DrFeb
Health Guide

Mountain Bilberry

Meet the Mountain Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), often called the European blueberry. Unlike its larger, tamer cousins found in grocery stores, this dark little berry is a powerhouse of antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins. These are the pigments that give the fruit its deep purple hue and are responsible for its legendary status in supporting eye health and circulation. Think of it as nature’s high-definition upgrade for your body's cellular defense system.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Mountain Bilberry
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Bilberry Extract vs. Placebo (Eye Fatigue)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

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Improvement Score
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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Sharper Vision: Improves night vision and reduces eye fatigue.
  • Circulation Support: Strengthens blood vessels and promotes healthy blood flow.
  • Antioxidant Powerhouse: Fights oxidative stress and inflammation.

Deep Dive

Bilberry is best known for its impact on eye health. During WWII, British pilots famously ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision. Modern science suggests this is due to the anthocyanosides in the berry, which help protect the retina from damage and improve the regeneration of rhodopsin, the pigment that allows your eyes to adjust to low light.

Beyond the eyes, these potent antioxidants act as a cleanup crew for your body, scavenging free radicals that cause aging and cellular damage. It also helps stabilize collagen, keeping connective tissues and blood vessels strong and flexible.

Natural Food Sources

While the fresh Mountain Bilberry is a seasonal treat found in the wilds of Europe and North America, you can access its benefits through related berries and concentrated forms.

FoodAmount% DV (Anthocyanins)
Mountain Bilberry (Raw)1 cup (148g)High
Wild Blueberries1 cup (148g)High
Blackberries1 cup (148g)Medium
Acai Berry100gMedium
Black Currant100gMedium

Supplementation

Because fresh bilberries are hard to find outside their native regions, a standardized extract is your best bet. Stick to a dosage of 160mg to 600mg daily. Look for extracts standardized to contain 25% to 36% anthocyanins. This ensures you are getting the active compounds that actually do the work.

Top Food Sources

Fresh Bilberries
Best eaten raw in summer
Bilberry Jam
Traditional European delicacy
Dried Bilberries
Great for snacking
Bilberry Leaf Tea
Used traditionally for blood sugar
Standardized Extract
Most reliable source of anthocyanins

Frequently Asked Questions

Not exactly. Mountain Bilberries are wild, smaller, and have deep red juice that stains everything. They contain significantly higher levels of anthocyanins (the active antioxidant) than cultivated blueberries.
For eye health benefits (like reduced fatigue), studies often show results after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
While rare, eating massive quantities could cause digestive upset or low blood sugar. Stick to the recommended supplement doses or normal fruit portions.
Some studies suggest it helps protect blood vessels in the retina, which is beneficial for diabetics. However, always treat this as a supplement to, not a replacement for, medical management.

Safety & Side Effects

Bilberry is generally considered very safe when consumed in food amounts or standard supplement doses.

Who should be cautious?

  • Blood Thinners: Bilberry may have a mild blood-thinning effect. If you are on medication like Warfarin, consult your doctor.
  • Surgery: Stop taking bilberry supplements at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery to avoid bleeding risks.
  • Diabetes: It may lower blood sugar levels; monitor your levels closely if you are diabetic.

Scientific References

  • [1]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22014116
  • [2]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15635437
  • [3]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17338844