Adverse Side Effects of Acai Berry

The popularity of the acai berry and acai berry supplements is constantly growing. A strong antioxidant, acai promises to help people shed extra pounds, fight off disease and also fight off the aging process. While all of these benefits sound great, many people wonder if there are any adverse effects to the berry or any supplements containing the berry. Research of this antioxidant is ongoing, but a few adverse effects have been noted.

Allergic Reactions

• Like with any other food, people can have allergic reactions to acai berries. People who are extremely allergic to pollen, or people who are sensitive to blueberries, cranberries or grapes are at risk of having a sensitivity to acai and risk having minor allergic reactions. People who are allergic to acai usually have symptoms such as watery eyes, a rash or itchy skin. The symptoms are uncomfortable, but not life-threatening. On rare occasions, more severe reactions can occur, causing stomach pains and dizziness. In some extremely serious cases, a person may suffer from anaphylaxis, which can cause a person to have a hard time breathing.

Diarrhea

• Acai berries contain a large amount of fiber. In moderation, acai berries pose no risks for stomach problems including diarrhea, but people who consume an extremely large volume of berries or drink too much juice can have these problems. Overconsumption can cause stomach pains or diarrhea, but nothing severe. People who drink acai berry juice are more likely to consume a larger amount than people who simply eat the berries because it is hard to tell just how much one is getting from the juice.

Other Considerations

• People wonder about adverse affects of the acai berry because it is still so new and researchers are still discovering all of its benefits. Acai is a natural berry and is no different than any other fruit, so the adverse effects aren't much different than those of an apple or a grape. Something to consider, however, is the fact that several companies market acai berry products as detox and diet supplements. While these products do primarily consist of acai, there are other things in them, too, such as caffeine and other drugs. When taking acai supplements with added chemicals, people must be cautious of the negative effects these other drugs can have on them. For instance, people with high blood pressure are advised to have little or no caffeine intake, so acai supplements may cause a spike in blood pressure, or dizziness. Any effects a person may have while taking these products are more than likely not directly related to the berry itself, but to the other drugs in the supplement.