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Overview: Camu camu is a fruit from a plant called Myrciaria dubia. It is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in powders, capsules, and other forms that are taken by mouth. People take camu camu for many reasons, such as immune support, antioxidant benefits, and inflammation, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects are related to its high vitamin C content and include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. Camu camu may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. Camu camu is also used in some skin care products. Check with your health care provider before using camu camu, especially if you have any health conditions or take any medicines.

Uses

What is camu camu used for?

Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons people may use camu camu supplements include the following.

There is not enough research in humans to know if camu camu has benefits for any use. If you have a concern listed above (especially diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer), do not use dietary supplements to delay or replace medical care. Talk to a health care provider about your treatment options.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed camu camu for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does camu camu work (mechanism of action)?

Camu camu is a fruit from a plant called Myrciaria dubia. It is also known as camu berry, caçari, arazá de agua, guayabo, zamu, and other names. Camu camu supplements are usually made from the pulp, skin, or seeds of the fruit.

Some people take camu camu for immune support and antioxidant benefits. Camu camu is one of the richest known natural sources of vitamin C, roughly containing 50 times the vitamin C found in oranges. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it may help protect cells from damage. Some face creams and other skin care products are made using camu camu. However, its benefits for anti-aging or immune support are not well defined.

Lab research suggests camu camu can reduce the activity of an enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure. Animal studies show that camu camu may affect the balance of bacteria in the gut, which is thought to play a role in gut health and weight management. However, these effects have not been confirmed in humans.

Camu camu also contains active plant compounds called polyphenols, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, and others. These compounds may have anti-inflammatory effects. Some of these compounds may also slow the breakdown of sugars and starches in the gut, which is why camu camu is sometimes used for diabetes or blood sugar support. Camu camu has also been studied for potential anti-cancer effects, but it is not proven to prevent or treat cancer in humans.

Herbal products like camu camu naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific camu camu product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store camu camu?

You should store camu camu according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of camu camu?

The most common side effects of camu camu are listed below. These side effects are mainly related to its high vitamin C content and may vary depending on the dose or specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of camu camu that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of camu camu?

While less common, the most serious side effects of camu camu are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Camu camu may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking camu camu and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Kidney Stones. Camu camu contains large amounts of vitamin C. High doses of vitamin C can increase the amount of a substance called oxalate in your urine (pee), which may raise the risk of kidney stones. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney stones.

  • Severe pain in the side, back, or lower belly
  • Pain when urinating
  • Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red, or brown
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Frequent need to pee
  • Fever or chills

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use camu camu?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take camu camu.

  • Arazá de agua
  • Caçari
  • Camu berry
  • Camu camu
  • Guayabo
  • Myrciaria dubia
  • Zamu
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific camu camu products they stock.

What should I know about camu camu before using it?

Camu camu is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep camu camu out of the reach of children.

Camu camu is available in many different forms, such as powders, capsules, juice, and frozen pulp. Camu camu is also found in some products that are applied to the skin. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of vitamin C and other chemicals naturally found in the fruit. Topical camu camu products are for use on the skin only.

If you are using camu camu powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.

Herbal products, such as camu camu, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific camu camu product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested camu camu products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using camu camu?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if camu camu or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Camu camu may interact with medicines and other supplements. Before using camu camu, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney stones or other kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • High iron levels, such as iron overload or hemochromatosis
  • Treatment for cancer, including radiation or chemotherapy

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how camu camu could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if camu camu passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does camu camu interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between camu camu and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect camu camu.

Does camu camu interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking camu camu.

Chemotherapy. Camu camu is rich in vitamin C. If you are receiving chemotherapy, check with your health care provider before taking supplements that contain vitamin C. Antioxidants may interact with some cancer treatments or affect how well they work.

Cholesterol Medicines. If you take medicines for cholesterol, such as simvastatin and niacin, check with your health care provider before taking supplements that contain vitamin C. Antioxidant supplements may affect how well some cholesterol medicines work to raise HDL (“good” cholesterol).

The interactions between camu camu and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with camu camu is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking camu camu with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much camu camu?

If you or someone else has used too much camu camu, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Camu camu comes in a range of forms that are taken by mouth and some products that are applied to the skin. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use camu camu safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.