Acai (<i>Euterpe oleracea</i>) is a palm plant that is native to South America and produces deep purple berry fruits. The acai berry has been called a “superfood” due to its potent antioxidant properties and high concentrations of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble flavonoids that are responsible for the vibrant red-blue coloration of many berries; these compounds are strong antioxidants with health promoting effects in the human diet. In this study, we analyzed the antioxidant properties and chemical composition of sixteen commercially available brands of acai nutritional supplements. Total phenolic content of the supplements was analyzed by the Folin-Ciocalteau assay; total anthocyanins were quantified using a spectrophotometric method; individual anthocyanin concentrations were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was used to determine sample antioxidant capacities. Our results show substantial variations in chemical composition and antioxidant properties among these acai supplements. For example, Navitas Naturals Organic Acai Powder had the lowest total phenolic content, 0.33 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, while NOW Acai Liquid Concentrate had the highest, 17.79 ± 1.04 mg GAE/g. This presentation will discuss the effect of form (e.g., liquid concentrate, powder or capsule) on anthocyanin content, phenolic concentrations, and antioxidant properties of acai berry supplements.

Anthocyanin concentrations, antioxidant properties, and phenolic contents among commercially available acai berry supplements

255th National Meeting (2018)

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