Bilberry: Benefits, Side Effects and Safety

The bilberry bush grows in Europe, the northern United States, and Canada. Its dark berries look like blueberries. People use the fruit and leaves as medicine.

What is bilberry?

Bilberry is a plant used for many years. It is sold today as a supplement. People take it for eye problems and blood flow issues.

The FDA does not approve supplements before they are sold. This means the rules for making them are not as strict as for drugs.

What are the benefits of bilberry?

Many people take bilberry for eye health. This started in World War II. Pilots ate it to help them see better at night.

Research has not clearly shown that bilberry helps any health problem. Studies on night vision have had mixed results. The best studies show no benefit for healthy people.

What are the side effects of bilberry?

Bilberry fruit is safe when you eat it in food. Research studies used fruit extracts safely for up to 6 months. These studies used doses up to 160 mg per day.

Bilberry leaves may be unsafe. Do not take them in high doses or for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

How much bilberry do people take?

There is no standard dose for bilberry. Research studies have used up to 160 mg of fruit extract each day. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Who should not take bilberry?

Little is known about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is best to avoid amounts larger than what you find in food. Always talk to your doctor first.

Does bilberry interact with any medications?

The source warns that some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways. It does not name specific medicines for bilberry.

Tell your doctor about any herbs you take. They can help you make safe choices.

Common questions about bilberry

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