 per cent of the
population. Without medical treatment the rate of recurrence is very high. In the first
year after treatment, 15 to 20 per cent of patients suffer a recurrence of the condition.
In the first five years after original treatment, this rate rises to 50 per cent.

Lemons are a natural source of citrate and have the highest concentration of this
substance among all types of citrus fruit, as much as five times higher than in an
orange. Standard medications for the treatment of kidney stones contain potassium
citrate though this can only be prescribed in limited quantities because of side effects.
A half cup of pure lemon juice contains the same volume of citrate and provides an
effective alternative.

The research project, supported by the Consorzio di Tutela del Limone di Siracusa
IGP, aims to provide specific evidence of the positive benefits of using lemon juice in
the treatment of kidney stones.