What it does: Bilberry is used for its antioxidant effects that support eye health, particularly the retina, and help maintain flexible, healthy blood vessels and healthy circulation.
How it is used: It is commonly taken to support night vision, reduce eye fatigue, and promote microcirculation in the eyes and legs.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Bilberries occur in wild European forests and are eaten fresh or made into extracts and standardized powders for supplements, usually indicated by their anthocyanin content on labels.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Bilberry extracts are included for their potential to support healthy vision, optimize blood flow in small vessels, and provide antioxidant protection.
What to know before use: Bilberry is typically well tolerated, but high doses may have mild blood-thinning effects. Consult a healthcare provider if you use blood-thinning medication or have related concerns.
Interesting Fact
Bilberries: The Close Cousin of Blueberries Grown in the Wild
Bilberries are small berries native to Europe and are closely related to North American blueberries. Wild bilberries grow on low shrubs in forests and are prized for their naturally high levels of colorful anthocyanin compounds, which give them their deep blue-purple hue. In supplements, bilberry extract is typically made from the ripe fruit to capture these beneficial plant pigments.
