Suplementação dietética com açaí e marcadores metabólicos, inflamantórios e de estresse oxidativo: uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and the associated metabolic and inflammatory complications are global public health problems linked to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Euterpe edulis), rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, fiber and unsaturated fatty acids, may present beneficial effects associated with the diet of individuals with metabolic risk or alterations, due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. However, studies in humans are still limited. Objective: To map the available scientific evidence on açaí (Euterpe spp.) supplementation in the modulation of metabolic, oxidative stress and inflammatory panels in adults and the elderly. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR protocol (2018), which has been registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF), available for consultation at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/J7VZK. The databases used in the search were ScienceDirect, PubMed/Medline, SciELO and BVS, using specific descriptors and Boolean operators. The studies were selected between September and December 2024. The inclusion criteria included original human studies (clinical trials and prospective studies) published after 2010, with Euterpe intervention evaluating metabolic outcomes or antioxidant effects and studies investigating the health of individuals undergoing açaí supplementation, with or without metabolic impairment. The tools used in the study selection process were: Zotero (for managing and removing duplicates), Rayyan (for screening article titles and abstracts) and the PRISMA 2020 Checklist for complete data extraction (title, design, year, authors, sample, etc.). After screening for relevant references, data extraction was carried out by two independent authors and a third reviewer for consensus, if necessary. Results: Eleven eligible studies were identified by December 20, 2024 and included in the review, of which eight were clinical trials and three prospective studies that used different types of açaí (pulp, juice, powder), in dosages ranging from 5 g to 650 mL and the duration of the interventions ranged from acute (hours before the evaluation) to 12 weeks. Overall, the results indicate that açaí can help reduce markers of oxidative stress (8-isoprostane, Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein, Malondialdehyde, Reactive Oxygen Species, Protein Carbonyl, Oxidative Stress Index) and increase total antioxidant capacity, decrease inflammatory markers (P-selectin, leptin, visfatin, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-6), improve lipid profile, improve metabolism parameters and improve vascular function. Conclusion: The study suggests that açaí (Euterpe spp.) supplementation has the potential to favorably modulate the metabolic and inflammatory panel, mainly by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The benefits in terms of antioxidant capacity, lipid profile and vascular function corroborate the interest in the fruit for health promotion.