Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutrition InformationRisksHow to Use It
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutrition Information
Risks
How to Use It
Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is an antioxidant-rich sour berry from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that is rich in vitamin C. Reported health benefits include reducing inflammation, fighting cold symptoms and fatigue, and helping with symptom management in other health conditions.
Camu camu is similar in color to a cherry and is widely regarded as a superfood.It is native to the Amazon forest. But its potential benefits have made it increasingly popular in the United States, especially as a supplement in powder form.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Benefits
One teaspoon (3 grams) of camu camu powder contains 240% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Other Benefits
Camu camu’s other benefits include its effect on people who smoke cigarettes and those who live withhigh blood pressureortype 2 diabetes.
Cigarette smoking is known to cause cell damage from free radicals (unstable molecules made as cells metabolize). This cell damage is a known risk for many health conditions, includingheart diseaseand cancer.
Drinking just 2.4 ounces (70 milliliters) of camu camu juice containing 1,050 milligrams of vitamin C for a week was shown in one study of male smokers to significantly decrease two inflammatory markers: interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).Camu camu in this study had greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than other forms of vitamin C.
Studies have also shown that, when combined with other fruit extracts, camu camu can help treat symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes, including high blood sugar. One small study of 23 healthy individuals suggests consuming camu camu supplement after eating could help reduce carb-induced blood sugar spikes.
Side Effects and Risks
The rich vitamin C content in camu camu may cause somedigestive upsetif you consume more than the standard tolerated dose of 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily. However, any gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea or cramping, should resolve with discontinued use.
The risk of vitamin C toxicity even at large doses is low. However, vitamin C consumption could be linked to excess iron absorption and should be avoided if you havehemochromatosis, a genetic condition causing iron to build up in the blood.
The effect of camu camu on pregnant or lactating people is unknown, so it should be avoided until speaking to a healthcare provider.Likewise, people in general should discuss supplement use, as well as possible interactions, with a healthcare provider before starting a regimen.
How to Eat Camu Camu
The benefits of camu camu can be found in the fruit’s pulp, peel, and seeds—but it is rarely eaten on its own (outside where it is grown) due to its high acidity and extremely tart and sour flavor.
Camu camu is available in capsule or powder form, as well as pulps, juices, and purees.The powder could be added to foods such as:
Summary
Camu camu is a sour and tart berry that is used for its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Camu camu is found in powder, puree, pulp, capsule, and juice forms. It may help in reducing inflammation, contributing to heart health, and in fighting post-viral fatigue. It can also be helpful in managing blood sugar levels.
13 Sources
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National Institutes of Health Office on Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C consumer information.
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Food Data Central.Raw organic camu camu powder.
Inoue T, Komoda H, Uchida T, Node K.Tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.J Cardiol. 2008;52(2):127-132. doi:10.1016/j.jjcc.2008.06.004
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Hathcock JN, Azzi A, Blumberg J, Bray T, Dickinson A, Frei B, Jialal I, Johnston CS, Kelly FJ, Kraemer K, Packer L, Parthasarathy S, Sies H, Traber MG.Vitamins E and C are safe across a broad range of intakes.Am J Clin Nutr.2005 Apr;81(4):736-45. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/81.4.736.
Isnard S, Fombuena B, Ouyang J, et al.Camu Camu effects on microbial translocation and systemic immune activation in ART-treated people living with HIV: protocol of the single-arm non-randomised Camu Camu prebiotic pilot study (CIHR/CTN PT032).BMJ Open. 2022;12(1):e053081. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053081
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