The acai berry has become widely popular because of its nutrition content of both antioxidants and monounsaturated fats. In addition to being added to foods and beverages, the acai berry is also sold as a dietary supplement. For those who need to monitor vitamin K levels due to blood clotting problems, however, acai berry products may not be a good idea.
Health Benefits
The acai berry is the fruit of the acai palm tree, native to both Central and South America. The berry is related to other dark-colored berries such as blueberries and cranberries. Researchers are currently studying the acai berry's potential benefits in chronic diseases and in obesity. Although the health benefits advertised focus on the berry's antioxidant content, evidence does not support its efficacy in weight loss or chronic disease.
Antioxidant Content
The antioxidant anthocyanin gives the berry its royal blue color. This pigment belongs to a class of compounds called flavonoids which are found in fruits, especially berries, vegetables, nuts, cocoa, teas and wines. Anthocyanins help lower risk factors for heart disease and cancer by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation. It has been reported that the acai berry has 10 times more antioxidant activity than red grapes or red wine.
Considerations
Finding a reliable source of nutritional information about the acai berry is difficult. In food products and dietary supplements, the amount of actual berry is typically unknown and can be present in a variety of forms such as a juice or a freeze-dried powder. Other berries with high anthocyanin content, such as blueberries and blackberries, are considered relatively low sources of vitamin K, contributing 10 to 30 mcg per serving.
Blood Clotting Factors
Vitamin K is not the only nutrient that affects blood clotting. The anthocyanins in acai berries prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together, an action similar to blood thinning medications. Most of the fat content of the acai berry is in the form of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat similar to that found in olive oil. Oleic acid may also affect platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots.
Vitamin K
Patients who need to monitor vitamin K intake due to blood clotting issues are advised to avoid all dietary and herbal supplements unless approved by a physician, including supplements containing acai. Many dietary supplements can alter blood clotting by either thinning the blood excessively or interfering with the actions of blood-thinning medications.
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