Camu Camu

botanical

What is it

Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a small reddish-purple berry from a shrub native to the Amazon rainforest. It is one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C known, with content far exceeding that of citrus fruits.

How it works

Camu camu's exceptional vitamin C content (estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit) makes it a potent natural source for supplementation. The fruit also contains polyphenols including anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and proanthocyanidins, along with carotenoids and minerals. Vitamin C from camu camu functions identically to ascorbic acid from any other source: it supports collagen synthesis, neurotransmitter production, immune function, and acts as a water-soluble antioxidant. The accompanying polyphenols may provide additional antioxidant activity, and limited research suggests anti-inflammatory effects beyond what vitamin C alone provides. Because the fruit is highly acidic and tart, it is typically consumed as a freeze-dried powder rather than fresh. Standardization of vitamin C content varies between products.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Vitamin C source

Grade A

Strong evidence

Camu camu is an effective natural source of vitamin C. The ascorbic acid is bioavailable and identical to that from other sources, with bonus polyphenol content.

Immune support

Grade B

Good evidence

Vitamin C from camu camu supports immune cell function. Regular intake may reduce the duration of common colds modestly, particularly in physically stressed individuals.

Antioxidant activity

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Small studies suggest camu camu may reduce markers of oxidative stress more than equivalent doses of pure vitamin C, possibly due to its polyphenol content. Sample sizes are small and effects on clinical outcomes are unclear.

Inflammation markers

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Limited human studies suggest camu camu may reduce inflammatory markers in smokers and other groups. Evidence is preliminary and trials are small.

2 commercial forms

Camu camu powder

Whole-fruit form; vitamin C content varies by processing and storage.

Freeze-dried fruit powder, the most common form. Tart flavor often mixed into smoothies, juice, or yogurt. Vitamin C degrades with heat and air exposure.

Standardized extract

Concentrated vitamin C content for precise dosing.

Capsules with extract standardized to a specific vitamin C percentage. Reduces variability between batches.

Dosage

The RDA for vitamin C is 75 mg/day for women and 90 mg/day for men; the Upper Limit is 2,000 mg/day. Camu camu powders generally contain 8 to 12 percent vitamin C, so 1 teaspoon (about 3 g) of powder typically delivers 250 to 400 mg of vitamin C. Common supplement servings are 500 mg to 3 g of powder daily.

When and how to take it

Camu camu can be taken at any time of day. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so fat is not required for absorption. Splitting larger doses across two or three servings improves total absorption, as intestinal vitamin C transporters become saturated at higher single doses. Take with iron-containing meals if using for iron absorption.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Camu camu (fresh)	100 g	—
Acerola cherry	100 g	—
Guava	1 cup	—
Kiwifruit	1 medium	—
Red bell pepper	1 cup	—
Orange	1 medium	—

Safety

Camu camu is generally well tolerated. As with any high-vitamin C source, doses exceeding 2,000 mg/day may cause gastrointestinal upset, loose stools, or increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. The fruit is very acidic; large doses may aggravate reflux or dental erosion. Allergic reactions are rare.

Who should be cautious

People with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones should avoid high-dose vitamin C from any source. Those with iron overload disorders should not take large doses. People with G6PD deficiency should be cautious with very high vitamin C intakes. Pregnant women should not exceed the pregnancy upper limit of 1,800 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily.

Interactions

High doses of vitamin C from camu camu can increase non-heme iron absorption, which may be a concern for people with hemochromatosis. Vitamin C may modestly interact with anticoagulants like warfarin at very high doses and with some chemotherapy regimens. Generally, dietary amounts of camu camu do not cause significant drug interactions.

Frequently asked questions

How much vitamin C is in camu camu powder?⌄

Most camu camu powders contain 8 to 12 percent vitamin C, so a teaspoon (about 3 g) delivers around 250 to 400 mg. Check the label for the standardized amount.

Is camu camu better than synthetic vitamin C?⌄

The ascorbic acid molecule is identical. Camu camu provides additional polyphenols, which some research suggests may enhance antioxidant activity beyond vitamin C alone. For basic vitamin C needs, both work.

What does camu camu taste like?⌄

Very tart and sour, similar to extremely acidic citrus. It is rarely consumed plain; most people mix the powder into smoothies, juices, or other foods.

Will camu camu powder lose potency over time?⌄

Yes. Vitamin C degrades with exposure to heat, light, and air. Store the powder in a cool, dark place and use within a year of opening for best potency.

References

Camu camu (Wikidata) — Wikidata link
Vitamin C - Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.