Bilberry

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a European berry rich in anthocyanins, closely related to blueberries. B-grade evidence for eye fatigue from screen use, blood pressure, and blood glucose. The night vision claim (WWII pilot legend) is NOT supported by RCTs. Anthocyanins provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. May improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cholesterol. Generally well-tolerated. Mirtoselect is a commonly studied standardized extract (36% anthocyanins).

Quick Answer

What it is

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a European berry rich in anthocyanins, closely related to blueberries. B-grade evidence for eye fatigue from screen use, blood pressure, and blood glucose.

Key findings

Grade B: Visual Display Terminal Eye Fatigue (Eye Health)
Grade B: Ciliary Muscle Function (Eye Health)
Grade B: Blood Pressure (Cardiovascular Health)

Safety

Reduced LDL-C in at-risk populations

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Bilberry

Quick Facts: Bilberry

Best Evidence:Grade B
Conditions Studied:2
Research Outcomes:10
Grade B Findings:4
Key Effect:Eye Health

Outcomes by grade:

2 conditions · 10 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Visual Display Terminal Eye Fatigue

Improved accommodation after VDT use

3 studies141 participants

moderate↓Improves

Ciliary Muscle Function

Significant improvement at weeks 8 and 12

2 studies109 participants

moderate↑Improves

Dry Eye Symptoms

Preliminary improvement in signs and symptoms

1 study38 participants

moderate↓Improves

Glaucoma Visual Field

Reduced visual field degradation over 24 months

1 study38 participants

moderate↑Improves

Night Vision (Normal)

No effect in rigorous RCTs - the WWII legend is debunked

4 studies120 participants

none

Blood Pressure

4.7 mmHg systolic, 2.3 mmHg diastolic reduction

2 studies96 participants

moderate↓Improves

LDL Cholesterol

Reduced LDL-C in at-risk populations

3 studies108 participants

moderate↓Improves

Glucose (OGTT)

20% decrease in OGTT AUC

2 studies24 participants

moderate↓Improves

HbA1c

4.7% average reduction in meta-analysis

3 studies150 participants

small↓Improves

Insulin Sensitivity

Improved HOMA-IR over 24 weeks

2 studies60 participants

moderate↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

BEye Health

1 outcome · 11 studies

↓Visual Display Terminal Eye FatigueImproves↑Ciliary Muscle FunctionImproves↓Dry Eye SymptomsImproves

BCardiovascular Health

1 outcome · 5 studies

↓Blood PressureImproves↓LDL CholesterolImproves

Research Citations (12)

A grape seed and bilberry extract reduces blood pressure in individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes: the PRECISE study, a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over intervention study

Nutr Diabetes (2023)

PMID: 37351191

Bilberries: Curative and Miraculous - A Review on Bioactive Constituents and Clinical Research

Front Pharmacol (2022)

PMID: 35757182

Efficacy of Bilberry and Grape Seed Extract Supplement Interventions to Improve Glucose and Cholesterol Metabolism and Blood Pressure in Different Populations-A Systematic Review of the Literature

Nutrients (2021)

PMID: 34067538

A 12-Week-Long Intake of Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Improved Objective Findings of Ciliary Muscle Contraction of the Eye: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparison Trial

Nutrients (2020)

PMID: 32106548

Effects of Bilberry Supplementation on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Molecules (2020)

PMID: 32610691

The effect of a natural, standardized bilberry extract (Mirtoselect) in dry eye: a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci (2017)

PMID: 28617532

A single supplement of a standardised bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract (36% wet weight anthocyanins) modifies glycaemic response in individuals with type 2 diabetes controlled by diet and lifestyle

J Nutr Sci (2013)

PMID: 25191571

Intake of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease by inducing favorable changes in lipoprotein profiles

Nutr Res (2012)

PMID: 27993193

Vision preservation during retinal inflammation by anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract: cellular and molecular mechanism

Lab Invest (2012)

PMID: 21894150

Dietary anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract ameliorates hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in diabetic mice

J Nutr (2010)

PMID: 20089785

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