Bilberry
Also known as bilberry extract, bilberry fruit extract, vaccinium myrtillus
Key takeaways
- Bilberry and grape seed extracts may improve glucose and cholesterol metabolism (PMID: 34067538)
- A single supplement of standardized bilberry extract may modify glycaemic response (NCT01245270)
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 3 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Bilberry is a berry extract often studied for its effects on metabolic health and cardiovascular recovery. Current research suggests potential benefits for glucose metabolism, though evidence is limited by small sample sizes.
By condition
Glucose and Cholesterol Metabolism
Weak
A systematic review suggests potential efficacy in improving glucose and cholesterol metabolism, but data is limited to a small number of studies.
Post-Myocardial Infarction Recovery
Insufficient
Clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate bilberry as a supplement after myocardial infarction, but results are not provided in the abstracts.
Effective doses
Not specified in provided abstracts
Safety & interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were provided in the source texts.
Limitations
The available evidence is constrained by very small sample sizes (e.g., N=4 in the systematic review's focus) and a lack of detailed outcome data from the clinical trials.
Top-rated Bilberry products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 131 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 3 sources, sorted by quality
**Grohmann et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Systematic Review Grohmann Teresa, Litts Caroline, ... de Roos Baukje. Efficacy of Bilberry and Grape Seed Extract Supplement Interventions to Improve Glucose and Cholesterol Metabolism and Blood Pres…
**NCT ID**: NCT01245270 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 8 **Completion**: 2013-08
**NCT ID**: NCT01958034 **Phase**: PHASE4 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 50 **Completion**: 2015-11
Frequently asked questions
What is bilberry and what is it used for?
Bilberry is a berry extract often studied for its potential effects on metabolic health and cardiovascular recovery. Current research suggests it may help with glucose metabolism, although the evidence is limited by small sample sizes in existing studies.
Does bilberry work for blood sugar control?
There is weak evidence suggesting bilberry may improve glucose metabolism, based on a systematic review and a single trial showing modified glycemic responses. However, the data is limited to a small number of studies, so more robust research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Can bilberry help with cholesterol levels?
A systematic review indicates weak evidence that bilberry, sometimes in combination with grape seed extract, may improve cholesterol metabolism. Because the data is limited to a small number of studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
Is bilberry effective for recovery after a heart attack?
There is insufficient evidence to determine if bilberry is effective for post-myocardial infarction recovery. While clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate this use, the results are not provided in the available abstracts, so efficacy remains unconfirmed.
What is the effective dose of bilberry?
The provided research abstracts do not specify an effective dose for bilberry. Consumers should consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations, as specific amounts have not been documented in the current evidence summary.
Is bilberry safe to take with other medications?
No specific drug interactions or contraindications were documented in the source texts. However, individuals taking other medications should consult a healthcare provider before use to ensure safety, as the absence of documented interactions does not guarantee compatibility.
Who should avoid taking bilberry?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals on medications, should consult a healthcare provider before using bilberry. While no specific contraindications were provided, general caution is advised for these groups due to limited safety data.