Acai berry is the fruit of the acai palm (Euterpe oleracea ), a tree native to Brazil. The berry is about the size of a grape. Sellers of natural acai berry products tout numerous benefits, such as weight loss and increased energy and sex drive, but none of these claims have been conclusively proven in clinical studies. Acai is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, but care must be taken to avoid the side effects associated with eating too much of the berry or other ingredients in acai supplements.
Allergies
People with allergies to pollen or to berries like blueberries and raspberries should take care when consuming products containing acai berry. If you're not sure if you might be allergic to acai berry, start by consuming just a small amount first to watch for a reaction. Allergic reactions to acai berry can include hives and difficulty breathing.
Interactions With Medications
Acai berry is relatively new to the U.S. market, so its interactions with other medications have not been well-studied. The high antioxidant content of berries like acai can make them act as an anti-inflammatory. In small amounts, there is not much to worry about, but if you consume large amounts of the berry while you are taking other medications, there could be some harmful interactions. The AARP (http://healthtools.aarp.org/natstandardcontent/acai-1/2) warns that acai berry can have an additive effect when used with anti-inflammatory medication, anti-oxidants or cancer treatment drugs such as antineoplastics.
Side Effects of Over-Consumption
Just as with any berry, eating too many acai berries or drinking too much natural acai juice can have uncomfortable side effects like upset stomach and diarrhea. Many acai berry juices are mixed with juices from other fruits like blueberries or strawberries. Over-consumption of foods that are very high in vitamins C and E can cause a bad taste in your mouth or sores on your tongue and the inside of your cheeks.
Effects of Other Ingredients
Many natural acai berry juices and tablets are mixed with other fruits and herbs, so read the label carefully before using them. For example, some products contain guarana, an herbal stimulant found in many sports and energy drinks that has similar effects to caffeine, such as increased heart rate and suppressed appetite. Other acai supplements and juices might contain gluten, lactose fillers or fruits that cause allergies in some people. Some unscrupulous acai berry product manufacturers do not list other herbs or inert ingredients the products contain, which can be dangerous for pregnant and nursing women or people using medications.
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