Camu-camu, a fruit that is attracting research interest

Updated on October 20, 2026

Abstract: Camu-camu—a fruit of interest to researchers?

Lynn Goneau, a naturopath in La Boite à Grains, introduces camu-camu, a small Amazonian fruit that is particularly rich in vitamin C and contains polyphenols. She explains the role of vitamin C in immune system function, collagen formation, wound healing, and iron absorption.

She also mentions a study by Laval University on camu-camu’s potential to reduce fat in the liver, while noting that it is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits or prescribed treatments. Finally, she discusses how it can be consumed and mentions supplements from the company Piur 1.

1) A Small Fruit Rich in Vitamin C

Native to the Amazon rainforest, camu-camu is distinguished by its high vitamin C content as well as its polyphenol and antioxidant content.

2) The roles of vitamin C

The article discusses its role in supporting the immune system, promoting wound healing, aiding iron absorption, and supporting the production of collagen, a protein essential for many of the body’s tissues.

3) Research into its potential for liver health

Lynn presents a study published in 2024 by a team at Laval University on camu-camu and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The researchers are particularly interested in the interactions between camu-camu’s polyphenols and the gut microbiota. These lines of research are not a substitute for a balanced diet, physical activity, or prescribed treatments.

4) How to consume it

In Canada, camu-camu is mainly available in powder or capsule form. Its tangy-tasting powder can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or certain recipes. Lynn specifically mentions products from Piur 1, an Ottawa-based company.

About the Author

Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath

Specializes in:

• Digestive Health
• Hormonal Health
• Stress and Fatigue
• Memory and Concentration
• Weight management

Frédéric Bisson, radio host on 104.7 FM

Host at the Cogeco network’s 104.7 FM radio station. Frédéric Bisson has been hosting the show *L’Outaouais Maintenant* from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.

Transcript

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7 FM:

Today, with Lynn Goneau, we’re going to talk about a little fruit that many people—and I include myself in that—have never heard of: camu-camu. As a reminder, Lynn Goneau is a naturopath at La Boite à Grains.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Hi, Fred. Camu-camu is a small fruit found in the Amazon rainforest, and what I love about it is that it’s one of the fruits richest in vitamin C that we know of. And as a bonus, it also contains polyphenols and antioxidants. Personally, I think it’s really, really great because of how well the body absorbs it—much better than lab-made vitamin C.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Yeah, okay. It’s often called a “superfruit.” Why? What makes it so beneficial for our health?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Well, when we think of vitamin C, we’re certainly familiar with it, especially for its role in immune system function, particularly as cold and flu season approaches. But it’s much more than that. It promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron more effectively.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Oh, really?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Yes, and it also helps your body produce its own collagen. We know that collagen is an important protein for the skin, bones, joints, and blood vessels—but actually, for me, the most important thing is that it’s a great source of antioxidants. I like that. But if my cells want to feel a little younger, we definitely shouldn’t discourage them, right?

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Oxidation is the negative effect of contact with oxygen. Exactly. So it ends up rusting and turning a little brown.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:
It’s kind of like when you leave a banana on the counter and after a while it turns all brown—that’s what happens to us without antioxidants.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Living means turning brown, too. I’ve heard that your fruit, camu-camu, is also linked to liver health.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Yes, absolutely. In 2024, a team of researchers from Laval University published a study that examined the potential of camu-camu in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It’s a condition that’s much more common than people realize—it affects more than 7 million Canadians.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Yes.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

It’s characterized by a buildup of fat in the liver, often associated with poor eating habits, being overweight, or certain metabolic issues.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

So, how can your little camu-camu have an effect on the liver?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Researchers believe that the polyphenols in camu-camu work in conjunction with your gut microbiota—our gut bacteria. They break down large molecules into slightly smaller compounds so the body can absorb them. Um, this could even help reduce fat production in the liver or promote its breakdown. But be careful—it’s important to understand that camu-camu is not a substitute for a balanced diet, physical activity, or prescription medications for the condition.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

So, let’s say we get to La Boite à Grains, and then we see this camu-camu—Lynn talked about it on the radio this week. If anyone wants to try it, how do you eat it?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath from La Boite à Grains:

Actually, in Canada, it’s mainly available in powder or capsule form. The powder can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or even certain recipes. But I’ll warn you—its slightly tart taste might wake up your taste buds before you’ve even had your first cup of coffee. That’s why, personally, I take it in capsule form—all the benefits without the grimaces, right? Or, the important thing to remember is that vitamin C can boost your energy; I also take it to help with my energy levels. So it’s always best to take it in the morning to avoid any potential sleep issues. It’s not—it’s not the kind of energy you get from coffee or a stimulant—but rather a sustained energy boost that helps keep you from feeling jittery.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

So, any supplements you’d recommend this week?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

There’s camu-camu from Piur 1. It’s a young Ottawa-based company that stands out for its natural supplements made with pure, organic ingredients.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

If we want to schedule an appointment with you, Lynn, how do we go about it?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Oh, it’s really easy on the La Boite à Grains website. My contact information is there. I see patients at La Boite à Grains on Gréber Street in Gatineau, so just send me a quick email, I’ll suggest a time slot, and then we can discuss any health-related issues.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Thanks, Lynn. Have a great week.