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Does lemon affect female fertility?

Fertility and the ability to conceive are important aspects of women’s health. Many factors can impact fertility, including diet, lifestyle, existing medical conditions, and age. Some women try natural remedies like lemon to potentially support fertility. But does consuming lemon or lemon water affect female fertility?

What the research says

There is limited research specifically on the effects of lemon on female fertility. However, some studies have looked at the potential impacts of lemon and lemon components on parameters related to fertility:

  • A rat study found that giving diabetic rats lemon peel extract helped restore levels of sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone to normal levels. Since hormonal balance is important for ovulation and fertility, this suggests potential benefits.[1]
  • The vitamin C in lemons acts as an antioxidant. Oxidative stress has been linked to poorer egg quality and lower fertility rates in some human studies. So lemon vitamin C could help counter this.[2]
  • Lemon polyphenols inhibited an enzyme called aromatase in lab studies. Aromatase converts androgens to estrogen. Too much aromatase activity has been associated with conditions like endometriosis that negatively impact fertility.[3]
  • Lemon extract helped relax rat uterus tissue samples in one lab experiment. Uterine contractions after fertilization can impact implantation. This relaxing effect could support implantation.[4]

Overall the evidence is very limited and indirect. More research in humans is needed to know if lemon consumption truly benefits female fertility.

Potential benefits of lemon for fertility

Based on the limited evidence and its nutritional profile, here are some of the potential ways lemon could support fertility:

Vitamin C

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing over 30 mg per 100g. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that might help protect eggs from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been associated with poorer egg quality and lower fertility in some research.[2]

Folate

Lemons also provide folate, with about 10 mcg in 100g. Folate is a B vitamin that reduces the risk of birth defects. Adequate folate intake before pregnancy is important. Low maternal folate status has also been linked with poorer fertility outcomes in some studies.[5]

Antioxidants

In addition to vitamin C, lemons contain plant compounds like hesperidin, diosmin, eriocitrin, and naringenin that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals. Oxidative stress from too many free radicals can negatively impact eggs and fertility.[6]

Anti-inflammatory effects

The antioxidants and plant compounds in lemon have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation has been linked with conditions like endometriosis that can affect fertility. So lemons could help counter excessive inflammation.[7]

Hormone regulation

The rat study showing improved sex hormone levels suggests lemon may help balance hormones related to fertility like estrogen and progesterone. It also contains compounds that may inhibit aromatase activity. Too much aromatase can disrupt optimal hormone levels.[1,3]

Are there risks of consuming lemon when trying to conceive?

For most healthy women, moderate lemon consumption seems safe when trying to get pregnant. But some things to keep in mind include:

  • Drinking large amounts of concentrated lemon juice daily could erode tooth enamel over time due to the acidity. Limit pure lemon juice and use a straw.[8]
  • Lemon contains citric acid, so very high intakes might contribute to acid reflux symptoms. Those with reflux or GERD may need to moderate intake.[9]
  • Since lemon has diuretic effects, excessive intake could potentially alter electrolyte balance. Stay hydrated.[10]

Additionally, those with diabetes or taking certain medications that interact with vitamin C or citric acid should consult a doctor on any intake concerns.

Overall, for most women, having up to 1 lemon per day, ideally diluted in water or tea, is likely safe when trying to conceive. But large amounts of concentrated juice or peel extract could have risks from high dose citric acid.

Does lemon water help with fertility?

Drinking lemon water is a popular health habit that could potentially support fertility. The water helps provide adequate hydration, while the lemon offers the benefits of vitamin C, antioxidants, and plant compounds.

Staying hydrated is important when trying to get pregnant. Dehydration can cause issues like cervical fluid changes and electrolyte imbalances that could impact conception. So the water in lemon water helps maintain optimal hydration.[11]

The lemon adds an extra dose of fertility-supporting nutrients like vitamin C. One study associated higher vitamin C intakes with improved pregnancy rates during IVF treatment. The antioxidants may also help protect egg cells.[2]

To make it, squeeze fresh lemon juice into water. You can add a bit of honey or mint too. Aim for about 1 lemon wedge squeezed into 8-12 ounces of water once or twice a day.

Drink it cold for best taste and hydration benefits. And drink it through a straw to minimize contact with tooth enamel if having it daily.

Lemon supplementation and fertility

Some supplements provide concentrated lemon bioflavonoids or citrus extracts. These aim to provide higher doses of the beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants.

However, there isn’t yet evidence directly showing these supplements improve fertility measures in humans. More research is still needed.

The risks are also unclear, since these provide very high concentrations of compounds that have not been well studied for fertility effects at supplemental doses. More studies are needed on both benefits and risks.

For now, focus on getting antioxidants and bioflavonoids from whole lemons as part of the diet instead of supplements. If interested in trying a supplement, consult a doctor first.

Other potential fertility benefits of lemons

Here are a few other ways lemons might support fertility beyond their basic nutrient content:

Boosts liver health

Animal studies show lemon peel extract helps improve liver function, in part by reducing oxidative stress. The liver metabolizes hormones, so optimal liver health is important for hormonal balance and fertility.[12]

Aids digestion

The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a mild natural laxative that can help keep bowel movements regular. Constipation has been associated with reduced fertility in some research.[13]

Balances pH

Although acidic, lemon becomes alkaline once metabolized. This helps balance the body’s pH. Significant pH imbalances can negatively impact fertility and ovulation.[14]

Detoxification

Lemon supports detoxification, which helps eliminate toxins that could negatively impact reproductive health. Lemon’s vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals contribute to these detox benefits.[15]

Common questions

Should I drink lemon water while pregnant?

Lemon water in moderation should be safe for most healthy pregnant women. In fact, the vitamin C and hydration it provides are beneficial during pregnancy.

Drink no more than 1 diluted lemon wedge per 8-12oz water daily. Avoid pure concentrated lemon juice. Stay hydrated, and consult a doctor with any questions.

Can lemon stop your period?

There is no evidence that lemon can stop a menstrual period once it has started. Periods naturally vary in length and timing for many reasons.

However, in theory, consistently having high lemon intake might impact menstruation if it significantly affects hormone levels. But more research is needed around lemon’s effects on hormones.

Does lemon juice irregular periods?

No evidence suggests lemon consumption leads to irregular periods. Period irregularities have many potential causes, including stress, dietary changes, exercise, medical conditions, and underlying hormonal shifts.

While lemon may influence hormones at very high doses, moderate dietary intake is unlikely to directly cause amenorrhea or irregular cycles.

The bottom line

Limited evidence suggests lemon and its nutrients could offer some benefits related to female fertility parameters.

The vitamin C, antioxidants, and potential impacts on hormones and inflammation may support fertility in some ways. However, most evidence is indirect, coming from lab studies rather than human trials.

For now, lemon water in moderation may be helpful for fertility as part of an overall healthy preconception diet. But avoid overdoing concentrated lemon juice or peel due to potential safety risks at high doses.

As with any dietary approach for fertility, speak to your doctor, and focus on optimizing your overall lifestyle and health.

Pros Cons
  • Provides vitamin C
  • Contains antioxidants
  • May support hormone balance
  • Could help counter inflammation
  • Evidence for fertility benefits is limited
  • High doses from supplements are unstudied
  • Can erode tooth enamel when consumed in excess