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Acerola Fruit Juice Pdr

Also known as: Malpighia emarginata, Acerola, West Indian cherry, Barbados cherry

Overview

Acerola, scientifically known as *Malpighia emarginata*, is a tropical fruit renowned for its exceptionally high vitamin C content, often exceeding 1,000 mg per 100g. It is primarily utilized for vitamin C supplementation and antioxidant support. The powder form, commonly denoted as Acerola Fruit Juice Pdr, is produced through spray-drying of the fruit juice. While research indicates moderate maturity regarding vitamin C bioavailability from acerola, there is a relative scarcity of high-quality clinical trials validating its therapeutic applications beyond basic nutritional benefits. Systematic reviews have highlighted significant genetic variability in nutrient content among different acerola cultivars, influencing the potential for optimized formulations. Acerola contains other phytonutrients, but the primary focus is on its ascorbic acid content.

Benefits

Acerola offers several potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its high vitamin C content. Studies have demonstrated superior bioavailability of vitamin C from acerola compared to synthetic ascorbic acid in human absorption studies, suggesting enhanced efficacy at nutritional doses. Animal models have indicated potential genoprotective effects against iron-induced oxidative stress, highlighting its antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the nutrient variability among different cultivars, such as 'BRS Rubra' with high SS/TA ratios, presents opportunities for developing optimized formulations with improved palatability and nutrient profiles. However, it's important to note that while the efficacy of vitamin C is well-established, acerola-specific benefits beyond basic nutrition require further validation through randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

How it works

Acerola's primary mechanism of action revolves around vitamin C-dependent pathways, which are crucial for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption. The bioavailability of ascorbic acid is enhanced by matrix components present in acerola juice, leading to improved absorption compared to isolated forms of vitamin C. Additionally, acerola's antioxidant properties are attributed to phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which demonstrate free radical scavenging activity in vitro. These compounds contribute to protecting cells from oxidative damage. The synergistic effect of these components contributes to the overall health benefits associated with acerola consumption.

Side effects

Acerola consumption is generally considered safe, but some side effects may occur, particularly at high doses. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal discomfort, which can manifest as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal cramps, especially at doses exceeding 1,000 mg of vitamin C equivalent. Rare adverse events have been reported in clinical literature. Acerola may enhance iron absorption, which could be a concern for individuals with hemochromatosis. It is contraindicated in individuals with oxalate nephropathy due to the potential for increased oxalate excretion. It is essential to adhere to recommended dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking medications.

Dosage

The effective dosage of acerola for vitamin C supplementation typically ranges from 30 to 180 mg of vitamin C, equivalent to approximately 3 to 18 grams of fresh fruit. It is crucial to adhere to the upper limit guidelines for vitamin C, which is 2,000 mg per day. When selecting acerola products, consider cultivars with high SS/TA ratios (greater than 10) for improved palatability. The timing of acerola consumption is not critical, but taking it with meals may enhance absorption. While acerola is available in various forms, including juice, powder, and capsules, the powder form is commonly used for supplementation. Always follow product-specific dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

FAQs

Does processing affect potency?

Spray-drying, a common method for producing acerola powder, generally preserves vitamin C content. However, it may lead to a reduction in heat-sensitive phytonutrients. Choose reputable brands to ensure quality.

How does acerola compare to synthetic vitamin C?

Acerola demonstrates superior absorption at nutritional doses (less than 200 mg) compared to synthetic ascorbic acid. At pharmacological doses, the absorption rates are generally comparable. Acerola also provides additional phytonutrients.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6098779/ – Uchida et al. (2011) conducted a comparative bioavailability study on healthy Japanese adults, revealing enhanced vitamin C absorption from acerola compared to isolated ascorbic acid. The study's limitations include a small sample size and a single-dose design, warranting further investigation with larger cohorts and multiple doses.
https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/HYCNp6BcVnMfBdLng3yJssC/ – Ferreira et al. (2023) performed a genetic analysis of over 35 acerola cultivars, finding that SS content ranged from 5.2 to 15.8%, while TA ranged from 0.37 to 3.82g/100g. This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of quality parameters, highlighting the genetic diversity and its impact on nutrient composition.
https://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/alice/bitstream/doc/1160925/1/Genetic-Diversity-on-Acerola-Quality-A-Systematic-Review.pdf – This systematic review examines the genetic diversity of acerola and its impact on fruit quality. It provides a comprehensive analysis of various cultivars, highlighting the variability in nutrient content and potential for optimized formulations. The review underscores the importance of cultivar selection for specific nutritional goals.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4807388/ – Ramos et al. (2016) conducted an animal genotoxicity study on mice, demonstrating a 21-57% reduction in iron-induced DNA damage with acerola supplementation. The study's limitations include its non-human model and small sample size, necessitating further research to confirm these findings in human populations.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-608/acerola – WebMD provides general information about Acerola, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It serves as a basic overview but lacks the depth and rigor of peer-reviewed scientific studies.