What applications and properties of Acerola for nutraceutical products?

Published On:
December 11, 2018
Published In:
Life Science & Nutrition

The Amazonian Indians were the first to notice the benefits of acerola  (Malpighia glabra). Today, this superfruit is a hit across the world. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the properties of acerola and its applications for the nutraceutical industry.

 

Acerola: an exceptional source of natural vitamin C

 

Acerola is a small edible tangy flavoured fruit. However, it’s the high level of vitamin C which generates interest. 100 grams of fresh and ripe fruit contains close to 1700 mg of vitamin C, that being 20 to 30 times more than 100 grams of oranges. But there is still more since the level of natural vitamin C of acerola can be much higher if the fruit is harvested at the right moment. The challenge is to green harvest at exactly the moment when its growth has a maximum concentration of vitamin C. For the best varieties this is proved by representing more than 2.5% of the weight of the fruit compared to a peeled orange which contains just  0.05%.

 

Discover our acerola extracts

 

Other properties of acerola to be familiar with

 

While the benefits of acerola are frequently limited to its exceptional vitamin C level, this superfruit offers other substantial assets. Other powerful natural antioxidants are on the list of acerola active components. The superfruit is also a source of vitamin A, group B vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Combined with vitamin C, these nutrients support the benefits of acerola and its interest for the  formulation of nutraceutical products.

 

Acerola: an indispensable reference for nutraceutical products

 

Superfruit, superfood, « magic cherry »… superlatives don’t lack for identifying the  properties of acerola. To capitalise on this, different acerola extracts  are available today. They can be used to add ascorbic acid or proposed for natural vitamin C treatments. They can be used for producing capsules or tablets, but also for liquid suspensions for beverages or shots.

It must be noted that quality acerola extracts support European health authorities’ recognised health claims for vitamin C. As a reminder, products containing at least 12 mg of vitamin C for 100 g, 100 ml or per packaging if the product contains just a portion can contribute to the following functions:

  • Normal energy metabolism;
  • Fatigue reduction;
  • Normal functioning of the immune system;
  • Normal functioning of the nervous system;
  • Normal mental functions;
  • Normal collagen formation necessary for the normal functioning of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, skin, teeth and gums ;
  • Regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E;
  • Digestive absorption of iron.

 

Whether for developing a new product or re-working a formulation, please take a look at acerola extracts on our e-platform.Our experts are available to provide you personalised assistance. Discover both our organic or conventional quality references.

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References :

  • EU Register on nutrition and health claims, EFSA, 10/2016 (Consulted on 11/18/2018).
  • National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release, USDA, 04/2018 (Consulted on 11/18/2018).

Life Science & Nutrition

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Marc Roller, PhD

Marc Roller, PhD

CEO & Partner Natural Origins - Head of Innovation

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