What is CamuCamu?

A recent discussion about glaucoma and other eye problems with Dr. Heidi* brought up the ingredient CamuCamu ( Myrciaria dubia ) where she comments,

Two of the ingredients in both Pops – Camucamu (source of Vitamin C) and alpha lipoic acid are said to help with glaucoma. The bilberries and blueberries in the Purples are known to support vision in general. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables may help or prevent macular degeneration.

I though this was good news for me and anyone else with problems with their eyes. It also set me to wondering just what exactly is Camu Camu and where does it come from? According to Wikipedia, CamuCamu “is a small (approx. 3-5 m tall) bushy river side tree from the Amazon Rainforest vegetation in Peru and Brazil, which bears a red/purple cherry like fruit“. Cool, it’s always nice to know what it is, but why is such a popular ingredient in healthy foods?

The fruit itself has an extraordinarily high concentration of Vitamin C which of course we all know that our body needs. In addition to the high vitamin C content it contains the amino acids valine, leucine and serine, and is also rich in flavonoids. The problem is that over harvesting of wild camu camu is quickly make it an endangered species, but conservation efforts are underway according to the Rainforest Conservation Fund.

Sources of Camu Camu

So, other then an ingredient in my favorite whole food supplement, where else can a person find Camu Camu? Though the fruit is usually available as an ingredient in powered supplements, some suppliers are including it in teas, juices and even sour candies, though I still haven’t seen any of these at my local health food store – yet.

So why is it not more widely used?

Though Camu Camu is proving to be a very good source of Vitamin C and essential amino acids, it only grows naturally in Peru and Brazil and with the FOB prices in those regions, the price is nearly 4-5 times the cost of other sources of Vitamin C, including synthetic versions. Other natural sources are more easily attainable and are therefore used more often. Foreign import restrictions in some companies are also putting a strain on the use of Camu Camu.

Does all of this mean that Camu Camu is not a good ingredient to be used? Of course not, but less expensive sources for the fruit will need to be located if we are to see more expanded use of this natural source of Vitamin C. It’s just good to know that the creator of The Pops decided to use something that provides so many wonderful benefits.

* Dr. Heidi is the VP Product Development of Whole Food Nation