Grapefruit is a juicy citrus fruit that is not only known for its refreshing taste but also for the health benefits it provides. It is packed with a punch of vitamins and minerals, with vitamin C reigning supreme at 100% of your daily needs in just one serving, as per a study published in Food and Nutrition Research. Additionally, its vibrant hues of yellow, pink, and red come from varying levels of antioxidants, which are said to prevent oxidative damage and reduce the risk of many diseases.
But with all that goodness come a few disadvantages, which is why some people may have to exercise caution while having grapefruit. Here’s what Dr Edwina Raj, Head of Services—Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, told the OnlyMyHealth team.
Also Read: Are You Taking Statins For Cholesterol Management? Here Are Mistakes You Should Avoid
Grapefruit Health Risk
Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice is generally safe for most people. However, there are risks you should be aware of, particularly if you take certain medications.
According to Dr Raj, some people should avoid eating grapefruits due to potential interactions with certain medications.
"Grapefruit contains compounds that can interfere with enzymes in the liver, affecting how medications are metabolised. This can lead to either increased or decreased levels of the medication in the bloodstream, potentially causing harmful side effects or reducing the medication's effectiveness," she explained.
As per Harvard Health Publishing, it doesn't even take a lot of grapefruit juice to interact with medications.
"A single glass can produce a 47% reduction of the intestinal enzyme that regulates absorption. And because this effect of the juice wears off slowly, a third of its impact is still evident after 24 hours," the health website suggests.
What Does It Mean By Medication Interactions?
Medication interactions occur when two or more drugs, or a drug and a substance like grapefruit juice, affect each other's effectiveness or produce unexpected side effects when taken together, explained Dr Raj.
“This can happen when one drug alters the way another is absorbed, metabolised, or excreted in the body,” she added.
Common consequences include reduced efficacy, increased toxicity, or other adverse reactions, emphasising the importance of consulting healthcare providers about potential interactions.
Who Should Avoid Eating Grapefruits
In 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a big warning against mixing certain medications with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. This list of drugs susceptible to interaction includes:
- Some statin drugs that help lower cholesterol
- Some blood pressure-lowering drugs
- Organ transplant rejection drugs
- Anxiety medications
- Some corticosteroids that treat Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Some drugs that treat abnormal heart rhythms
- Some antihistamines, such as Allegra
However, not all drugs mentioned above are affected by grapefruit or cause serious side effects. In fact, research has suggested that the benefits of drinking grapefruit juice with medications may outweigh the risks.
As per a study published in the American Journal of Medicine, while grapefruit juice significantly increased statin levels in the blood by up to 260%, researchers found the potential side effects remained low. On the contrary, statins' ability to prevent heart disease actually increased with grapefruit juice by up to 70% risk reduction. They argue against the current advice of banning grapefruit juice for statin users, suggesting doctors weigh the individual's risks and benefits to make informed decisions about its consumption.
But again, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO CONSULT A DOCTOR OR A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
Medical Conditions That May Require Limiting Grapefruit Consumption
It is also important to watch your grapefruit intake if you have certain medical conditions or allergies, according to Dr Raj.
“Individuals with citrus allergies or sensitivities should limit or avoid grapefruit consumption to prevent adverse reactions, such as hives, itching, or swelling,” she said.
“Moreover, certain medical conditions, like kidney disorders, may necessitate restricting grapefruit intake due to its potential to interact with medications commonly prescribed for these conditions,” she warned further.
A Final Word
Citrus fruits, like grapefruit, are loaded with vitamin C and other vital nutrients, supporting overall health and wellness. However, if you’re currently taking medications for certain diseases, it is advisable to speak with your doctor to learn about any potential medication interactions. While grapefruit or grapefruit juice is mostly safe, it may cause side effects if consumed with certain medications like statins or blood pressure-lowering drugs and reduce their effectiveness. It is crucial that you stay informed and educated about your conditions and factors that may affect your health.