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
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Vitamin C deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Acerola is a natural, very rich source of vitamin C that is better absorbed by the body than synthetic ascorbic acid.nnVitamin 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.nn
Posologie
Oral: fruit
1 g
dry extract
Immune support ✪✪✪✪✪
Vitamin C in acerola affects the immune system in several different ways, and there is considerable evidence that the immune system is sensitive to circulating levels of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid modulates gene expression in T cells, specifically affecting genes involved in signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, apoptosis, transcription, and immune function. It can also stimulate the production of interferons, the proteins that protect cells against viral attack and promote the synthesis of thymic humoral factor and antibodies of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM classes. In vivo and in vitro studies provide evidence of immunostimulant effects, generally at doses higher than recommended dietary intakes. At high doses, it is a potent immunomodulator and is preferentially 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 themselves are 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 supports immune system function by protecting the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E, which is an immune-enhancing nutrient in its own right.
Posologie
Orally: fruit
1 g
dry extract
Oxidative stress ✪✪✪✪✪
At physiological concentrations, vitamin C is the most effective water-soluble antioxidant in plasma, interstitial fluids and the soluble phases of cells. 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-derived free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl and nitroxide radicals, as well as non-radical reactive species such as singlet oxygen, peroxynitrite and hypochlorite. In addition to its direct antioxidant function, it also indirectly increases free radical scavenging by regenerating vitamin E and maintaining glutathione in a reduced form. Vitamin C reduces oxidants in gastric juice, decreases lipid peroxidation, and reduces oxidative damage to DNA and proteins.
Posologie
Oral use: fruit
1 g
dry 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 may be related to bone mineral density in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women who use estrogens and smoke, higher vitamin C levels may reduce the risk of fracture. However, in menopausal women without a history of smoking or estrogen use, higher serum vitamin C levels have been associated with lower bone mineral density. At present, there is insufficient information to make recommendations regarding vitamin C and bone density.
Posologie
Oral: fruit
1 g
dry extract
Properties
Antioxidant
This fruit is recognized as the best natural source of vitamin C. Acerola is a fruit with antioxidant properties. Indeed, it fights cellular aging by minimizing the effects of free radicals within the body.
Usages associés
Energizing
The vitamin C in acerola appears to be easily absorbed and stored in skeletal muscle tissues, where it can provide antioxidant protection and support collagen synthesis.
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 shown a positive association between bone density and vitamin C intake. Low vitamin C intake has been associated with decreased mineral density, particularly at the femoral neck and total hip. Data collected from 13,080 adults between 1988 and 1994 identified an association between dietary and serum ascorbic acid, bone mineral density and bone fracture.nn
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults (18 years and older): 1 g - 3 g (dry extract)
Interactions
Médicaments
Fluphenazine: minor interaction
Concurrent use of acerola with fluphenazine (a neuroleptic) may reduce the effectiveness of fluphenazine because of acerola's vitamin C content.
Warfarin: minor interaction
Concurrent use of acerola with warfarin may reduce warfarin's anticoagulant activity due to acerola's vitamin C content.
Anticancer drugs: minor interaction
The use of antioxidants such as vitamin C during chemotherapy or other anticancer medications is controversial. Indeed, they may reduce the effect of chemotherapy by producing free radicals. On the other hand, some researchers believe that antioxidants can make chemotherapy more effective by inducing oxidative stress that may interfere with dead or cancerous cells.
Estrogens: low interaction
Combining vitamin C with oral contraceptives can increase estrogen levels by 55%. It is thought that vitamin C prevents the oxidation of estrogens in tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogens, and reduces the conjugation of estrogens to sulfate in the intestinal wall. These effects are not observed 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 one to avoid depending on the advice of your healthcare professional.
Precautions
Pregnant women: use with caution
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
Gout: use with caution
The vitamin C contained in acerola may increase uric acid levels.
Kidney stones: use with caution
The vitamin C present in acerola may cause precipitation of urate, cystine, or oxalate stones.
