Organic Acerola Cherry
Also known as: Malpighia emarginata DC., Acerola cherry, West Indian cherry, Barbados cherry, Wild crepe myrtle, Organic acerola cherry, Malpighia emarginata
Overview
Organic acerola cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is a tropical fruit native to the Americas, cultivated in regions like Brazil and Southeast Asia. It's primarily recognized as a rich, natural source of vitamin C, containing significantly higher concentrations than citrus fruits like oranges. Acerola cherries also contain various phytonutrients, including polyphenols like anthocyanins and flavonoids, contributing to its antioxidant properties. It is often used as a dietary supplement to support immune function and provide antioxidant support. While research supports its high vitamin C content and antioxidant capacity, further human clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effects of whole fruit extracts. Acerola cherry is available in various forms, with freeze-dried powder being a preferred option for maintaining stability.
Benefits
Acerola cherry is primarily beneficial due to its high vitamin C content, with 100g of fresh fruit providing a substantial amount of ascorbic acid. This makes it effective for vitamin C repletion, particularly for individuals with malabsorption issues. The fruit also exhibits antioxidant activity, comparable to other superfruits, due to its rich phytonutrient profile. In vitro studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory effects by reducing IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and some research indicates cytotoxicity to certain cancer cells. However, the clinical significance of these secondary effects and the benefits for individuals with adequate vitamin C intake require further investigation through human studies.
How it works
Acerola cherry's mechanism of action primarily revolves around its high ascorbic acid content, which is crucial for collagen synthesis. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB inhibition. The fruit's molecular targets include scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating the Nrf2/ARE pathway, contributing to its antioxidant properties. The natural matrix of acerola cherry enhances vitamin C absorption compared to synthetic ascorbic acid, and the presence of co-nutrients like bioflavonoids further improves retention.
Side effects
Acerola cherry is generally considered safe at food doses. Common side effects are not typically reported at vitamin C equivalent doses below 1,000mg. Uncommon side effects may include dose-dependent diarrhea. Rare, theoretical concerns exist regarding oxalate-related issues at very high doses. Acerola cherry may interact with iron absorption, potentially affecting individuals with iron deficiency or overload. It is theoretically contraindicated in individuals with hemochromatosis due to the potential for increased iron absorption. Overall, acerola cherry is well-tolerated, but high doses should be approached with caution, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of acerola cherry is approximately 30mg of vitamin C, equivalent to about 1g of fresh fruit. An optimal daily range is between 200-500mg of vitamin C equivalent. The maximum safe dose is considered to be 2,000mg of vitamin C, equivalent to roughly 40g of fresh fruit. Freeze-dried powder is a preferred form due to its stability. The activity of acerola cherry can be enhanced by the presence of bioflavonoids. It's important to consider these factors when determining the appropriate dosage for supplementation.
FAQs
Is acerola cherry better than synthetic vitamin C?
Acerola cherry offers phytonutrient synergy, but there is no proven clinical superiority over synthetic vitamin C. Both can effectively increase vitamin C levels in the body.
What are the shelf life concerns for acerola cherry?
Acerola cherry is highly perishable. Processed forms, such as powders, are more stable and maintain their quality for a longer period compared to fresh fruit.
Does acerola cherry have anti-aging effects?
The theoretical collagen benefits of acerola cherry lack direct evidence. While vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis, more research is needed to confirm anti-aging effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6098779/ – This literature review quantifies the ascorbic acid (1,500-4,500mg/100g) and phytonutrient content of acerola cherries. It highlights the heterogeneous methodology across studies, indicating a need for standardized research approaches to better understand the fruit's composition and effects.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-608/acerola – This WebMD article provides a general overview of acerola, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety information. It serves as a consumer-friendly resource for understanding the basics of acerola cherry supplementation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10889565/ – This mechanistic review confirms the anti-inflammatory effects of acerola cherry via cytokine modulation in vitro. The study is limited by the absence of human clinical data, highlighting the need for further research to validate these findings in vivo.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/HYCNp6BcVnMfBdLng3yJssC/ – This systematic review focuses on the genetic variability of acerola cherry cultivars, examining traits relevant to agricultural production. It reports soluble solids content ranging from 5.2-15.8% and titratable acidity from 0.37-3.82g/100g, but does not address clinical outcomes or health benefits.
- https://viridian-nutrition.com/en-us/blogs/nutrition-articles/the-health-benefits-of-acerola-cherry – This blog post from Viridian Nutrition discusses the health benefits of acerola cherry, focusing on its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. It provides a general overview of the fruit's nutritional value and potential health applications.
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