Acerola Berry Supplement Philippines: What You Need to Know
Acerola berries (Malpighia emarginata), also known as Barbados cherries or West Indian cherries, are small, bright red fruits prized for their exceptional vitamin C content—often 50 to 100 times higher than that of oranges. They are among the richest natural sources of ascorbic acid and provide other beneficial nutrients.
While traditionally used in various cultures to treat colds, support skin health, and boost vitamin C levels, it’s recently gained popularity as an organic supplement. In countries where the berry is less commonly available, acerola berry supplements have become a convenient way for health-conscious individuals to enjoy the fruit’s benefits as part of a balanced lifestyle.
What is Acerola Berry?
The acerola berry is native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It is a small, cherry-like fruit. With its tart-sweet flavor, acerola has long been enjoyed fresh and in juices, particularly in Latin American cuisine. Acerola has since then gained global recognition because of its high concentration of vitamin C, which surpasses that of oranges and many other fruits.
Aside from vitamin C, acerola berries are packed with other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may support immune function, skin health, and cardiovascular wellness.
Highly perishable in its fresh form, acerola is now most commonly consumed as juice, powder, or dietary supplements. These provide a convenient way to access its nutrients, especially in regions like the Philippines where fresh acerola is rarely available. Whether added to smoothies, recipes, or taken as a supplement, acerola is valued globally as a powerful source of nutrition and overall well-being support.
Acerola Berry Nutritional Information
Acerola is best known for its rich vitamin C content. A 100-gram serving of raw acerola berries provides:
- Calories: ~32
- Carbohydrates: ~7.7 grams
- Fiber: ~1.1 grams
- Protein: ~0.4 grams
- Vitamin C: up to 1,677 mg (1,862% of the Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 767 IU (15% of the DV)
- Folate: 14 mcg (4% of the DV)
- Potassium: 146 mg (4% of the DV)
(Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central USDA, 2019)
Acerola is best known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content, making it one of the most powerful natural sources of this essential nutrient.
In addition to the above, it also provides a wide range of nutrients in smaller amounts, including:
- Other vitamins: beta-carotene, lutein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine (B6), folic acid, pantothenic acid.
- Phytonutrients: Carotenoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids.
- Antioxidants: Compounds that help protect against oxidative stress and support overall health.
Potential Health Benefits of Acerola
When consumed as part of a balanced diet, acerola berries may support overall wellness in the following ways:
Rich Source of Vitamin C
Acerola is one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in immune support, collagen formation, and antioxidant defense (Laurindo et al., 2024, Food Bioscience.).
Antioxidant Activity
Acerola contains polyphenols and carotenoids that help reduce oxidative stress and support cellular health (Mezadri et al., 2008, Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.).
Skin and Collagen Support
Due to its vitamin C content, acerola contributes to collagen synthesis, which is important for skin health and wound healing (Carr & Maggini, 2017, Nutrients).
General Well-Being
Studies on acerola cold-water soluble (ACWS) fraction, show that it can help reduce pain responses, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress in experimental models (Dallazen et al., 2024, Food Research International.).
It is important to note that acerola should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, not as a substitute for medical treatments or as a cure for illnesses.
How to Add Acerola to Your Diet
Fresh acerola berries are rarely available in the Philippines, and their delicate nature makes them difficult to store or transport. Because of this, supplements are the most practical way to add acerola to a daily routine.
Healthmax Care Mangosteen Plus 8 Berries includes acerola berries alongside mangosteen, bilberry, acai, raspberry, hawthorn, cranberry, grapeseed, and goji berry. Together, these superfruits provide a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients in one convenient supplement.
