Amla Side Effects: 4 Types of People Who Should Avoid It

Amla is a fruit that is deeply cherished by everyone for its numerous nutritional and health benefits. In fact, many of us might have experienced our parents continually telling us to eat this fruit whenever possible. Yes, being highly regarded in Ayurveda and Unani medicine, amla or Indian gooseberry is a superfood that contains a lot of fibre, anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants and Vitamin C. Indian parents instinctively know about the powerful support that these compounds provide to our brains. Additionally, the boost that Indian gooseberry gifts to our immunity, skin health, digestion and blood sugar regulation is awe-inspiring.

However, on the other side of the coin, we have to accept the fact that amla is not suitable for everyone. Indeed, a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research pointed out that this fruit contains some bioactive compounds that can be allergic to sensitive individuals. In this article, we will learn about the 4 types of people for whom amla is not recommended. Let’s go.



We might have heard doctors telling diabetic patients to add more amla in their diet. This is due to the mesmerising ability of the fruit in regulating our blood sugar levels. This strong anti-diabetic effect comes from the high concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols in the fruit. However, this same aspect that is beneficial for those with diabetics becomes a matter of concern to the people with low blood sugar. Due to amla intake, they may find their blood sugar dropping too low to the point they will start experiencing fatigue, fainting, confusion and dizziness. Therefore, consulting your doctor before you start eating amla would be the best decision.


Experts point out that the high Vitamin C presence in amla will get transformed into oxalate in our bodies. Oxalate is an element that can lead to the development of kidney stones. Indeed, a study detected a direct relationship between high Vitamin C presence in the body and a boost in urinary oxalate excretion. This correlation was even more pronounced in those who were predisposed to stone formation. Hence, moderation or intake as per the recommendation of a doctor would be the best choice.


As we all know, amla is acidic in nature. When the acidic properties of the fruit intermingles with its high Vitamin C content, our stomach linings can get irritated. This is the reason why amla is not suggested for people who have a history of ulcer, acid reflux or gastrointestinal sensitivities. Once the fruit enters their systems, they may experience worsened symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain and heartburn.

Most of us might already know that amla supports cardiovascular health through its natural blood-thinning properties. But what about those people who are already on anti-platelet or anticoagulant medications such as aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel? For them, amla could heighten the risk of bleeding.

We should remember the fact that platelet getting aggregated is a crucial step of clotting. Amla extract will thwart this process from taking place, thereby pronging our clotting time. Therefore, those of us who are prone to bleeding disorders and individuals who are scheduled for surgery, should be very cautious about eating amla.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a sugar patient take amla?
   Yes, amla helps in reducing blood sugar due to its fibre content, antioxidants and low glycemic index.
2. Does amala spike blood sugar?
   No. Amla actually reduces blood sugar levels due to its high fibre, low glycemic index, Vitamin C and antioxidants.
3. What happens if we eat amla daily?
   Eating amla daily offers powerful immunity boosts, better digestion, healthier skin and hair, improved eyesight, and blood sugar control.