Food Containing Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid occurs naturally in many fruits, vegetables and other foods. High levels of oxalic acid in the body can cause calcium oxalate kidney stones, calcium deficiency or gout. People prone to these conditions should limit their oxalic acid consumption.

Vegetables

• Vegetables with high levels of oxalic acid include spinach, rhubarb, chard, beets and beet leaves.

Fruits

• Fruits with high levels of oxalic acid include bananas and star fruit. Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries all contain low levels of oxalic acid.

Herbs

• Chives, amaranth, parsley, sorrel and purslane all contain high levels of oxalic acid.

Deserts

• Both cocoa and chocolate contain moderate oxalic acid concentrations.

Warning

• Foods that are high in oxalic acid should not be ingested with foods that are high in calcium. Oxalic acid binds to calcium, preventing nutrient absorption.

Toxicity

• The chances of ingesting enough oxalic acid to cause poisoning are extremely slim. However, rhubarb leaves (not stalks which are commonly eaten) contain the highest levels of oxalic acid of any food and should never be eaten.