Last verified: 17 days ago
Acerola
Also known as: Malpighia emarginata, Malpighia glabra, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, acerola cherry
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Vitamin C-rich tropical fruit with antioxidant properties; most human evidence comes from multi-ingredient products.
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What it does
Acerola is a tropical cherry fruit exceptionally high in vitamin C and antioxidants. In a small study of elite athletes, 300 g/day of acerola pulp for 3 weeks reduced inflammatory markers, liver...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
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Found in
Beyond Collagen Powder Sachets, Nutrilite Double X, Texas SuperFood Original Capsules and 4 more
What the Science Says
Acerola is a tropical cherry fruit exceptionally high in vitamin C and antioxidants. In a small study of elite athletes, 300 g/day of acerola pulp for 3 weeks reduced inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, and blood glucose, suggesting metabolic and immune benefits. Research also indicates that vitamin C from acerola juice may be absorbed more efficiently and excreted more slowly than synthetic ascorbic acid, possibly due to naturally occurring bioflavonoids.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to boost athletic performance on its own. The skin benefits seen in trials were from multi-ingredient blends — acerola alone gets no credit there. No evidence it detoxifies the body. Don't expect dramatic immune protection from a single dose. Most exciting claims come from lab or animal studies, not human trials.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Vitamin C from acerola juice is absorbed better and excreted more slowly than synthetic vitamin C.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 50 mg ascorbic acid equivalent via acerola juice
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Daily acerola pulp reduced inflammatory markers and liver enzymes in elite endurance athletes.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 300 g/day of acerola pulp for 3 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Acerola supplementation lowered blood glucose and urea levels in elite athletes over 3 weeks.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 300 g/day of acerola pulp for 3 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
An acerola-containing multi-ingredient supplement improved skin hydration, elasticity, and UV damage markers.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose for acerola alone
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate to Good — one study found acerola juice vitamin C had higher plasma retention and lower urinary excretion compared to synthetic ascorbic acid, suggesting natural co-factors (bioflavonoids) may enhance absorption.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most clinical trials used acerola as part of multi-ingredient blends, making it impossible to isolate acerola's specific contribution
- The athlete study had only 22 participants and no placebo control — results should be interpreted cautiously
- Long-term safety data is limited; a 180-day rodent toxicology study exists but human long-term data is lacking
- Acerola pulp products are frequently adulterated — one study found common fraud with starches and gums in commercial pulps
- Supplement products vary widely in actual vitamin C content; standardization is not guaranteed
Products Containing Acerola
See how Acerola is used in these analyzed products:
Beyond Collagen Powder Sachets
Supplement
Nutrilite Double X
Supplement
Texas SuperFood Original Capsules
Supplement
Amazing Grass Super Greens The Original
Supplement
Life Extension Mix Capsules
Supplement
Paleovalley Organic Supergreens
Supplement
Professionalsupplementcenter
Supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Acerola do?
Vitamin C-rich tropical fruit with antioxidant properties; most human evidence comes from multi-ingredient products.
What is the effective dose of Acerola?
No established dose from provided studies
Is Acerola safe?
Most clinical trials used acerola as part of multi-ingredient blends, making it impossible to isolate acerola's specific contribution
What doesn't Acerola do?
Not proven to boost athletic performance on its own.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25