Acerola: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Barbados Cherry, West Indian Cherry
Scientific name(s)
Malpighia glabra, Malpighia punicifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B1
Vitamin A
Flavonoids
Potassium
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Vitamin C deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Acerola is a very rich natural source of vitamin C, which is better absorbed by the body than synthetic ascorbic acid. Vitamin C plays a key role in the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitine, neurotransmitters, corticosteroids, and catecholamines, as well as in the synthesis and maintenance of tissues, notably the formation of bones, teeth, and muscles.
Posologie
Oral: fruit
1 g
dried extract
Immune System Boost ✪✪✪✪✪
Vitamin C in acerola affects the immune system in several different ways, and there is much evidence that the immune system is sensitive to circulating levels of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid modulates the expression of T cell genes, affecting specifically the genes involved in signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, apoptosis, transcription, and immune function. It can also stimulate the production of interferons, proteins that protect cells against viral attacks and stimulate the synthesis of thymus humoral factor and antibodies of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM classes. In vivo and in vitro studies provide evidence of immunostimulatory effects, generally at doses higher than the recommended dietary doses. At high doses, it is a strong immunomodulator and is preferably cytotoxic to neoplastic cells. Vitamin C enhances natural killer cell activity in vivo as well as B and T cell activity. In addition to these direct effects on the immune system, the antioxidant properties of vitamin C play a role. When neutrophils are activated during an infection, they release free radicals. However, neutrophils are themselves susceptible to damage by free radicals. Protection against auto-oxidation is provided by ascorbic acid and other antioxidants and is essential during the mobilization of host defenses. Besides its own effects, vitamin C indirectly contributes to the immune system function by protecting the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E, which is an immune-enhancing nutrient in itself.
Posologie
Oral: fruit
1 g
dried extract
Oxidative Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
At physiological concentrations, vitamin C is the most effective aqueous antioxidant in plasma, interstitial fluids, and cell soluble phases. Vitamin C acts as a powerful free radical scavenger in plasma, protecting cells against oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). It traps oxygen and nitrogen free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl, and nitroxide radicals, as well as non-radical reactive species like singlet oxygen, peroxynitrite, and hypochlorite. In addition to its direct antioxidant function, it indirectly increases free radical scavenging by regenerating vitamin E and maintaining glutathione in a reduced form. Vitamin C decreases oxidants in gastric juice, reduces lipid peroxidation, and lessens oxidative damage to DNA and proteins.
Posologie
Oral: fruit
1 g
dried extract
Influence of vitamin C on markers of oxidative stress in the earliest period of ischemic stroke
Supplementation of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol is useful to preventing bone loss linked to oxidative stress in elderly
Effect of vitamin C supplementation on postprandial oxidative stress and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients
Does vitamin C supplementation influence the levels of circulating oxidized LDL, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and vWF-antigen in healthy male smokers?
High dosage of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol is not useful for diminishing oxidative stress and DNA damage in healthy elderly adults
Osteoporosis ✪✪✪✪✪
Some data suggest that vitamin C intake might be related to bone mineral density in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women who consume estrogens and smoke, higher levels of vitamin C might reduce the fracture risk. However, in menopausal women without a history of smoking or estrogen consumption, higher serum levels of vitamin C have been associated with lower bone mineral density. Currently, there is not enough information to make recommendations about vitamin C and bone density.
Posologie
Oral: fruit
1 g
dried extract
Properties
Antioxidant
This fruit is recognized as the best natural source of vitamin C. Acerola is a fruit with antioxidant properties. Indeed, it combats cell aging by minimizing the effects of free radicals within the body.
Usages associés
Bioenergizing
The vitamin C in acerola seems to be easily absorbed and stored in skeletal muscle tissues, where it can ensure antioxidant protection and support collagen production.
Usages associés
Remineralizing
Although the relationship between calcium, vitamin D, and bone mineral density is well-known, other nutrients, such as vitamin C, are also essential for the development, repair, and maintenance of bones. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a positive association between bone density and vitamin C intake. Low intakes of vitamin C have been associated with decreased mineral density, particularly at the femur neck and whole hip. Data collected from 13,080 adults from 1988 to 1994 identified an association between dietary and serum ascorbic acid, bone mineral density, and bone fracture.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adults 18 years+: 1 g - 3 g (dried extract)
Interactions
Médicaments
Fluphenazine: minor interaction
Concurrent use of acerola with Fluphenazine (an antipsychotic) may decrease its effectiveness due to the vitamin C content in acerola.
Warfarin: minor interaction
Concurrent use of acerola with warfarin may reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin due to its vitamin C content.
Anticancer medications: minor interaction
The use of antioxidants such as vitamin C during chemotherapy or other cancer medications is controversial. They can reduce the effect of chemotherapy by producing free radicals. However, some researchers believe that antioxidants can make chemotherapy more effective by inducing oxidative stress that can interfere with dead or cancerous cells.
Estrogens: minor interaction
Combining vitamin C with oral contraceptives may increase estrogen levels by 55%. It is thought that vitamin C prevents estrogen oxidation in tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogens, and reduces estrogen conjugation to sulfate in the intestinal wall. These effects are not seen when tissue levels of vitamin C are high.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Acerola: moderate interaction
Vitamin C increases iron absorption, which can be a desired effect or to be avoided according to your therapist's advice.
Precautions
Pregnant women: use with caution
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
Gout: use with caution
The vitamin C contained in acerola can increase uric acid levels.
Kidney stone: use with caution
The vitamin C present in acerola may cause the precipitation of urate, cystine, or oxalate stones.
