On The Shelf
Mickie Cathers
Camu camu supplements are touted as a potent immune boost, supporting overall wellness and skin health. Known as a superfood due to its high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, camu camu offers multiple health benefits beyond enhancing the immune system, as some studies suggest the small berry may aid in managing blood glucose levels and protecting the liver.
Background
Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a sour berry from an evergreen, bushy riverside tree grown in the Amazon rainforest of Peru and Brazil. This cherry-like fruit is rich in vitamin C and a variety of polyphenols, making it a nutritional powerhouse. Fresh camu camu contains approximately 2,000 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, far surpassing the 50 mg of vitamin C found in a small orange. The tart and sour taste makes camu camu difficult to eat, but extracts and powders make a more palatable option with about 600 mg to 700 mg of vitamin C per teaspoon. Its high vitamin content supports immune function, collagen production, wound healing, iron absorption, and reduced susceptibility to infection. Camu camu’s antioxidant properties contribute to skin health by combating oxidative stress.
Is there a benefit?
The biofunctional properties of camu camu have been well established through several in vitro and in vivo studies, mostly on animals. Studies suggest that camu camu exhibits a wide range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antioxidant activity is attributed to vitamin C and phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, found in the berry.
The high antioxidant content of camu camu may particularly benefit those who smoke cigarettes, as smoking leads to oxidative stress. With potent compounds such as flavonoid antioxidants, including anthocyanins and ellagic acid, camu camu may help reduce oxidative damage.
A 2015 systematic review by Langley and colleagues published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine included one randomized controlled trial that found that camu camu juice significantly lowered oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in smokers. In the study, 20 smokers consumed 0.3 cups of camu camu juice containing 1,050 mg of vitamin C daily for 1 week. Results showed reduced oxidative stress and C-reactive protein levels, while the placebo group, who took a vitamin C tablet, saw no changes.
Evidence suggests camu camu has a protective effect on the liver, particularly in cases of injury or liver diseases. A randomized controlled trial published in August 2024 in Cell Reports Medicine highlighted camu camu’s impact on liver health. The study found that camu camu supplementation significantly decreased liver fat by over 15% compared with placebo. Agrinier and colleagues conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial including 30 adults with hypertriglyceridemia and who were overweight. Participants consumed 1.5 g of camu camu capsules or placebo daily for 12 weeks, showing improved plasma levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases. The authors reported that their findings were likely due to the high content of polyphenols in camu camu and called for continued research to further validate the benefits of camu camu supplementation.
Dosage and availability
Camu camu supplements are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, extracts, juices, and cosmetics. A daily serving of 2 g of camu camu powder can be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, juices, or sweet desserts. One product claims that one serving (5 g) provides 478% of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C, but this high dose might cause stomach upset in first-time users.
Beyond supplements, camu camu is also found in eye creams and other cosmetics such as serums and face mists.
What to tell your patients
Camu camu, while generally considered safe and a great source of vitamin C, may cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea if taken in excess (over 2 g/day). A high amount of vitamin C may also interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs, posing risks for patients undergoing treatment. Additionally, camu camu’s high polyphenol content may reduce the bioavailability of non-heme iron, affecting individuals struggling with iron absorption. Advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid camu camu due to insufficient evidence regarding safe use of the supplement. ■