Warnings About Acai Berries

Acai berry is mentioned all throughout the media, and is even endorsed by a few celebrities. This fruit is said to be relatively safe, according to eMedTV, but some people may have problems. There are several acai berry warnings that you should know before eating this fruit or taking a supplement that contains it. It is also a good idea to consult a physician before using acai berry.

Antioxidants are types of dietary substances, such as the nutrients vitamin C, selenium, beta carotene and vitamin E. They slow down or prevent the damage from oxygen that free radicals cause, in turn repairing any current damage and preventing future damage, according to the National Cancer Institute. Acai berry is taken by many people due to its antioxidant effects. However, its antioxidant effects may interfere with the action of chemotherapy drugs, and also with radiation treatments. The antioxidants found in this fruit may decrease the effectiveness of these two cancer treatments. Acai berry has also not been proven to help fight cancer in humans, reports the PhytoScience Research Group.

Acai is a food, so there is potential for an allergic reaction to occur. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that if you are allergic to any foods from the palm or Arecaceae family of plants, such as dates or coconuts, you should avoid acai berries. Food allergies occur when the immune system sees a specific food to be an invader and harmful to the body. When a food is seen as harmful, the body attempts to protect itself by creating IgE antibodies. When the food is consumed again, these antibodies, along with additional chemical agents, are released. This can result in changes in the respiratory system, the skin, the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal system. If you do have an allergic reaction to acai berry, you may experience hives, itching, unexplained rash, trouble breathing or wheezing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, mouth or lips.

Acai berry contains theobromine, a chemical related to stimulants such as caffeine, and in sensitive people it may cause similar side effects according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. These side effects include insomnia, restlessness, nausea, muscle tremors, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, headaches, irregular or fast heartbeat and gastrointestinal problems.