We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Acai Berry (Euterpe oleracea)
A dark-purple Amazonian palm berry rich in anthocyanins and marketed heavily as an antioxidant 'superfruit'. The honest reality: human evidence is limited to a handful of small, mostly short-term trials — antioxidant capacity and a couple of biomarker shifts, with no demonstrated effect on hard health outcomes.
What the evidence says
Most Acai studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2008–2026 with a typical study size of 37 participants.
Based on 20 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 10 RCTs · 481 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidenceBy outcome
A few small, short trials confirm anthocyanins are absorbed and shift a couple of antioxidant/inflammation biomarkers, but no trial shows any effect on disease outcomes, weight, or lipids/glucose.
11 rigorous studies
9 randomized trials · 1 meta-analyses · 1 systematic reviews
Our evidence rating for Acai is accountable to this entire body of rigorous research indexed in PubMed — not a hand-picked subset.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
No trials currently enrolling · 11 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
1 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Acai, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is the fruit of an Amazonian palm, prized for its very high anthocyanin (polyphenol) content, which gives it strong antioxidant capacity in laboratory assays.
That test-tube antioxidant story is what drives its 'superfruit' marketing — but high ORAC values do not automatically translate to clinical benefit.
The actual human data is thin: a small acute crossover trial confirmed anthocyanins are absorbed and transiently raise plasma antioxidant capacity; a 4-week crossover found modest HDL-cholesterol and antioxidant-enzyme improvements in healthy adults; and a 12-week pilot in metabolic-syndrome patients moved only two of many inflammation/oxidative-stress biomarkers, with no change in glucose or lipid metabolism.
A small phase II prostate-cancer trial did not meet its endpoint. No trial has shown effects on disease outcomes, weight, or longevity. Acai is a perfectly reasonable food, but as a supplement the evidence is emerging at best.
Acai anthocyanins are absorbed and transiently raise plasma antioxidant capacity, scavenging reactive oxygen species in laboratory and acute human assays.
Short-term intake has been associated with increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase) in a small crossover study.
How Acai works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Safe as a food; concentrated supplement extracts are not specifically studied — favor whole-fruit amounts.
Some unprocessed acai berries have been used as oral contrast in research; not relevant to typical supplement use.
No clinically significant drug interactions are well-documented; as a polyphenol-rich food, theoretical interactions are minimal at dietary doses. This possible interaction has not been individually evaluated for this supplement; its likelihood and severity are unknown. If you take an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine, ask a pharmacist or prescriber before using this product. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines based on this notice.
Tip: Take with food; reduce dose
The current evidence for Acai is insufficient to assign an evidence score, based on 18 indexed studies. A dark-purple Amazonian palm berry rich in anthocyanins and marketed heavily as an antioxidant 'superfruit'. The honest reality: human evidence is limited to a handful of small, mostly short-term trials — antioxidant capacity and a couple of biomarker shifts, with no demonstrated effect on hard health outcomes. Representative study: PMID 29850709.
The commonly studied dose of Acai is No established efficacy dose; trials used 200 mL/day juice or ~325 mL twice daily of polyphenol beverage. Capsule/powder products commonly provide 500-1000mg dried extract.. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Acai is with meals. Take it with food. Taken with meals as a food/polyphenol source; no trial-validated supplement dose exists.
Acai is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. Reported side effects are uncommon and include mild GI upset. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Known allergy to acai or related palm fruits.
Psyllium Husk
Likely helpsGel-forming soluble fiber that lowers LDL cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and promotes digestive regularity.
Green Tea Extract
Likely helpsConcentrated catechins from green tea that support metabolism, fat oxidation, brain health, and antioxidant defense.
Curcumin
Likely helpsTurmeric's active compound that modulates NF-kB inflammatory pathways — supports mood, joint health, and post-exercise recovery.
Spirulina
Likely helpsBlue-green algae with 60-70% complete protein and unique phycocyanin antioxidant — lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
Explore: Best supplements for Vitality & Longevity
Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 20 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research