Acai Berry & FDA Approval: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated or approved acai berry as a dietary supplement and/or for medicinal uses. The berry is imported from Central and South America to manufacturing facilities in the United States.

Defined

• The acai berry is harvested from the Euterpe oleracea, or acai palm. It is similar in size to a red grape and is classified as a fruit. The juice and pulp of the berry is extracted and used since the berry spoils quickly.

Significance

• Acai berries are used in the production of dietary supplements and juices. It is now being promoted as an antioxidant, fat burner and anti-aging agent and as an aid in cancer patients.

Benefits

• Acai berries are similar to red grapes, red wine and blueberries. The berries contain two antioxidants called anthocyanins and flavonoids that boost the immune system.

Precautions

• No clinical studies support the medicinal effectiveness of acai berries. Although the berries contain antioxidant properties, the only claims that this product helps with weight loss, heart disease and cancer have been made by manufacturers.

Warnings

• Consult with a physician prior to starting administration of acai berry products. This product has received several reports of fraudulent information on its benefits.