Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Camu Camu Concentrate

Also known as: Myrciaria dubia, Camu-Camu, Camucamu, Açaí do igarapé

Overview

Camu-Camu (*Myrciaria dubia*) is a fruit native to the Amazon basin, celebrated for its exceptionally high vitamin C content and other bioactive compounds. As a member of the Myrtaceae family, it is utilized in various industries, including dietary supplements, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, due to its antioxidant and nutritional properties. The fruit is characterized by its potent antioxidant capabilities, attributed to its high vitamin C concentration, and potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Research on Camu-Camu is still emerging, with studies exploring its nutritional and pharmacological benefits. Available evidence primarily stems from animal studies and limited human trials, highlighting the need for more extensive human clinical research to comprehensively validate its efficacy and safety. It is available in forms such as fruit extracts and powders.

Benefits

Camu-Camu offers several potential health benefits, primarily supported by animal studies and limited human trials. In Wistar rats, a hydroalcoholic peel extract of Camu-Camu significantly reduced BMI, suggesting potential benefits for weight management, although it was not as effective as sleeve gastrectomy. The same study indicated that Camu-Camu can regulate the inflammatory response induced by excess fat cells, demonstrating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, Camu-Camu powder has shown antimicrobial properties by inhibiting the growth of lactic acid bacteria and *Salmonella enterica* ser. Typhimurium in meat products. A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests potential benefits for liver health, including decreasing hepatic steatosis and liver injury markers, but this is based on limited human data. More research is needed to confirm these effects in humans and to determine the long-term benefits of Camu-Camu supplementation.

How it works

Camu-Camu's mechanism of action is primarily attributed to its high vitamin C content, which acts as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the inflammatory response induced by excess fat cells. Furthermore, Camu-Camu demonstrates antimicrobial properties by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Vitamin C in Camu-Camu interacts with various molecular targets, including enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, iron absorption, and immune function. The bioavailability of vitamin C from Camu-Camu is expected to be high due to its water-soluble nature and efficient extraction methods.

Side effects

Camu-Camu is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts. However, comprehensive data on long-term safety and high-dose supplementation is limited. No common side effects have been reported in the available literature. While specific data on uncommon side effects is lacking, high doses of vitamin C can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. No rare side effects have been documented in peer-reviewed literature. Although no significant drug interactions have been reported, high doses of vitamin C may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. Individuals with kidney stones or those at risk should consult a healthcare provider due to the potential for increased oxalate levels with high vitamin C intake. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before using Camu-Camu supplements.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Camu-Camu is not well-established, but animal studies have used 1g/kg/day of hydroalcoholic extract. There is no established optimal dosage range for humans, and the vitamin C content can vary widely depending on the extraction method and part of the fruit used. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined, but high doses of vitamin C (>2000 mg/day) can cause gastrointestinal side effects. While no specific timing recommendations are available, it is generally advised to take vitamin C supplements with meals to enhance absorption. The form can vary from hydroalcoholic extracts to powders, with the choice depending on the intended use. Bioavailability can be enhanced by using efficient extraction techniques like pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Adequate hydration and a balanced diet can support the absorption and utilization of vitamin C.

FAQs

Is Camu-Camu safe to consume?

Camu-Camu is generally safe, but high doses or long-term use should be monitored. Consult a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

When is the best time to take Camu-Camu?

There is no specific timing recommendation, but taking it with meals may enhance absorption. Follow the instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional.

What are the expected benefits of taking Camu-Camu?

Potential benefits include antioxidant effects, weight management, and antimicrobial properties, but human data is limited. Individual results may vary.

Can Camu-Camu replace medical treatment?

No, Camu-Camu is not a substitute for medical treatment but can be used as a dietary supplement to support overall health. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.

Research Sources

https://www.scielo.br/j/rcbc/a/hG6PCLVkG4Dq6dNnSzrRfWG/?format=pdf&lang=en – This animal study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Camu-Camu versus sleeve gastrectomy on obese Wistar rats. The study found that Camu-Camu hydroalcoholic extract reduced BMI in obese rats, although not as effectively as sleeve gastrectomy, and did not significantly alter glycemic levels, suggesting potential benefits for weight management.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30599928/ – This analytical study evaluated extraction and quantification methods for vitamin C in Camu-Camu samples from different regions. The research highlighted the high vitamin C content in Camu-Camu and demonstrated efficient extraction techniques, emphasizing its potential as a rich source of this essential nutrient.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/11/3/252 – This in vitro study examined the effects of Camu-Camu powder on meat parameters, focusing on its antimicrobial properties. The findings indicated that Camu-Camu powder inhibited microbial growth and altered meat color parameters, suggesting its potential use as a natural preservative in food products.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34190164/ – This study investigates the protective effects of camu-camu (*Myrciaria dubia*) against obesity-related metabolic dysfunction in mice fed a high-fat diet. The results suggest that camu-camu supplementation can improve glucose metabolism and reduce inflammation, highlighting its potential as a functional food for managing metabolic disorders associated with obesity.
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/pdf/S2666-3791(24)00403-8.pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assesses the impact of camu-camu (*Myrciaria dubia*) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study suggests that camu-camu supplementation may improve liver health by reducing hepatic steatosis and liver injury markers, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for NAFLD, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.