Acerola: The tropical superfruit for energy, skin, and immune system
Acerola, also known as Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry, originally comes from the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The bright red fruit is known for its refreshing taste and exceptionally high content of natural vitamin C – up to 4,500 mg per 100 g. It has been enjoyed fresh or as juice in the tropics for centuries and is now considered one of the richest natural vitamin C sources and a symbol of natural vitality and life force worldwide.
Description: Fresh acerola cherry hanging on a small branch with leaves
What is acerola and where does it come from?
Acerola, also known as Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry, comes from Malpighia emarginata, a tropical shrub native to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. Although it resembles a cherry, it botanically belongs to a different family. In its native countries, acerola is traditionally enjoyed fresh or as juice – valued for its lively flavor and invigorating properties [1].
In Brazil and surrounding regions, acerola has long been appreciated for its refreshing aroma and high nutrient content. Over time, this small fruit has attracted worldwide interest from researchers and holistic health enthusiasts – for one central reason: its exceptionally high vitamin C content [2].
What does acerola do in the body?
A common question is: What does the acerola cherry do in the body?
The answer lies mainly in its nutrient density – especially its vitamin C content. Analyses show that acerola can contain up to 4,500 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fruit, making it one of the richest natural sources of this vital nutrient [1].
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), vitamin C contributes to [3]:
- the normal function of the immune system
- a normal energy-yielding metabolism
- the protection of cells from oxidative stress
- the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- normal collagen formation for the healthy function of skin, bones, cartilage, gums, and blood vessels
These EFSA-confirmed functions explain why the acerola cherry is often associated with natural vitality and resilience.
In addition to vitamin C, acerola provides a variety of flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins – powerful plant compounds that work synergistically with vitamin C to support antioxidant balance and cell health [5].
Description: Acerola cherry juice in a glass surrounded by fresh acerola cherries
Acerola benefits: The science behind its power
A review study in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that acerola’s vitamin C content is exceptionally high and that the fruit also contains bioactive compounds that enhance its antioxidant potential [1].
Furthermore, studies suggest that vitamin C from acerola may be better absorbed and stored in the body than synthetic forms – thanks to the synergy between ascorbic acid and plant flavonoids [7].
A 2024 review also found that acerola’s secondary plant compounds can modulate oxidative-inflammatory cellular processes, contributing to overall vitality [6].
In short: The benefits of acerola powder or fresh fruit are based on its high concentration of vitamin C and accompanying plant compounds that nourish the body on multiple levels.
Description: A young woman drinks water with acerola powder
How vitamin C works in the body: The science behind it
The effect of vitamin C goes far beyond its antioxidant function – it is a biochemical cofactor involved in numerous cellular processes that maintain health, energy, and structure.
1. Collagen formation and skin integrity
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis – the structural protein that keeps skin, cartilage, tendons, and blood vessels strong and elastic. It serves as a cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, which stabilize and cross-link collagen fibers [9].
Vitamin C also influences the gene expression of collagen, strengthening the body’s natural ability to form and maintain connective tissue [10]. Therefore, regular intake of vitamin C-rich foods like acerola can support both inner vitality and outer radiance.
2. Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Vitamin C also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue – a function recognized by EFSA [3]. This is related to its role in the formation of carnitine, a molecule that transports fatty acids into mitochondria where they are used for energy production [11].
A clinical study with young adults with low vitamin C levels showed that a four-week vitamin C supplementation improved attention and reduced fatigue compared to placebo [12]. Thus, vitamin C from acerola supports natural energy production, especially during times of high demand or stress.
3. Cofactor in gene regulation and detoxification
Vitamin C also plays a subtle but significant role in gene regulation and detoxification. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes of the TET and Jumonji families, which control DNA and histone demethylation – processes central to epigenetic control and cellular repair [13].
Through these mechanisms, vitamin C indirectly supports the transcription of genes involved in detoxification and oxidative balance – thereby strengthening the body’s natural resilience.
Description: Many acerola cherries after harvest
Acerola powder: Concentrated nutrients in a convenient form
Since fresh acerola cherries are very delicate and spoil quickly, the fruit is usually offered outside tropical regions as powder or in capsule form.
Acerola powder is produced by gently drying and grinding the fruits – often at low temperatures to preserve nutrients. This process retains most of the fruit’s benefits, including vitamin C and plant companion compounds, in a stable and easy-to-use form.
Benefits of acerola powder:
- Natural, plant-based vitamin C source instead of synthetic ascorbic acid
- Preservation of synergistic plant compounds that can improve absorption
- Versatile – easily mixed into smoothies, juices, or water
- Long shelf life and consistent efficacy
High-quality products like the Acerola Vitamin C Capsules from Vitalplant are made from sun-ripened acerola cherries and standardized to 25% natural vitamin C. Each capsule contains 125 mg of vitamin C (156% of the recommended daily intake) from 500 mg acerola extract – in pure, plant-based capsules without additives [8].
Since vitamin C is water-soluble and not stored long-term in the body, regular daily intake is more effective than occasional high doses.
Safety and dosage
Acerola and its extracts are generally considered well tolerated. EFSA sets a safe upper intake level for vitamin C of 2,000 mg per day for adults [3]. Most acerola powders and capsules contain significantly less per serving, but total intake from all sources should be considered.
People with sensitive digestion or certain conditions should consult their doctor or healthcare practitioner before taking supplements.
Conclusion
The acerola cherry is one of nature’s brightest and most nutrient-rich fruits – a small superfruit with a high concentration of vitamin C and antioxidant plant compounds.
Description: Many fresh acerola cherries being poured from one basket into another
Whether as fresh fruit, powder, or capsules – it supports the body’s natural functions related to energy metabolism, collagen formation, antioxidant protection, and gene regulation.
For anyone seeking a holistic, plant-based source of vitality, acerola offers a simple and natural way to nourish the body sustainably and in harmony with nature.
Sources
[1] Prakash A. et al., Journal of Food Science and Technology, 55(9):3373–3384.
[2] Oliveira et al., Food Chemistry, 2021.
[3] EFSA Scientific Opinion on Vitamin C and Health Claims, EFSA Journal (2009;7(9):1226).
[4] Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, “Vitamin C and Immune Function.”
[5] Hapsari et al., Molecules, 2024.
[6] Yoshida et al., Food Science & Nutrition, 2019.
[7] Carr & Rowe, Nutrients, 2020.
[8] Vitalplant.de, “Acerola Vitamin C Capsules” (2025 edition).
[9] Kivirikko et al., Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1982.
[10] Phillips et al., Antioxidants, 2022.
[11] Rebouche, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 1991.
[12] Jung et al., European Journal of Nutrition, 2021.
[13] Kuiper & Vissers, Chemical Research in Toxicology, 2020.
