Summary sheet

• Common name : Acerola, Barbados cherry
• Other names Cerise des Antilles, Barbados Cherry (English)
• Scientific name : Malpighia glabra or Malpighia punicifolia
• Family Malpighiaceae
• Origin Central and South America
• Part used : Fruit
• Main assets L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C natural), flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids
• Main properties Reduces fatigue and restores energy and vitality. Boosts the immune system | Powerful antioxidant

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What is Acerola?

Acerola is a small cherry native to Central and South America, known for its exceptional concentration of vitamin C. It contains 20 to 30 times more vitamin C than an orange or kiwi, making it one of the richest fruits in ascorbic acid.

As well as vitamin C, acerola is rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins and polyphenolswhich give it powerful properties antioxidants. Traditionally, indigenous peoples used it to treat fatigue, infections and digestive problems.

Thanks to its toning and protective properties, acerola is now widely used in food supplementparticularly in powder or tablet form.

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Origin, habitat and culture

Acerola is a tropical shrub that is found mainly in South America and the Caribbean. It also grows in certain regions ofAsia and Africawhere it was introduced for its nutritional benefits.

Where does Acerola grow?

• Brazil (main producer)
• Venezuela
• Caribbean
• Texas (United States)
• South-East Asia (introduced)

The shrub generally grows to between 5 and 15 metres high and produces bright red fruit about 1 to 2.5 cm in diameter. These juicy, tart berries are very fragile and must be refrigerated immediately after harvesting to preserve their vitamin C content.

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Composition and benefits of acerola

Acerola is a exceptional source of vitamin Cbut it also contains many other essential nutrients:

• Natural vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
• Flavonoids and anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants)
• Carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene)
• Vitamins B1, B2, B3 (metabolic support)
• Minerals magnesium, potassium, calcium

Properties and effects on health

Anti-fatigue and energy boost

Acerola is renowned for its natural energising effect thanks to its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C plays an essential role in the production of carnitinea molecule that helps cells convert fatty acids into energy (source).

Immune system support

Acerola's vitamin C is essential for operation of the immune system. It strengthens natural defences by stimulating the production of white blood cells and increasing resistance to infection (source).

👉 A 2007 meta-analysis showed that vitamin C supplementation helps to reduce the duration of colds by 8 % in adults and 14 % in children (source).

Anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties

Acerola is one of the fruits richest in antioxidantswhich help neutralise free radicals responsible for cell ageing and cardiovascular disease.

👉 A study has revealed that acerola has a 4.5 times greater antioxidant capacity than oranges thanks to the synergy between vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids (source).

Key role in collagen synthesis

Vitamin C is essential to the formation of collagenthe structural protein of skin, bone and cartilage.

👉 A study has shown that vitamin C improves collagen production and promotes firmer, more resistant skin (source).

Improved iron absorption

Acerola improves absorption of non-haem iron (of plant origin), making it an ideal supplement for people prone toanaemia.

👉 A study has shown that taking vitamin C and iron together can increase iron absorption by 67 % (source).

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How should acerola be eaten?

Acerola is available in several forms:

• Chewable or suckable tablets
• Capsules
• Powder
• Juices and drinking solutions

Recommended dosage

• Energy and immunity 110 to 200 mg/day
• Fatigue and convalescence 500 to 1000 mg/day
• Colds and infections 1 to 5 g/day (temporary high dose)

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid prolonged overuse.

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Precautions and contraindications

Possible side effects

No major adverse effects have been reported, but high doses of vitamin C may cause :

• Digestive problems (diarrhoea, cramps)
• Increased risk of kidney stones in cases of prolonged excess

Precautions for use

• Not recommended for people suffering from kidney stones
• To be avoided in excess by people on anticoagulants

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Suggested associations

To optimise the benefits of acerola, it can be combined with other active ingredients:

• Immune system → Ginseng, Klamath
• Winter prevention → Propolis
• Tone and vitality → Spirulina, Kola
• Energy booster → Guarana

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Summary and opinion on acerola

Acerola is a superfood with exceptional benefitsrecognised for its action anti-fatigue, antioxidant and immune-boosting. Its richness in natural vitamin C makes it an essential supplement for prevent fatigue, boost immunity and improve collagen production.

Its use as a dietary supplement is ideal for combat fatigue, improve recovery and prevent winter infections.

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