Grapefruit

Potassium: LowerPhosphorus: LowerSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Modest in minerals — half a grapefruit is on the National Kidney Foundation lower-potassium list — but it has a transplant warning nothing to do with minerals.

After transplant: Avoid. Grapefruit blocks the breakdown of some anti-rejection medicines (including ciclosporin and tacrolimus), so their levels can climb too high. Pomelo, Seville oranges and tangelos can act the same way — ask your transplant team.

A healthier swap

For transplant patients: oranges or clementines if your team allows them, or berries — never pomelo or Seville orange marmalade without asking.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Why is grapefruit banned after transplant but fine for other kidney patients?

Because of medicines, not kidneys. The US Food and Drug Administration lists transplant anti-rejection drugs among those grapefruit affects: it blocks a gut enzyme, so more medicine reaches the blood. People not taking those medicines do not face the same issue.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.