Guy leaning on table eating Palm Fruit mixed with oatmeal.

Palm Fruit: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Published:
Dec 1, 2014
Updated:
Aug 7, 2022

This article was for our original Palm Fruit powder, discontinued in 2017, although most of the information here is still relevant to the liquid capsules. For additional info, read this article on the Palm Fruit liquid capsules.

Table of Contents

1. How is Palm Fruit™ made?

Palm Fruit is a phytonutrient extract from red palm fruit. The phytonutrients are extracted by a patented low-temperature vacuum distillation process, protected under US patent # 5,157,132 and 7,544,822. This distillation process creates a liquid extract rich in naturally occurring tocotrienols, tocopherols, carotenoids, phytosterols, Coenzyme-Q10, plastochromanols, and dozens of other phytonutrients. The extract is spray dried to create Palm Fruit.

This patented extraction process ensures the highest retention of heat sensitive phytonutrients, and is the same type of extract used in the dozens of human clinical trials on palm fruit phytonutrients. [5] Other methods of tocotrienol extraction utilize high-temperature distillation (482°F) which changes the ratio of tocotrienols and destroys sensitive phytonutrients.

Finally, our Palm Fruit powder retains a small amount (<0.5g) of mono- and diglycerides per serving from the original red palm oil which help emulsify and solubilize the fat soluble phytonutrients when mixed with water, giving Palm Fruit a smooth creamy consistency. These mono- and diglycerides also help the fat soluble phytonutrients absorb up to 2x better than synthetic vitamins. [1]

2. What are the ingredients in Palm Fruit?

  • Palm fruit extract: This is the main ingredient in the product, which is an phytonutrient extract of red palm oil; containing tocotrienols, carotenoids, and other phytonutrients. 1g of this extract provides roughly the same phytonutrients as 1 cup of red palm oil.
  • Coconut palm nectar: This is an organic coconut sugar included for sweetness and flavor.
  • Modified starch: This is non-GMO corn starch used to give the product a scoopable powder consistency and help the product disperse in water.
  • E742e & c: These are food grade tartaric & citric esters of mono- and diglycerides. They solubolize the fat soluble phytonutrients and allow the product to disperse (emulsify) in water.
  • Silica: This is silicon dioxide and is used to avoid clumping of the powder.
  • Citric acid: This is a stabilizer and also added for flavor.
  • E300: This is ascorbic acid and in used to stabilize the phytonutrients for a longer shelf-life.

Feb 1, 2017 Update: The new Palm Fruit liquid capsules contain only palm fruit extract (red palm oil extract), sesame seed extract, and hypromellose (capsule).

3. Is it safe to use Palm Fruit long term?

Yes, Palm Fruit is safe for long term use. Palm Fruit has a long established history of safe use in the human diet, in addition to human research showing no undesirable effects after 2 years of supplementation.

4. Is Palm Fruit ok for a paleo or low-carb diet?

Yes, Palm Fruit would be acceptable for most Paleo and low carb diets. Palm Fruit contains no gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy; and contains less than 0.5g of cornstarch per serving. The naturally occurring sugars in palm fruit are also below 0.5g per serving.

5. Does Palm Fruit contain any allergens?

An allergy to palm fruit itself is extremely rare. In addition, Palm Fruit is free of the 8 common allergens listed below.

  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Tree Nuts
  • Wheat
  • Peanuts
  • Soybeans

6. Do I need to take Palm Fruit with food?

Palm Fruit powder is safe to be taken on an empty stomach, and can be taken right out of the jar by itself. NOTE: The phytonutrients in Palm Fruit can sometimes stick to the teeth if taken alone as a powder. To avoid this we recommend taking Palm Fruit with a food or beverage.

Feb 1, 2017 Update: The new Palm Fruit liquid capsules should be taken with at least 5 g of fat.

7. Why is my Palm Fruit powder clumpy?

The Palm Fruit powder can become clumpy if the product is kept in a location warmer than room temperature (71 F), or in a high humidity environment. To avoid clumping, keep the product in a cool dry place, such as the refrigerator or freezer.

8. Is it ok to cook with Palm Fruit?

We recommend avoiding cooking with Palm Fruit (>250 F) to avoid breakdown of the phytonutrients, however it is safe to mix with hot beverages such as coffee or tea.

9. Is Palm Fruit safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes, Palm Fruit is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding* unless otherwise indicated by a medical professional. [2] Supplementing with Palm Fruit during breast feeding is known to enhance the nutritional quality of mothers milk. [2][3]

10. Is Palm Fruit safe for children?

Yes, Palm Fruit is safe for healthy children (1-13 yrs old) when following the recommended dose by body weight. [2][4]

Feb 1, 2017 Update: We recommend one (1) capsule for every 125lbs (57 kg) of body weight. Therefore, an adult that weighs between 126-250 lbs (57-113 kg) should take two (2) capsules per day.

11. Can I use red palm oil and Palm Fruit at the same time?

Yes, consuming regular amounts of red palm oil (3-5 tbsp. per day) with Palm Fruit is safe for a healthy adult.

12. Can I use Palm Fruit with a multivitamin?

Although it is safe to use Palm Fruit with a multivitamin, we advise against the use of conventional (synthetic) multivitamins. If supplementing with a multivitamin we recommend only true plant-extracted vitamins.

13. How is Palm Fruit different than regular Vitamin A & E?

The vitamin A and vitamin E in palm fruit are full spectrum vitamins which include over 12 different naturally occurring vitamers; and hundreds of other related phytonutrients. Conventional vitamin supplements contain vitamins that only contain a single isolated vitamer. For a full explanation, please see Synthetic vs. “Natural” vs. Plant-Based​ Vitamins.

14. Can I use Palm Fruit with another vitamin A or vitamin E supplement?

Although it is safe to add Palm Fruit to an existing supplement regimen, the maximum benefits of Palm Fruit may not be achieved if supplementing with additional synthetic or isolated forms of Vitamin E (i.e., alpha-tocopherol), which may cause imbalances.

15. What is the shelf-life of Palm Fruit?

The expiration date is printed on the bottom of the Palm Fruit jars. Palm Fruit is intended to meet label claims for at least 2 years from the date of manufacture if stored at or below room temperature. If you wish to extend the shelf-life of Palm Fruit we recommend storing it in the fridge or freezer.

Feb 1, 2017 Update: The new Palm Fruit liquid capsules have a 3 year shelf-life from time of manufacture.

16. Is Palm Fruit certified organic?

Palm fruit is not certified organic due to the use of herbicides in the very early stages of growth. However, no pesticides are used after the tree begins bearing fruit, or during the remaining 20+ years of its life. Therefore, the final product Palm Fruit is not ‘certified organic’, but is free of harmful pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) as determined by 3rd party analytical testing.

16. Is there anything I should avoid taking with Palm Fruit?

The following drugs may reduce the absorption of fat soluble phytonutrients, and therefore should be taken at least 3 hours apart from Palm Fruit: cholestyramine, colestipol, isoniazid, mineral oil, orlistat, sucralfate, olestra, and Alli.

References

[1] Comparative Bioavailability Study Of Powder and Oily Formulation in Rats
Prof. Yuen, et al.
Hovid Bhd. (2011)

[2] Opinion on mixed tocopherols, tocotrienol tocopherol and tocotrienols as sources for vitamin E added as a nutritional substance in food supplements
Fernando Aguilar, et al.
The EFSA Journal (2008) 640, 4-34

[3] Red palm oil in the maternal diet increases provitamin A carotenoids in breastmilk and serum of the mother-infant dyad.
Canfield LM, et al.
Eur J Nutr. 2001 Feb;40(1):30-8.

[4] The effect of a biscuit with red palm oil as a source of beta-carotene on the vitamin A status of primary school children: a comparison with beta-carotene from a synthetic source in a randomised controlled trial.
Van Stuijvenberg ME, et al.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2001 Aug;55(8):657-62.

[5] Recovery of phytonutrients from oils
David Sue San Ho
US Patent 7,544,822 (2009)