Bilberry fruit has been consumed as both a food and a medicine for hundreds of years. It contains anthocyanosides, a powerful class of antioxidants. Traditional uses include treating diarrhea and soothing the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Its most common present day use stems from its purported benefits for night vision. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, anthocyanosides might benefit the retina, though research examining this use has produced mixed results. Other suggested uses include the treatment of other eye disorders, diabetes, hardening of the arteries and chronic venous insufficiency. A lack of well-designed studies of the effects of this treatment in humans makes it unclear whether supplementation with bilberry has any therapeutic benefit. Some dosage guidelines exist, but you should consult with a physician well-versed in natural therapies for guidance.
Suggested Dosages
Like drugs, natural supplements typically need to contain a minimum amount of active components to produce any measurable benefit. Look for bilberry supplements standardized to 25 percent anthocyanosides. For general health, the suggested dosage is typically 120 mg to 240 mg daily. Drugs.com, a site that compiles information from various medical databases, notes studies of bilberry for night vision used 160 mg three times a day. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, notes a dosage of 80 to 480 mg divided into two or three doses for eye problems and to promote healthy blood circulation.
Tips on Choosing a Supplement
Because of a lack of regulation in the supplement industry, quality can vary significantly between brands. Supplements verified by the United States Pharmacopeia have met the standards of this nonprofit health organization in terms of purity, strength and consistency. Choosing a brand with the USP symbol will ensure a good supplement that contains the proper amount of active ingredients. Manufacturers do not have to submit to testing by this agency, however, so a lack of this designation does not automatically imply a low-quality product. Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to offer guidance on finding a good bilberry product.
Medication Interactions
Bilberry might slow blood clotting; using it at the same time as warfarin or other blood-thinning medications -- including aspirin therapy -- could increase the risk of bleeding. Because of its potential to lower blood sugar, using it at the same time as insulin or other medications that control glucose levels could lead to hypoglycemia. When taking natural supplements that exert effects similar to prescription drugs, you might require dosage adjustments to your medications to compensate for the effects of the herbal treatment. Only your doctor can safely make these determinations -- do not do this on your own.
Side Effects
The UMMC notes that taking very large doses of bilberry for prolonged periods could result in serious side effects, such as severe weight loss, muscle spasms and even death. Bilberry has been used as a food for centuries and taking the supplement in its suggested dosage will not likely pose any risk to your health. Rarely, it might cause side effects such as drowsiness, mild stomach discomfort and rash.
Other Considerations for Use
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports some studies of bilberry have enrolled pregnant women but whether this population can use this supplement safely has not been specifically examined. Never take any supplement without talking to your doctor first, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have impaired liver or kidney function, always check with your doctor before using any supplement, as these organs play a central role in processing the drugs and supplements you consume.
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