Bilberry Complex, NOW Foods, 100 Veg Caps
$86.00
$77.40
Berry good support for tired screen-weary eyes.
Eyes tired after a long day on screens? Did you know bilberry is a close cousin of the blueberry, rich in deep purple anthocyanin pigments? It may help support eye health and comfortable vision.
Bilberry Complex from NOW Foods comes in a pack of 100 Veg Caps.
Bilberry is a small, dark blue berry from Europe, closely related to the blueberry but deeper in colour all the way through. Its rich colour comes from anthocyanins, plant pigments with antioxidant properties. Bilberry has an old reputation as a food for the eyes: stories say British pilots in World War II ate bilberry jam to help their night vision. Today, bilberry extract is popular for supporting eye comfort and healthy circulation.
Delivery: Ships from overseas. Usually arrives in 1 to 2 weeks.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- May help support healthy vision and eye health.
- May help support night vision and visual comfort in dim light.
- May help support healthy circulation, particularly in small blood vessels.
- Provides antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage.
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support the health of the eyes.
- May help reduce tired, strained eyes from screen use.
What people commonly use it for
- Tired, strained eyes from screens (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
- Night vision and adjusting to dim light (Early research, with mixed results)
- Heavy, tired legs (Some clinical studies suggest it may help circulation)
- General antioxidant support (Good evidence of antioxidant activity in the lab)
- Eye comfort with ageing (Early research only)
Suggested to use alongside
- Lutein: Carotenoid found naturally in the eye
- Vitamin A: Needed for normal vision
- Fish oil: Omega-3s support eye wellbeing
The science behind it
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) fruit is among the richest food sources of anthocyanins, with around 15 different types, including delphinidin, cyanidin and malvidin glycosides. These are flavonoid pigments with strong antioxidant activity. Bilberry also provides tannins, vitamin C and small amounts of manganese.
Anthocyanins are thought to support eye and vascular health in several ways. In the retina, they may support the regeneration of rhodopsin, the light-sensitive pigment needed to see in low light. They also appear to strengthen the walls of capillaries, the fine vessels that feed the eye, and to support the flow of blood in small vessels.
Human data is a mixed picture. A few trials have found small improvements in eye fatigue and contrast sensitivity, while systematic reviews of bilberry and night vision have found no consistent benefit in healthy people. Better-designed studies are still needed (see Examine.com and the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health).
- Extract: standardised to around 25 per cent anthocyanins, this is the most common supplement form.
- Whole fruit and juice: contain fibre and a wider spectrum of nutrients but lower anthocyanin levels.
- Leaf: sometimes used in teas but different in composition to the fruit.
Anthocyanins are absorbed in small amounts and are rapidly metabolised, which is why regular use is suggested.
Product details & ingredients
- Pack size: 100 Veg Caps
- Form: Vegetarian capsules
- CERTIFICATIONS/CLASSIFICATIONS: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Made without Gluten, Soy Free, Vegan
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: NOW Foods Bilberry Complex 100 Veg caps
Common questions
What is bilberry good for?
Bilberry is traditionally used to support eye health and visual comfort. It is also valued for its antioxidant anthocyanins and circulation support.
Is bilberry the same as blueberry?
They are related, but bilberries are smaller and are dark purple throughout, whereas blueberries are pale inside. Bilberries have more anthocyanins.
Does bilberry improve night vision?
The story of pilots is popular, but studies in healthy people are mixed. It may support visual comfort in dim light for some.
Can I take bilberry every day?
Bilberry is generally well tolerated for regular use. Follow the directions on your product.
What is the best form of bilberry?
Standardised extracts give a consistent amount of anthocyanins. Whole berries and juice are tasty but less concentrated.
How long does bilberry take to work?
Eye comfort benefits are usually assessed over several weeks of regular use.
Safety
Bilberry may enhance the effect of blood thinning medicines and blood sugar medicines, so speak to your doctor if you take these. Stop use before planned surgery as advised by your health professional. Bilberry leaf is not recommended in large amounts over long periods; check with your health professional in pregnancy.
About NOW Foods
NOW Foods is a family-owned American company making affordable, quality-tested supplements since 1968.
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