Acerola juice—The richest known source of Vitamin C: A clinical study in infants

Abstract

Summary Acerola juice is the richest known source of vitamin C, having from fifty to one hundred times the ascorbic acid content of orange juice. Thirty infants ranging in age from 3 to 7 weeks were given acerola juice as the only significant source of ascorbic acid in their diet. All infants showed average or better growth and development for their age and weight. Ascorbic acid levels in the blood plasma of all infants were above average after the acerola juice was introduced into the diet. No reactions occurred from ingestion or from skin and intradermal tests with acerola juice. Acerola juice can be blended with apple juice which is naturally low in vitamin C, and used to satisfy the ascorbic acid requirements in infant feeding. It is particularly valuable in infants who are allergic to orange juice or where the family allergic history deems it advisable to delay giving orange juice until one year of age.