Live Well Vitamins & Lifestyle Guide

Acai (Acai Berry, Seed, Pulp)

Acai berries come from a palm tree in Central and South America. While a traditional food there for centuries, acai has recently become popular in the U.S. because of its supposed health benefits.

Acai Uses

Acai berries contain a number of substances that could boost health. For one, acai berries seem to have very high levels of antioxidants – higher than blueberries, strawberries, and other fruits. In lab studies, antioxidants appear to protect cells from damage that can lead to diseases like cancer.

Acai berries also contain healthy fatty acids. Substances in acai berries may reduce inflammation and could possibly slow the spread of cancer cells.

However, the potential benefits of acai are based on preliminary lab studies. So far, we don’t know the extent of acai’s possible health benefits in people.

Acai has been sold as a dietary supplement for conditions like high cholesterol, heart problems, allergies, and cancer. These uses of acai are unproven. Some researchers are looking at acai as a substitute for contrast agents in MRI tests.

Acai Dose & Instructions for Use

Because acai is an unproven treatment, there’s no good advice on how to use it.

Acai Food Sources

Acai fruit is a common food in some areas of Central and South America. In the U.S., it’s available in some health food stores and supermarkets. Acai is also an ingredient in some juices, drinks, liquors, jellies, ice creams, and other foods. It’s also used as a natural food coloring.

Acai Supplement Information

As a supplement, acai is sold in capsules, extracts, and powders. Like any supplement, keep acai in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Acai Warnings

• Side effects. When eaten as a food, acai seems to be safe. Since they have not been well-studied, the typical side effects of acai supplements are not known.
• Risks. It’s possible that acai may trigger or worsen swelling, high blood pressure, ulcers, or intestinal bleeding. Acai should not be used by anyone who’s getting an MRI unless a doctor recommends it.
• Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using acai supplements. They could interact with over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and other NSAID painkillers, as well as prescription medicines for pain. Don’t take acai if you’re taking cancer drugs, since it could block their effectiveness. Don’t use acai along with other antioxidant supplements without your doctor’s approval.

When acai berries are eaten as food, they appear safe. But given the lack of evidence about the safety of acai supplements, they are not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.