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8 Best Bilberry Supplements (2024) Reviewed and Compared

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Do your eyes feel tired and strained by the end of the day? Do you find yourself squinting more often than usual? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re not alone.

Statistics show that the average American adult spends seven hours per day staring at a screen. If you get 8 hours of sleep, that’s nearly half of your day.

Luckily, there are ways to holistically support your eye health and prevent eye strain (without having to cut back on screen time). Bilberry, a berry native to Northern Europe, has gained popularity in recent years as a natural supplement for eye support. In addition to improving sight, it comes with other benefits that can improve your overall health.

This article deep dives into the health benefits of bilberry and reviews the 8 best Bilberry supplements on the market.

What is Bilberry?

Vaccinium myrtillus, European blueberries. Bilberries go by a few different names.

Bilberries are blue berries most commonly found in Northern Europe. But they can also be found in parts of Asia, Canada, and the Northern United States.

Their deep blue hue, benefits, and spelling make them very similar to blueberries.

However, there are a few unique features that set bilberries apart.

Bilberries have served medicinal purposes dating back to the Middle Ages. They have been used to treat anything from diarrhea and urinary infections to inflammation and diabetes. Today, bilberry extract is mostly used as a supplement to enhance eye function and support overall health. Its high antioxidant and vitamin C levels make it especially good for eye health.

Why Should You Take a Bilberry Supplement?

Let’s start with the obvious. Bilberries, like all fruits, are good for you. They are a rich source of vitamins C and K as well as antioxidants that help the body fight against diseases.

In particular, bilberries are an especially great source of anthocyanins, a flavonoid found in certain plants that contains anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. Most of the benefits bilberries provide are thanks to these high anthocyanin contents.

Now, here are a few specific benefits of bilberries, according to research.

1) Bilberries may improve your eye health.

The main appeal of bilberry supplements is their supposed effects on eye health.

While many people used to believe that bilberries could improve your night vision, recent research has shown this is not the case.

However, studies suggest that bilberry extract can help prevent eye fatigue, eye strain, and vision loss.

One study administered 120 mg of bilberry to participants with glaucoma, a condition that leads to sight loss, for two years. Participants who received the bilberry anthocyanins reported that their vision improved by 30%. The placebo group, on the other hand, reported that their symptoms worsened.

A different study showed that subjects who took bilberry extract daily reported less eye fatigue and dryness after screen time.

2) Bilberries may reduce inflammation.

The high anthocyanin content in bilberries may help reduce inflammation, a leading contributor to chronic disease.

One study showed that subjects who took bilberry supplements daily had significantly fewer markers of inflammation than the placebo group.

Another study produced similar results. In this trial, participants who drank bilberry fruit juice every day for a month had less inflammation than the placebo group.

3) Bilberries may lower blood sugar levels.

Berries are well-known for their ability to lower blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that bilberries are especially effective at doing so.

For example, one animal study indicated that bilberries may encourage the release of insulin, which helps the body convert food into energy. Another study showed similar results, reporting that bilberries encouraged insulin release in adults at risk of diabetes.

A third study found that adults with type 2 diabetes who took 50 mg of bilberry extract reported lower blood sugar levels than the placebo group.

While these studies show promise, more research is needed to further support these claims.

The Best 8 Bilberry Supplements

*Note: We do have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you purchase from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.

1) Jarrow Formulas Bilberry and Grape

Jarrow Bilberry

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Price: From $25.71

Jarrow Formulas Bilberry and Grape contains everything you need to support your vision health. It contains 80 mg of Swedish bilberry extract which is standardized to 25% or 20mg of anthocyanosides. It also contains 200 mg of grape skin extract for additional antioxidants.

Each bottle contains 120 gluten-free and vegetarian capsules.

2) Nature’s Way Bilberry

Nature's Way Bilberry Extract

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Price: From $20.42

Nature’s Way provides a reliable option for your bilberry needs. It contains 80 mg of bilberry fruit extract standardized to 25% anthocyanins and 125 mg of black elderberry for additional benefit. It’s also Certified Authentic, which means its bilberry has been verified for legitimacy.

Nature’s Way Bilberry is non-GMO and gluten-free. Each bottle contains 90 vegan capsules.

3) Life Extension Standardized European Bilberry Extract

Life Extension European Bilberry Extract

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Price: From $27.00

Life Extensions offers one of the most potent bilberry capsules on our list. It contains 100 mg of bilberry extract standardized to 36 mg of anthocyanins in every serving.

It is gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of additives and preservatives. Each bottle comes with 90 vegetarian capsules.

4) Now Foods Bilberry Complex

NOW Bilberry Complex

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Price: From $16.69

Now Foods Bilberry Complex offers a budget-friendly option packed with health benefits. This herbal supplement contains 80 mg of bilberry extract standardized to 25% anthocyanins. It also includes carrot powder and citrus bioflavonoids for additional antioxidants.

Every bottle comes with 100 vegetarian capsules.

5) Source Naturals Bilberry Extract

Source Naturals Bilberry Extract

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Price: From $18.21

Source Naturals offers another potent bilberry extract option. Every tablet contains 100 mg of bilberry standardized to 32 mg of anthocyanosides.

It is also gluten-free and soy-free and comes in a vegetarian capsule, making it suitable for a range of diets. Each bottle contains 60 servings if taking 2 tablets per day.

6) Solaray Bilberry & Lutein

Bilberry & Lutein Solaray

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Price: From $21.99

Solaray Bilberry Extract & Lutein includes everything you need for your vision health needs. Every serving contains 160 mg of bilberry fruit extract (standardized to 36 mg). It also contains 6 mg of lutein, which is a carotenoid that filters light and protects tissue in the eye.

This dietary supplement contains lab-verified ingredients and comes in a vegetarian capsule. Every bottle contains 30 servings.

7) Bulksupplements Bilberry Extract Powder

Pure Bulk Bilberry Extract Powder

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Price: From $18.15

Readers who prefer powder supplements might prefer PureBulk Bilberry Extract Powder. Every serving contains 500 mg of bilberry extract that can be mixed into a drink, like a smoothie, or taken on its own.

It is free of added sugar, dairy, soy, and artificial additives. Every package contains 200 servings, so you don’t have to worry about running out.

8) Puritan’s Pride Bilberry Fruit Extract

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Price: From $35.99

Last but not least on our list is Puritan’s Pride Bilberry Fruit Extract. It contains 250 mg of bilberry extract and nothing else, so you know you’re getting just what you need. It is also free of sweeteners, gluten, dairy, soy, and sodium.

Every bottle comes with 180 softgels, which provides a six-month supply.

How We Ranked

Although we ranked these supplements, we want you to decide on the best product for you.

Here’s what we took into consideration when ranking these products.

Strict Testing Standards

The supplement industry isn’t FDA-regulated, making finding a reputable supplement challenging.

That’s why we only select companies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and have their products third-party tested.

Ingredients

Many clinical trials on the benefits of bilberry extract used 50 mg to 200 mg of bilberry in their trials, so we looked for products that had dosages in that range. We also considered additional ingredients that were rich resources of antioxidants and could enhance bilberries’ effects.

Value

Living our healthiest lives can get expensive. That’s why we selected high-quality products that won’t hurt your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bilberry supplements safe?

Bilberry extract is safe when taken within recommended doses. No serious side effects of bilberry extract have been reported.

Can I take a bilberry supplement while pregnant?

It is unclear whether you can take a bilberry supplement while pregnant. Talking to your healthcare provider is best if you are pregnant and want to try bilberry extract.

How much bilberry should I take daily?

Most bilberry extract supplements recommend taking 50 mg to 200 mg per day.

Who should not take bilberry extract?

People who take insulin, diabetes medication, or blood thinners should consult a health professional before trying a bilberry supplement.

Is bilberry worth taking?

If you’re looking for a supplement that helps with eye strain, reduces inflammation, and provides overall health benefits, a bilberry supplement is worth a shot.

About the Author

Kelly is a Hawaii-based wellness writer. She graduated with her Master's degree in English and combines her background in health care, wellness, and fitness with her writing background to create content for various health-related companies. In her free time, you'll find her reading on the beach or training for her next half marathon.

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