Bilberry

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a small dark-purple berry closely related to blueberries. It grows naturally across parts of Europe and is particularly rich in anthocyanins, the plant pigments responsible for its deep colour.

Bilberry has a long history of traditional use for eye health and circulation, although modern research into its effects on vision has produced mixed results.

Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Support

Bilberries are naturally rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols.

These compounds provide antioxidant activity and help support the body's normal defence against oxidative stress.

The retina is a metabolically active tissue with a high demand for oxygen, making antioxidant protection particularly relevant to long-term eye health.

Anthocyanins are also found in other deeply coloured fruits, including New Zealand blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries.

Bilberry and Eye Health

Bilberry has become strongly associated with nutritional support for vision.

Its anthocyanins have been investigated for their potential effects on retinal tissues, capillary function and visual performance.

However, the evidence is less definitive than the ingredient's reputation sometimes suggests. Human trials vary considerably in quality and have used different extracts, doses and outcome measures.

Bilberry is therefore best viewed as an antioxidant-rich botanical that supports the nutritional environment of the eye rather than as an ingredient proven to improve eyesight.

Bilberry and Night Vision

One of the best-known stories surrounding bilberry involves British pilots during the Second World War, who were reportedly said to consume bilberry jam to improve their night vision.

The story helped stimulate decades of research, but controlled studies have not consistently shown improved night vision in healthy people.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that the better-quality studies have not demonstrated a clear night-vision benefit.

This makes antioxidant and vascular support a more appropriate focus than claims about enhanced night vision.

Circulation and the Eyes

The retina and other eye tissues rely on a network of very small blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients.

Bilberry's anthocyanins have attracted interest for their potential relationship with vascular function and capillary integrity.

This helps explain why bilberry is often paired with ingredients such as blackcurrant, lutein and zeaxanthin in eye-health formulas.

Healthy circulation throughout the body also depends on physical activity, cardiovascular health, blood-pressure management and avoiding smoking.

Bilberry and Healthy Ageing

Ageing increases cumulative exposure to oxidative stress within many tissues, including the eyes.

A diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables provides carotenoids, vitamin C, polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds that support normal cellular protection.

Bilberry can complement this wider nutritional approach, particularly alongside nutrients that are naturally concentrated within retinal tissues.

Bilberry vs Blueberry

Bilberries and blueberries are closely related but are not the same fruit.

Bilberries generally have darker flesh and contain relatively high concentrations of anthocyanins throughout the berry, whereas cultivated blueberries typically have paler flesh beneath the skin.

Both can be valuable components of a polyphenol-rich diet.

Supplement extracts are generally much more concentrated than the amount of anthocyanins obtained from eating a small serving of fresh fruit.

Using Bilberry Safely

Bilberry fruit is generally considered safe in normal food amounts, and concentrated fruit extracts have been well tolerated in clinical research.

People taking prescription medication should nevertheless check with their healthcare professional before using concentrated herbal extracts.

This is particularly relevant for people using blood-thinning medicines or medicines affecting blood glucose.

Regular eye examinations remain important, particularly with age or when managing diabetes, high blood pressure or existing eye conditions.

Sudden changes in vision, flashes, new floaters, eye pain or loss of vision require prompt professional assessment.

Bilberry in O2B Products

At O2B Healthy, bilberry extract is a key botanical ingredient in O2B ProVision®, with each capsule providing the equivalent of 7,500 mg of dried bilberry. It is combined with New Zealand blackcurrant, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, zinc, copper, selenium and eyebright to support normal vision, retinal and macular health, antioxidant protection and healthy ageing of the eyes.