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Camu camu is a sour berry rich in vitamin C. However, unlike other fruits, it’s not eaten as food because it’s very sour and acidic. [1] It’s generally consumed in the form of powder or juice and made into nutritional supplements.
Aside from being rich in vitamin C, the essential vitamin for immune system support and collagen formation, Camu camu is also said to contain flavonoid antioxidants that help prevent oxidative stress and fight free radical damage as well as help fight inflammation.[2]
In this article, we’ll look at the best Camu camu supplements (both powder and capsule) currently available on the market!
Quick summary:
Best Camu Camu Capsule Supplement: Paradise Herbs
Most affordable: Bulk Supplements Camu Camu Powder Extract
Best Camu Camu Powder Supplement: Microingredients Organic Camu Camu Powder
Brand | Content | Price/Number of Capsules | Dosage Recommended By Brand as Dietary Supplement |
Paradise Herbs | 400mg Organic Camu camu fruit extract | ~$22/180 capsules | 1-2 capsules/day |
Emerald Laboratories | 2 capsules/day | ~$18/60 capsules | 2 capsules/day |
Apothékary | 30mg Camu camu powder | ~$15/12 servings | 1 tsp/day |
Microingredients | 8 ounces Organic Camu camu powder | ~$23/45 servings | 1 scoop (5g)/day |
Earthtone | 8 oz Organic Camu camu powder | ~$17/75 servings | 1 tsp (3g)/day mixed in a 12 oz drink |
Bulk Supplements | 250g Camu camu powder extract | ~$17/100 servings | 2500mg (about 1 tsp) once or twice a day |
6 Best Camu Camu Supplements (Powder & Capsule)
Paradise Herbs Camu Camu
CONTENT:
400mg Organic Camu camu fruit extract
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$22/180 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
1-2 capsules/day
Pros
- Non-GMO ingredients, gluten-free, vegan
- GMP Quality Assured & FDA Registered
- Made with organic Camu camu fruit extract without fillers
- Affordable
Cons
- Capsules are quite big
The orange fruit is undeniably one of the most popular food sources of vitamin C. Well, this organic Camu camu fruit extract is said to have 30 times more vitamin C than oranges. Aside from the coveted vitamin C, it is also known to contain niacin, riboflavin, beta-carotene, potassium, and other essential nutrients.
This well-loved supplement has also gained an average of 4.6/5 in terms of consumer ratings on Amazon. It’s also one of the most reviewed Camu camu supplements on iHerb, ranking 5th on the popular Camu camu supplements. Customers mention that they take it to strengthen their immune system and that it’s effective in doing so. It’s also noteworthy that it’s from a reputable company with over 25 years of experience in producing quality supplements.
Emerald Laboratories Camu Camu
CONTENT:
500mg Camu camu fruit extract
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$18/60 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
2 capsules/day
Pros
- Gluten-free, made in the USA
- Additive-free company
- Has an okay taste based on reviews
- 1 serving (2 capsules) contains 200mg natural vitamin C
Cons
- A bit more expensive
- 60 capsules only per bottle, no other option
This Camu camu supplement from Emerald Laboratories has also gained attention because of its higher vitamin C content than other brands. This might explain why also it’s quite pricier. Furthermore, with 2 capsules a day, you can get 200mg of natural vitamin C to help support immune health and respiratory tract health and provide much-needed antioxidant properties. More bang for the buck!
With a 4.5/5 average rating on iHerb, many customers like taking capsule forms such as this one because it hides the very sour taste of Camu camu. A handful of reviews also shared that they take this supplement regularly to help prevent cough, colds, and flu or reduce the duration of sickness.
Apothekary Camu Camu Powder
CONTENT:
30mg Camu camu powder
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$15/12 servings
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
1 tsp/day
Pros
- 96% of customers see results within the 1st 3 weeks (based on the survey by the brand)
- Taste is tolerable according to a handful of reviews
- Can be mixed with smoothies or drinks
- Pre/postnatal safe
Cons
- Doesn’t dissolve easily
- Small quantity per bottle, quite expensive
If capsules don’t work for you or if you’re one of the people who just don’t prefer taking them, this Apothekary Camu camu powder supplement might also be a better choice. The taste might be a common concern because it definitely has a stronger flavor than the capsule form, however, customer reviews say that it tastes good when combined with drinks or smoothies. Furthermore, the brand describes its flavor as a tangy, tart flavor that pairs well with citrus fruits, berries, and honey.
This Apothekary Camu camu powder herbal supplement is also known for its potential skin-restoring and immunity-building benefits. Customers also describe it as an excellent immune booster that doesn’t make them feel acidic. However, they just wish it would dissolve better in liquid because it sometimes settles at the bottom.
Microingredients Organic Camu Camu Powder
CONTENT:
8 ounces Organic Camu camu powder
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$23/45 servings
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
1 scoop (5g)/day
Pros
- USDA organic, vegan-friendly
- Free of gluten and additives
- Scoop included for an accurate measurement
- Mixes well with drinks
Cons
- Some customers don’t like the color of the powder
- A bit expensive
This organic Camu camu powder from Microingredients is another good option for people who have a hard time swallowing pills. With 1 scoop mixed into your favorite drink, you can also get the benefits of antioxidants, polyphenols, immune vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The powder can also be taken as it is for quicker absorption, however, Camu camu naturally has a strong tart flavor, so most customers prefer mixing it with drinks.
Aside from its natural health benefits, it’s also in earth-friendly recyclable packaging. Moreover, Microingredients is an active partner of Vitamin Angels—an organization that aims to reduce global malnutrition.
Earthtone Foods Organic Camu Camu Powder
CONTENT:
8 oz Organic Camu camu powder
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$17/75 servings
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
1 tsp (3g)/day mixed in a 12 oz drink
Pros
- USDA organic
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified Organic by CCOF
- More affordable than other brands
Cons
- May have a bitter/strong taste based on reviews
This next Camu camu powder is a good option for those looking for a cheaper alternative but doesn’t want to compromise on the quality. Moreover, labeled as “Vitamin C Super Berry,” Earthtone Foods organic Camu camu powder boasts its vitamin C content and antioxidants that support the immune system. Furthermore, with an average rating of 4.5/5, what customers like best are its natural color and budget-friendly price.
Although a handful of customers say that it’s more on the bitter/sour taste, others consider this as an assurance that the product is pure and organic. Many of them also shared that the unpleasant taste can be hidden when mixed with smoothies or drinks.
Bulk Supplements Camu Camu Extract
CONTENT:
250g Camu camu powder extract
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$17/100 servings
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
2500mg (about 1 tsp) once or twice a day
Pros
- Manufactured to cGMP standards, third-party tested
- Free of added sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten
- Most affordable among the Camu camu powders in this list
Cons
- Quite limited product reviews
If you’re the type of person who buys in bulk and wants more servings per container, this Camu camu extract might just be the perfect one for you. It’s also available in 6 various sizes ranging from 100 grams to 25 kilograms—giving you more options to choose from.
Although this product has a few customer reviews, the majority of those who have tried it liked this supplement as a natural source of vitamin C and antioxidants. In terms of the price point, it’s also very affordable considering other brands of Camu camu powder. So, if you want that extra dose of vitamin C but don’t want to break the bank, this is a good option for you.
Risk and Precautions of Taking Camu Camu Supplements
Camu camu is generally safe for most people. Since it’s known as a rich source of natural vitamin C, the precautions and possible side effects are associated with it. The maximum amount of vitamin C that healthy individuals can take is 2,000mg per day. Consuming amounts more than this may cause diarrhea and nausea.
Although it’s very rare for people to have vitamin C overload since it’s water-soluble and not stored in our bodies, it’s important to check the content of supplements and follow the recommended serving size. Moreover, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor first before taking Camu camu supplements if you have medical conditions.
FAQs
Is Camu Camu the Same As Vitamin C?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vitamin that is naturally present in some foods—mostly in fruits and vegetables. Camu camu is a sour berry and is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. With 1 teaspoon (5g) of Camu camu, and it can already provide around 680mg of vitamin C. Moreover, this can cover around 760% of the recommended dietary intake for this nutrient.[3]
Is Camu Powder the Same As Camu Camu?
The Camu camu fruit has a strong sour taste and is usually not eaten fresh. It’s typically made into powder by drying and grinding the berries, with all the water removed.
Is Camu Camu Good for Your Liver?
Aside from vitamin C, Camu camu also has antioxidants and phytochemicals, which may have potential benefits for liver diseases. Moreover, in a study involving animals, a dietary supplement of Camu camu helped treat Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), one of the most common causes of chronic liver diseases like liver cirrhosis. However, further studies, particularly in humans, are still needed to support this claim.[4]
How Much Camu Camu Powder Should I Take?
The usual dose is 1 tsp per day or equivalent to around 3g of Camu camu powder. This should provide the optimal and safe amount of the needed nutrients in the supplement. However, it’s good to always check for the recommended serving size of supplements as they may vary.
Bottomline: Best Camu Camu Supplements
Camu camu is a sour berry fruit packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Although it’s not eaten fresh and raw like most fruits rich in vitamin C, we can still enjoy its benefits through supplements like powder and capsules.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Langley, P. C., Pergolizzi, J. V., Jr, Taylor, R., Jr, & Ridgway, C. (2015). Antioxidant and associated capacities of Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia): a systematic review. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 21(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0130
- Justi, K. C., Visentainer, J. V., Evelázio de Souza, N., & Matsushita, M. (2000). Nutritional composition and vitamin C stability in stored camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pulp. Archivos latinoamericanos de nutricion, 50(4), 405–408.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. (2021). Demonstration of the Prebiotic-like Effects of Camu-camu Consumption Against Obesity-related Disorders in Humans. Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04130321