Apple: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Apple is the fruit from the apple tree (Malus domestica). Apples are very commonly eaten as food. They also contain chemicals which are used as medicine.

Apples contain pectin, which helps bulk up the stool to treat diarrhea and constipation. Apples also contain chemicals with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Apple peel contains a chemical called ursolic acid, which may play a role in building muscle and metabolism.

People use apples for Alzheimer disease, cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse apples with apple cider vinegar, apple polyphenols, or pectin. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Apple overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Apples are commonly consumed as food. Eating apples and drinking apple juice is considered safe. But eating apple seeds should be avoided. The seeds contain cyanide and are poisonous.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Apples and apple juice are commonly consumed in the diet. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if apple is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Children: Apples and apple juice are commonly consumed in the diet. Apples are likely safe for children as long as the seeds are avoided. Apple pectin is possibly safe for children when taken by mouth, short-term.

Allergy to plants in the Rosaceae family: People who are allergic to other fruits in the Rosaceae family, including apricots, almonds, plums, peaches, pears, and strawberries, might also be allergic to apple. Apple might also cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to birch pollen. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking apple.

Diabetes: Apple, especially apple juice, can increase blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you use apple products and have diabetes.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates) interacts with Apple
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Apple might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Aliskiren (Tekturna, Rasilez) interacts with Apple
Apple juice can decrease how much aliskiren the body absorbs. Drinking apple juice along with aliskiren might decrease the effects of aliskiren. To avoid this interaction, separate taking aliskiren from consuming apple juice by at least 4 hours.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Apple
Consuming apples and drinking apple juice might increase blood sugar levels. Consuming apples and drinking apple juice along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Atenolol (Tenormin) interacts with Apple
Apple juice can decrease how much atenolol the body absorbs. Drinking apple juice along with atenolol might decrease the effects of atenolol. To avoid this interaction, separate taking atenolol from consuming apple juice by at least 4 hours.
Lithium interacts with Apple
Apple juice might decrease how much lithium the body absorbs. Drinking apple juice along with lithium might decrease the effects of lithium.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Apple
Consuming apple juice might increase blood pressure. Consuming apple juice might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Fexofenadine (Allegra) interacts with Apple
Apple juice can decrease how much fexofenadine the body absorbs. Drinking apple juice along with fexofenadine might decrease the effects of fexofenadine. To avoid this interaction, separate taking fexofenadine from consuming apple juice by at least 4 hours.

Dosing

Apples and apple juice are commonly consumed in the diet. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of apple might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Awan S, Abelleira A, Khehra L, Hieber R. Undetectable serum lithium concentrations after coadministration of liquid lithium citrate and apple juice: A case report. Ment Health Clin. 2021;11(1):27-30.

Liddle DM, Lin X, Ward EM, Cox LC, Wright AJ, Robinson LE. Apple consumption reduces markers of postprandial inflammation following a high fat meal in overweight and obese adults: A randomized, crossover trial. Food Funct 2021;12(14):6348-6362.

Liddle DM, Lin X, Cox LC, et al. Daily apple consumption reduces plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell-secreted inflammatory biomarkers in adults with overweight and obesity: a 6-week randomized, controlled, parallel-arm trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2021;114(2):752-763.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Apple - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates) interacts with Apple

Aliskiren (Tekturna, Rasilez) interacts with Apple

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Apple

Atenolol (Tenormin) interacts with Apple

Lithium interacts with Apple

Minor Interaction

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Apple

Fexofenadine (Allegra) interacts with Apple

Dosing