Known for its sky-high vitamin C content, camu camu (a South American berry often used in powder or supplement form) is a health-food-aisle staple. But is this so-called superfood a safe-for-pregnancy smoothie add-in? The short answer is yes, you can consume camu camu during pregnancy—as long as you use it in moderation and choose a high-quality, third-party–tested product.

Is camu camu safe to take while pregnant?

As with most dietary supplements, camu camu’s safety and efficacy hasn’t been studied among pregnant people. That means while camu camu doesn’t appear to pose serious risks to a general population, we don’t have pregnancy specific info.

The main concern is its very high vitamin C content—far more concentrated than most fruits. While vitamin C is important during pregnancy, excessive amounts from supplements or potent powders could possibly cause digestive upset or exceed recommended daily limits. If you're unsure how much camu camu is too much—or if you're already taking vitamin C supplements—check with your OB/GYN!

Benefits of Taking Camu Camu During Pregnancy

• Rich in vitamin C: Supports immune function and enhances iron absorption—which is especially important because iron deficiency is common during pregnancy!
• Antioxidant support: Helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to a whole bundh of chronic conditions.
• Anti-inflammatory potential: Camu camu seed extract in particular have shown potential for reducing inflammation.
• Flavor punch: Camu camu is tart, but for some, this fruit adds a tasty tanginess to smoothies or yogurt!

Risks or Considerations

• Excess vitamin C: High doses can cause nausea, cramping, diarrhea in susceptible individuals.
• Quality variability: Imported powders may contain fillers or lack proper contamination testing.
• Digestive irritation: The acidity may cause discomfort if taken on an empty stomach.
• Not a substitute for fruits and veggies: Though the appeal of a big dose of vitamin C is appealing, it should only supplement—not replace—whole-food nutrition.

How to Safely Take Camu Camu While Pregnant

• If you use a powder/capsule, choose products with transparent labeling and independent quality testing when possible. Remember FDA does not approve supplements before they’re sold!
• Start with very small amounts and increase only if tolerated.
• Avoid combining with high-dose vitamin C supplements unless guided by your provider.
• Mix into food (smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal) to reduce stomach irritation.
• Monitor for digestive symptoms or sensitivity.

When to Avoid Camu Camu

• If you're prone to kidney stones or advised to limit vitamin C
• If the product lacks sourcing or purity testing information
• If you’re already taking significant vitamin C supplementation
• If you experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, or heartburn after using it

Bottom Line

Camu camu’s high vitamin C content can be beneficial, but moderation is key to avoiding excessive intake or digestive discomfort. Always check with your OB/GYN if you have questions about adding it to your diet!

More on Eating Healthy in Pregnancy:

• The Nutrients You Need When Pregnant
• Healthy Pregnancy Meal Plans and Recipes
• Common Pregnancy Nutrition Myths to Ignore
• Must-Have Nutrients for a Vegetarian Pregnancy

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REFERENCES

• Vitamin C in camu-camu [Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K.) McVaugh]: evaluation of extraction and analytical methods, Food Research International, January 2019
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
• National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplements and Life Stages: Pregnancy Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
• National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Consumers
• Antioxidant and Associated Capacities of Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia): A Systematic Review, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, October 2014
• Antigenotoxic effect of acute, subacute and chronic treatments with Amazonian camu–camu (Myrciaria dubia) juice on mice blood cells, Food and Chemical Toxicology, July 2012
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Seeds of the Tropical Fruit Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia), Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, January 2011
• Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stone incidence among men: a prospective study, JAMA Internal Medicine, March 2013 

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.