Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Bilberry Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals
- Potential blood-thinning effect at high doses
- Rare allergic reactions in berry-sensitive individuals
- Possible interference with blood sugar regulation
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) — anthocyanins may have mild antiplatelet effects
- Diabetes medications — bilberry may modestly lower blood sugar
- Antiplatelet drugs — potential additive effect on bleeding risk
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 600 mg/day of standardized extract; higher doses not well studied
References
- Ozawa 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
- 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
- Kalt W, Cassidy A, Howard LR, et al. (2020). Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. Advances in Nutrition. DOI PubMed