Oranges and grapefruit are both citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are a valuable source of vitamin C, as well as several other vitamins and minerals, including folate and potassium. If eaten whole, both oranges and grapefruit provide fiber. Unfortunately, citrus foods may react with a variety of medications, causing a potential overdose or lowering the effectiveness of your medication.
Nutrition
Nutritionally, a serving of grapefruit and an orange are quite similar. One orange is considered a serving, while half a grapefruit is a typical serving size. An orange contains 70 calories and 130 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. A grapefruit half contains approximately 60 calories and 110 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. If you do not take medications, you can enjoy whichever of these foods you prefer.
Juices
Orange and grapefruit are popular juice choices. Orange juice has a sweet flavor that appeals to many people, while grapefruit juice is much tarter. A single serving of most orange or grapefruit juice contains 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C but is lacking the fiber and other nutrients found in the whole fruit.
Grapefruit and Medication
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can amplify the effects of many medications, including calcium channel blockers, statins, antidepressants, antihistamines and anti-anxiety medications. The chemical dihydroxybergamottin in the fruit is likely responsible for this effect. Seville oranges, commonly used in marmalades and jams, also contain this chemical compound. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications, or carefully read the patient information included with your prescription.
Juice and Medication
Grapefruit juice and grapefruit may not the be the only culprit when it comes to medication. Other juices, including orange juice, may inhibit the absorption of some drugs. Beta blockers, antihistamines, some antibiotics and other medications can all react to fruit juices. Consult your health-care provider or take your medications with water, unless advised otherwise.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Grapefruit Juice: Beware of Dangerous Medication Interactions
- Food and Drug Administration; Drug-Drug, Drug--Dietary Supplement, and Drug--Citrus Fruit and Other Food Interactions: What Have We Learned?; Shiew-Mei Huang, Lawrence J. Lesko
- Science Daily; Like Grapefruit, Sour Oranges Boost Drug Effectiveness, Scientists Find, And Also Why; Feb. 9, 2001
- Poinsettia Groves: Citrus Nutrition Information
- "New York Times"; New Reasons to Avoid Mixing Juice and Medicines; Tara Parker-Pope; Aug. 20, 2008
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