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Benefits of Bilberry

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Eye fatigue reduction — a 2015 Japanese RCT (n=88) found 480 mg bilberry extract significantly reduced eye fatigue symptoms and improved visual accommodation in VDT workers
  • Retinal microcirculation — anthocyanins improve capillary blood flow in the retina, supporting nutrient delivery and waste removal from photoreceptors
  • Antioxidant protection — bilberry anthocyanins (particularly cyanidin-3-glucoside) protect retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo
  • Night vision support — while the WWII pilot story is likely apocryphal, some controlled studies show modest improvements in dark adaptation speed with bilberry supplementation

What the Research Says

Bilberry is a well-researched supplement with notable effects on eye health and cardiometabolic markers. A 2015 study by Ozawa et al. demonstrated that bilberry extract supplementation can help alleviate eye fatigue in video display terminal workers, highlighting its potential benefits for digital screen users. The anthocyanin content, particularly the standardized extracts containing 25-36% anthocyanins, is crucial for consistent effects (Ozawa et al., 2015).

In terms of cardiometabolic health, a systematic review and meta-analysis by Talebi et al. (2025) involving 11 RCTs (n=409) found that bilberry supplementation may modestly improve HbA1c and triglycerides but does not significantly affect other cardiometabolic markers. Additionally, a systematic review by Grohmann et al. (2021) of 24 studies reported that bilberry extracts can reduce HbA1c and cholesterol in certain populations, further supporting its role in metabolic health.

Regarding eye health, Canter and Ernst (2004) conducted a systematic review of 12 placebo-controlled trials, concluding that while there is no strong evidence to support the use of bilberry anthocyanosides for improving night vision in healthy individuals, some weaker studies suggest potential benefits. This highlights the need for further research to confirm these findings.

Overall, bilberry appears to have moderate evidence supporting its use for eye health and cardiometabolic benefits, with standardized extracts being key for consistent outcomes.

Related Conditions

Eye Health
Full Bilberry Guide

References

  1. RCTOzawa Y, Kawashima M, Inoue S, et al. (2015). Bilberry extract supplementation for preventing eye fatigue in video display terminal workers. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. DOI PubMed
  2. Canter PH, Ernst E (2004). Anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) for night vision — a systematic review of placebo-controlled trials. Survey of Ophthalmology. DOI PubMed
  3. ReviewKalt W, Cassidy A, Howard LR, et al. (2020). Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. Advances in Nutrition. DOI PubMed
  4. ReviewGrohmann T, Litts C, Horgan G, Zhang X, et al. (2021). 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. DOI PubMed
  5. Ulbricht C, Basch E, Basch S, Bent S, et al. (2009). An evidence-based systematic review of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.. Journal of dietary supplements. DOI PubMed
  6. ReviewCanter PH, Ernst E (2004). Anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) for night vision--a systematic review of placebo-controlled trials.. Survey of ophthalmology. DOI PubMed
  7. Meta-analysisTalebi S, Shirani M, Mahdavi A, Bagherniya M, et al. (2025). Investigating the Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Indices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Kara M, Hasbal-Celikok G, Wilson J, Gómez-Serranillos P, et al. (2025). In vitro mechanistic studies and potential health benefits of a standardized bilberry extract in low mood and cognitive enhancement.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
  2. Nobile V, Dudonné S, Kern C, Roveda G, et al. (2024). Antiaging, Brightening, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Fermented Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  3. Szumny D, Kucharska AZ, Czajor K, Bernacka K, et al. (2024). Extract from Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus Improves near Visual Acuity in People with Presbyopia.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  4. Grohmann T, Walker AW, Russell WR, Hoggard N, et al. (2023). 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.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
  5. Chan SW, Chu TTW, Choi SW, Benzie IFF, et al. (2021). Impact of short-term bilberry supplementation on glycemic control, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and antioxidant status in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed