Does Acai Cause Side Effects?
Acai berries are the fruit of the acai palm tree.
Acai berry products, such as juice blends and supplements, are becoming increasingly popular and are claimed to provide a wide variety of health benefits
(see Benefits of Acai for more information). At this time, there are no known acai side effects.
However, even though there are no known side effects, this does not guarantee that acai does not or cannot cause problems; it simply means that no side effects have been reported, either in clinical studies or in case reports. Case reports are individual reports from healthcare providers about side effects seen in their patients. It is quite possible that the lack of reported side effects simply reflects a lack of clinical studies of acai in humans.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that you think may be related to acai. Your healthcare provider will likely be interested in such possible acai side effects and may even want to report such problems to a medical journal -- especially if the side effects are particularly serious or interesting. You should also let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right" while taking acai. While it may not be a side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Of course, there is a potential for allergic reactions to acai, just as with any food. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing or other difficulty breathing.
