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Acai Warnings

Acai is a type of palm tree found in Central and South America. There are eight species, all of which produce berries. The berries are used in various nutritional supplements. Acai berries are generally considered safe, and virtually no side effects have been reported. That being said, acai can be dangerous in certain instances.

  1. Chemotherapy Interaction

    • The acai berry is a powerful antioxidant. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, this may affect the way some chemotherapy drugs work, causing them to become less effective. If you are currently on a chemotherapy regimen, you should check with your oncologist before taking products containing acai berries. He will be able to tell you whether acai is safe to take with your specific regimen.

    Transmission of Chagas Disease

    • In 2009, the Brazilian Ministry of Health found that infected acai berries caused 178 cases of Chagas disease in people who ate them. Chagas disease is an infectious disease that causes fever, malaise and chronic abdominal pain and digestive issues. Rarely, Chagas disease can cause sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmia. You can minimize this risk by making sure your acai berry products come from a reputable source.

    Allergic Response

    • Some people may experience an allergic response when taking acai. It's also possible to become allergic after taking it for a while, especially if you already have other allergies. The allergy can be to the acai itself or to pollens found on the acai. Common allergic responses include itchiness, rash, vomiting and diarrhea. It's best to start with a very small dose of acai products to check for an allergic response.

    Safety in Pregnancy and Lactation

    • Use of acai as a nutritional supplement is relatively new, so there is no information on whether acai is safe for pregnant and lactating women. For this reason, you should check with your OB/GYN before taking acai supplements. Some supplements have other ingredients that are not safe during pregnancy and lactation, so you should check the labels before you take them, even if your doctor gives you the go ahead. There will typically be a pregnancy warning on unsafe products.

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