Açaí (Euterpe oleraceaMart.): A Tropical Fruit with High Levels of Essential Minerals—Especially Manganese—and its Contribution as a Source of Natural Mineral Supplementation

Abstract

Açaí is a fruit from the Brazilian Amazon region, with an exotic flavor, possessing high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on these properties, the fruit is classified as one of the new "super fruits." The mean daily consumption of açai pulp may reach 300 ml in several Brazilian regions. Further, this fruit is also gaining popularity in Europe and North America. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the levels of some essential minerals in freeze-dried açaí pulp obtained in different Brazilian locations. It was found that açaí pulp is rich in essential minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn), but the levels of copper (Cu) and especially manganese (Mn) are surprisingly markedly higher than the traditional sources of these elements in the human diet. A daily consumption of 300 ml açaí pulp leads to a Mn daily intake exceeding at least sixfold (14.6 mg on average) the reference daily intake for an adult. Consequently, Mn intake may surpass the permitted daily maximum intake of 11 mg, which leads to a special concern, particularly for children, vegetarians, and individuals with anemia, since iron (Fe) absorption is impaired by Mn. Our findings demonstrate that this fruit is a potential source of several nutrients and a good dietary supplement to resolve malnutrition problems. However, due to the expressive levels of Mn, further studies are necessary to evaluate potential adverse effects associated with açaí consumption.

Blood antioxidant nutrients in riparian villagers of the Brazilian Amazon: its associations with wet/dry seasons and modulation by sociodemographic determinants

“…However this study confirms that populations from Northern Brazil have significantly higher Mn levels in comparison to people from other Brazilian states 16,22 . Açai fruit, a typical Amazon region berry, has high levels of essential elements, especially Mn 32 , and its consumption could be associated with high blood Mn levels. However, the interpretation of our findings with respect to such status is limited by the lack of information on individuals' diet (for example, nutrients quantification in food more consumed by our study population).…”

“…Thus, the information on food frequency consumed during the dry and rainy season in this study was based on a study of 2001 1 , which was performed in the community of Brasília Legal, nearby our study area. Another limitation is that we did not evaluate the nutrient contents of the main foods consumed in this region during the two study periods, while it is known that nutrient contents can be different among different places 17,32 . These limitations prevented us from identifying more specific exposure pathways to blood Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, carotenoids and vitamins in this population.…”

Lithium Content of 160 Beverages and Its Impact on Lithium Status in Drosophila melanogaster

“…4% acai extract) was rather rich in Li (>100 µg Li/L). It has been previously reported that Acai pulp contains substantial concentrations of other trace elements, including iron, zinc, copper and manganese [36]. In addition to acai extract, Acai 28 black contains lemon juice concentrate, guarana and herb extracts, which possibly supply Li to this energy drink.…”

Acai Extract Transiently Upregulates Erythropoietin by Inducing a Renal Hypoxic Condition in Mice

“…Acai showed no toxicity in experimental models [31][32][33][34][35][36] nor any significant differences in the body weight or food consumption [17,31,32,36], suggesting potential applications in the prevention of various disease. Conversely, Mn, which is abundant in acai, suppresses Fe absorption, suggesting a risk for anemia [37]. The kidneys are prone to hypoxia because of their high energy consumption [38].…”