The Sol Journal

Let’s talk about the tiny fruit with serious healthy superpowers—camu camu. You might not have heard of it before, but this Amazonian berry is starting to make serious waves in the wellness world and for good reason! With just half a teaspoon of camu camu powder, you’re getting 222% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. That’s not a typo. It's one of the most concentrated natural sources of Vitamin C on the planet.

This fruit is game changing for supporting immune health, collagen production and providing potent antioxidant protection. Let’s unpack what makes camu camu so special and why most synthetic Vitamin C supplements just don’t compare.

Why Vitamin C is non-negotiable for good health

Vitamin C is a foundational nutrient for so many critical functions in the body. It’s probably best known for its role in supporting the immune system, which is well deserved! Clinical studies show that vitamin C enhances the production and function of white blood cells—our body’s frontline defence against pathogens.

But its benefits go way beyond immune health. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis, the structural protein that keeps your skin firm, joints strong and connective tissues resilient. Without adequate vitamin C, collagen production slows down, contributing to everything from premature skin aging to joint issues. Lastly, let’s not forget that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant! This nutrient neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress that can lead to inflammation, cellular damage and chronic disease.

Here’s the thing—many people aren’t meeting their daily vitamin C needs. According to the Australian Health Survey, around 23% of adults aren’t meeting the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, which are key sources of vitamin C.

Stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, environmental toxins and even intense exercise can increase our need for vitamin C. The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) sits at 45mg per day for adults, that’s really just the baseline to prevent deficiency and not necessarily the amount that supports optimal health

The problem with most Vitamin C supplements

If you walk into any chemist, you’ll find shelves of vitamin C supplements, usually in the form of ascorbic acid—a synthetic version of vitamin C. While this form is chemically identical to natural vitamin C, studies suggest it may not be as bioavailable as vitamin C found in whole foods.

Whole food sources of vitamin C, like camu camu, come with a broad spectrum of natural cofactors, such as flavonoids, enzymes and other phytonutrients that enhance absorption and effectiveness in the body. Synthetic alternatives don’t offer that same complexity, and they can sometimes cause digestive upset in sensitive people when taken in high doses.

Why we love Camu Camu

Camu camu has been used for centuries by Indigenous communities as both food and medicine, but it’s only recently caught the attention of researchers for its amazing nutrient density. Most Camu camu powders have been shown to contain up to 2,800 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, whereas our Organic Camu Camu Powder has 5,000mg of vitamin C per 100g grams—that’s over 100 times more than oranges! Just half a teaspoon of high quality camu camu powder delivers well over the daily requirement of vitamin C, making it an incredibly efficient way to boost your intake.

Camu camu also contains potent polyphenols and anthocyanins, which have been shown in clinical studies to reduce inflammation and support antioxidant defences. In fact, one study found that Camu camu juice reduced oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines more effectively than synthetic vitamin C. Also, vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation and motivation. So if you’re feeling run down or emotionally flat, your vitamin C status could be playing a part. If you’re looking for stronger immunity, glowy skin and healthy collagen levels, protection against oxidative stress and a natural mood boost, then camu camu is your friend!

It’s also a game changer for families. Unlike chalky chewables or sugary gummies, Camu Camu is a whole food powder that blends easily into juice, smoothies, yoghurt or even a spoonful of honey. Its gentle citrus tang makes it a kid-friendly option that supports growing immune systems, skin health, and energy levels—without artificial flavours or fillers. For little ones under 8, just halve the serving size.

In a world full of synthetic supplements and processed “health” products, camu camu stands out as a pure, potent and scientifically proven super fruit. So next time you’re looking to support you or your family’s immune system, nourish your skin or just feel a little more vibrant, consider turning to nature’s own vitamin C powerhouse.

Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211.
Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866.
Jacob, R. A., et al. (2002). Vitamin C as an antioxidant: evaluation of its role in disease prevention. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 20(5 Suppl), 385S–393S.
Schleicher, R. L., et al. (2009). Serum vitamin C and the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in the United States. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(5), 1252–1263.
Vinson, J. A., et al. (2001). Comparison of the bioavailability of vitamin C from various sources. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 12(10), 595–600.
Akter, M. S., et al. (2011). Nutritional and functional properties of Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) fruit. Food Research International, 44(7), 2102–2110.
Inoue, T., et al. (2008). Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) juice in healthy volunteers. Journal of Cardiology, 52(2), 127–132. May, J. M., & Harrison, F. E. (2013). Role of vitamin C in the function of the vascular endothelium. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 19(17), 2068–2083.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2018). National Health Survey: First Results, 2017–18. ABS Catalogue No. 4364.0.55.001. Canberra: ABS.