Overview

Acerola is the fruit of an evergreen plant called Malpighia emarginata or Malpighia glabra. The fruit is commonly consumed as a food or juice, and it is also available as a dietary supplement. Acerola contains high amounts of vitamin C and other antioxidants, and it is commonly used as a vitamin C supplement. It may also be used to reduce inflammation and support immune function, but the benefits for these uses are not well defined. Acerola is usually well tolerated. Before taking acerola, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is acerola used for?

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata or Malpighia glabra) is commonly used to increase vitamin C levels. In addition to vitamin C, acerola contains other antioxidants, which may help lower inflammation and support immune function. However, the benefits of acerola are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed acerola for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does acerola work (mechanism of action)?

Acerola (also called Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry) is the fruit of an evergreen plant called Malpighia emarginata or Malpighia glabra. It is commonly consumed as a food or juice. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

Acerola may help to support normal immune function by providing a large amount of vitamin C, an important nutrient that supports the body’s natural defenses. Vitamin C helps the body make and activate immune cells that fight infections, such as white blood cells. It may also help these cells work more effectively and protect them from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. In addition to vitamin C, acerola contains antioxidants (such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins) and plant compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support overall immune health.

Herbal products, such as acerola, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific acerola product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store acerola?

You should store acerola according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and away from direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of acerola?

Acerola seems to be well tolerated. However, high doses may lead to stomach problems, including diarrhea. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of acerola that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of acerola?

While less common, the most serious side effects of acerola are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Acerola may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking acerola and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use acerola?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take acerola.

• Acerola
• Malpighia emarginata
• Malpighia glabra
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific acerola products they stock.

What should I know about acerola before using it?

Acerola is available as a fruit, juice, and dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep acerola out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as acerola, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific acerola product can vary for many reasons. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Acerola is a dietary supplement that comes in various forms, such as a tincture, capsule, chew, or tablet that is swallowed or a powder that is mixed into liquid and swallowed.

If you are taking acerola powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label. Mix the powder with a glass of liquid, such as water or juice.

If you are taking a liquid acerola supplement, such as a tincture, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose, such as the one that comes with the product. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist which measuring device to use.

Acerola supplements are often combined with other supplements, such as ascorbic acid, mushrooms, or teas, such as green tea. Different ingredients can have different effects and side effects. Read all of the ingredients on the product you are using. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions about the ingredients.

The FDA has not tested acerola products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using acerola?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if acerola is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Latex Allergy. People with a latex allergy might have an allergic reaction to acerola. If you have a latex allergy, talk to your health care provider before taking acerola.

Kidney Stones.Acerola products contain vitamin C, which can increase your risk of certain types of kidney stones when taken in high amounts. If you have had kidney stones in the past, talk to your health care provider before taking acerola.

Other Medicines and Supplements.Acerola may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking acerola, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how acerola could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if acerola passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does acerola interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between acerola and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect acerola.

Does acerola interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Acerola contains high amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant, which may interact with certain medicines.

The interactions between acerola and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with acerola is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking acerola with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much acerola?

If you or someone else has used too much acerola, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Acerola products may contain different amounts of certain chemicals. This can change the effects of acerola in the body. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take acerola safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.