Acai
Background
The
acai palm tree, native to tropical Central and South America, produces
a deep purple fruit. The word “acai,” which comes from a language of
the native people of the region, means “fruit that cries.” The acai
fruit has long been an important food source for indigenous peoples of
the Amazon region.
Acai products have become popular in the
United States, where they have been marketed for weight-loss and
anti-aging purposes.
The Federal Trade Commission has taken
action against companies that marketed acai weight loss products in
allegedly deceptive ways.
Acai fruit pulp has been used experimentally as an oral contrast agent
for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Acai products are available as juices, powders, tablets,
and capsules.
How Much Do We Know?
Very little research has been done in people on the health effects of
acai products.
What Have We Learned?
There’s
no definitive scientific evidence based on studies in people to support
the use of acai for any health-related purpose.
No independent
studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals that substantiate
claims that acai alone promotes rapid weight loss. Researchers who
investigated the safety profile of an acai-fortified juice in rats
observed that there were no body weight changes in animals given the
juice compared with animals that didn’t receive it.
A
preliminary study suggested that eating acai fruit pulp might reduce
blood sugar and cholesterol levels in overweight people.
Laboratory
studies have focused on acai’s potential antioxidant properties, and a
juice blend with acai as the main ingredient has been shown to have an
antioxidant effect in people. (Antioxidants are substances that may
protect cells against certain types of damage.)
What Do We Know About Safety?
There
is little reliable information about the safety of acai as a
supplement. It is widely consumed as an edible fruit or as
a juice.
Consuming
acai might affect MRI test results. If you use acai products and are
scheduled for an MRI, check with your health care provider.
Keep in Mind
Tell
all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative
health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and
safe care.
Key References
Acai.
Natural Medicines Web site. Accessed at
naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ on March 26, 2015.
[Database subscription].
Federal Trade Commission. FTC
Permanently Stops Fake News Website Operator that Allegedly Deceived
Consumers about Acai Berry Weight-Loss Products. Federal Trade
Commission Web site. Accessed at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/beony.shtm on
March 27, 2015.
Jensen GS, Wu X, Patterson KM, et al. In
vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of an
antioxidant-rich fruit and berry juice blend. Results of a pilot and
randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Journal of Agricultural and Food
Chemistry. 2008;56(18):8326-8333.
Marcason W. What
is the acai berry and are there health benefits? Journal of the American Dietetic
Association. 2009;109(11):1968.
Schauss AG, Clewell A, Balogh L, et al. Safety
evaluation of an acai-fortified fruit and berry functional juice
beverage MonaVie Active. Toxicology. 2010;278(1):46-54.
Schreckinger ME, Lotton J, Lila MA, et al. Berries
from South America: a comprehensive review on chemistry, health
potential, and commercialization. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2010;13(2):233-246.
Udani JK, Singh BB, Singh VJ, et al. Effects
of acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)
berry preparation on metabolic parameters in a healthy overweight
population: a pilot study. Nutrition Journal. 2011;10:45.
-NIH
