Bilberry Explained: Bilberry vs Blueberry, Anthocyanins, Lutein, Eye Health & How to Choose a Supplement

“What is the difference between bilberry and blueberry?”

“Why is bilberry so commonly found in supplements designed for people interested in eye health?”

“Are anthocyanins and lutein the same thing?”

When you start looking into bilberry, you are likely to come across terms such as anthocyanins, lutein, blueberries and eye care.

Today, smartphones and computers are a regular part of everyday life, and many of us spend long periods looking at screens for work, study and leisure. As a result, more people are becoming interested in everyday habits that support general eye health.

One botanical ingredient commonly associated with this area is bilberry.

Bilberries are small, deep purple berries that look similar to blueberries, but they have several characteristics that distinguish them from the cultivated blueberries commonly sold in supermarkets.

One of the best-known groups of compounds found in bilberries is anthocyanins, natural plant pigments responsible for many red, blue and purple colours in fruits and vegetables.

Another ingredient frequently found alongside bilberry in supplements is lutein.

Anthocyanins and lutein are not the same compounds. They belong to different groups of naturally occurring substances and are found in different foods.

In this guide, we take a closer look at what bilberry is, how it differs from blueberry, the characteristics of anthocyanins and lutein, why these compounds have been studied in relation to the eyes, everyday habits worth considering in our screen-focused lifestyles, and what to look for when comparing bilberry supplements.

What Is Bilberry?

Bilberry is a plant belonging to the Ericaceae family and the Vaccinium genus. Its scientific name is Vaccinium myrtillus.

It belongs to the same genus as blueberries and is closely related to them, but it is different from the cultivated blueberries commonly found in supermarkets.

Bilberries grow naturally across parts of Europe and other regions and produce small, dark blue-purple berries.

Although they look similar to blueberries from the outside, one of the easiest ways to see the difference is to cut the fruit open.

Many cultivated blueberries have blue-purple skin with pale or light green flesh inside.

Bilberries, by contrast, typically have deep red-purple flesh as well as dark-coloured skin.

Anthocyanins are among the compounds responsible for this intense colour.

Bilberries are well known as a source of anthocyanins and are used not only in foods and processed berry products but also as an ingredient in dietary supplements.

Bilberry vs Blueberry: What Is the Difference?

You may wonder whether bilberry is simply another type of blueberry.

Both belong to the Vaccinium genus and are closely related, but bilberries and the cultivated blueberries commonly sold commercially differ in plant species and fruit characteristics.

One of the most noticeable differences is the colour inside the fruit.

While many cultivated blueberries have relatively pale flesh, bilberries are strongly pigmented throughout the berry.

This is one reason bilberry has become widely known as a fruit containing anthocyanins.

Does Bilberry Really Contain “Several Times More Anthocyanins” Than Blueberry?

You may come across claims stating that bilberries contain several times more anthocyanins than blueberries.

Bilberries are indeed known for their anthocyanin content, but there is no single multiplier that accurately compares every bilberry with every blueberry.

The amount of anthocyanins in a plant can vary according to species or cultivar, growing conditions, ripeness, harvest timing, storage and processing methods.

Rather than assuming that bilberry always contains a fixed multiple of the anthocyanins found in blueberry, it is more accurate to understand bilberry as a deeply pigmented Vaccinium fruit known for containing anthocyanins throughout its coloured flesh.

What Are Anthocyanins?

Anthocyanins are a group of natural plant compounds belonging to the broader family of polyphenols.

They contribute to the red, purple and blue colours found in many plants and are responsible for much of the characteristic dark colour of bilberries.

Bilberries are not the only dietary source of anthocyanins. They are also found in foods such as blueberries, blackcurrants, grapes and various purple-coloured fruits and vegetables.

“Anthocyanin” does not refer to only one individual substance. There are many different anthocyanin compounds, and the types and proportions present vary among plants.

Bilberries themselves contain a range of different anthocyanins.

So why, among all the foods that contain anthocyanins, has bilberry become so strongly associated with eye health?

Why Is Bilberry So Often Associated with the Eyes?

When you hear the word “bilberry,” you may already associate it with eye health.

The widespread connection between bilberry and vision can be traced partly to a well-known historical story, followed by scientific interest and research into bilberry and its anthocyanins.

One frequently repeated story involves British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots during the Second World War.

According to the story, RAF pilots ate bilberry jam and experienced better night vision.

However, there is no well-established historical or scientific evidence confirming that eating bilberries improved the pilots’ night vision.

For this reason, the story should not be treated as evidence that eating bilberries makes it easier to see in the dark.

Nevertheless, bilberry anthocyanins and other bilberry-derived compounds have subsequently attracted scientific interest, and their relationship with vision and the eyes has been investigated in a variety of studies.

What Does Research Say About Bilberry and the Eyes?

Bilberry and bilberry-derived anthocyanins have been investigated in studies examining various aspects of visual and eye-related function.

However, the bilberry extracts used, anthocyanin amounts, study populations, study duration and methods of assessment can differ considerably between studies.

When looking at this research, it is therefore important to distinguish findings obtained under specific study conditions from claims about bilberry foods or supplements in general.

What About Night Vision?

The relationship between bilberry and night vision has been studied partly because of the historical RAF story described above.

However, reviews of research involving healthy people have not established clear evidence that bilberry improves night vision.

General bilberry foods and supplements therefore should not be regarded as products that “improve night vision” or “help you see better in the dark.”

Research Involving Computer and Screen Users

More recent research has also examined specific bilberry-derived ingredients in people who regularly use computers and other digital devices.

For example, some studies involving VDT (Visual Display Terminal) users have evaluated particular bilberry extracts or anthocyanin preparations under defined study conditions.

An important point is that the ingredients, amounts and conditions used in individual studies are not necessarily the same as those found in commercially available bilberry supplements.

Therefore, findings from a particular study cannot automatically be used to conclude that all supplements containing bilberry are effective for eye fatigue or other eye-related concerns.

“Has Been Studied” Does Not Mean “This Product Has a Proven Effect”

This is an important distinction to remember when reading about bilberry or any other dietary supplement ingredient.

Research on a particular ingredient can provide useful information about that ingredient and help us understand why scientists are interested in it.

However, if the extract, amount, study population or duration differs, the same findings cannot automatically be assumed to apply to a commercial product.

In other words, research into bilberry-derived compounds and the eyes is not the same as evidence that a particular bilberry supplement can improve vision, treat an eye condition or prevent disease.

What Is Lutein? A Different Compound from Bilberry Anthocyanins

Another ingredient frequently found alongside bilberry in supplements is lutein.

Lutein is a naturally occurring pigment belonging to a group of compounds known as carotenoids.

It is found in foods including kale, spinach and other green vegetables.

One reason lutein has attracted considerable interest in eye-related research is that, in addition to being obtained from the diet, lutein is present in the human retina, particularly in the macular region.

The macula is located near the centre of the retina and plays an important role in detailed central vision.

Another carotenoid called zeaxanthin is also present in the macula.

Because of these characteristics, lutein and zeaxanthin have been extensively studied in relation to the eyes.

Lutein, Zeaxanthin and the AREDS2 Study

If you research lutein and eye health, you may come across the term “AREDS2.”

AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) was a large clinical study conducted by the U.S. National Eye Institute.

The study investigated nutritional formulations that included lutein and zeaxanthin, among other nutrients, in relation to the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in specific groups of people.

However, it is important to understand what the study was — and was not — designed to investigate.

AREDS2 was not a study designed to determine whether healthy people could improve their eyesight by taking lutein, nor was it designed to show that lutein relieves eye fatigue caused by smartphones or computers.

The findings therefore should not be extended to general claims about improved vision or relief from screen-related eye discomfort.

The fact that lutein and zeaxanthin occur in the macula and have been studied in relation to eye health should be considered separately from claims about the effects of general dietary supplements.

Anthocyanins vs Lutein: What Is the Difference?

Now that we have looked at both compounds, the differences between anthocyanins and lutein become easier to understand.

As this comparison shows, anthocyanins and lutein belong to different groups of compounds and have different dietary sources.

This is why some supplements combine bilberry-derived ingredients with lutein as two distinct components in the same formula.

When comparing products, rather than grouping everything together as “eye care ingredients,” it can be useful to understand what each ingredient actually is and how the formulation differs from one product to another.

Eye Health in the Smartphone and Computer Era

Today, smartphones and computers are an essential part of both work and everyday life, and many people spend long periods looking at screens.

Extended use of digital devices can involve focusing at close distances for long periods and blinking less frequently while concentrating on the screen. These factors may contribute to sensations such as tired or dry eyes.

Eye discomfort associated with prolonged use of digital devices is sometimes referred to as digital eye strain.

Before focusing on supplements or individual nutrients, it is worth taking a closer look at how you use screens throughout the day.

Avoid Focusing at Close Range for Too Long

When using a computer or smartphone for an extended period, your eyes remain focused at a relatively close distance.

During screen-based work, try to look away from the screen periodically and give your eyes opportunities to focus on something farther away.

One commonly recommended approach is the 20-20-20 rule.

The idea is simple: approximately every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (around 6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds.

You do not need to follow these numbers rigidly, but the rule can serve as a useful reminder not to spend long periods continuously looking at a screen.

Remember to Blink

When concentrating on a screen, people may blink less frequently.

Blinking helps spread tears across the surface of the eye, so when working at a computer for long periods, taking regular breaks and remembering to blink can be helpful everyday habits.

Check Your Screen Distance and Position

Holding a smartphone very close to your face or working with a computer screen positioned too close may make viewing less comfortable.

Consider adjusting the distance and height of your screen, as well as the size of the text, so that you are not spending long periods working in an uncomfortable position or straining to read.

Adjust Lighting and Screen Brightness

A very bright screen in a dark room, or a screen that is too dim to read comfortably, can make prolonged viewing uncomfortable.

Try to balance screen brightness with the surrounding lighting and choose settings that allow you to view the screen comfortably.

Blue Light: Avoid Oversimplifying the Issue

When researching smartphones, computers and eye health, you will almost certainly come across the term “blue light.”

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is naturally present in sunlight.

Digital screens also emit blue light, but the blue light produced during normal screen use should not automatically be regarded as the direct cause of eye fatigue or eye disease.

Discomfort during prolonged screen use can involve several factors, including sustained close-up focusing, reduced blinking, dry eyes, screen visibility and the surrounding work environment.

Rather than focusing on blue light alone, it is more useful to consider regular breaks, viewing distance, blinking habits and your overall screen environment.

Remember UV Protection Outdoors

When thinking about eye health, digital devices used indoors are only one part of the picture. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation outdoors is another consideration.

UV radiation can reach the eyes, and long-term UV exposure is associated with eye health concerns.

When spending extended periods outdoors or in strong sunlight, options such as a hat and sunglasses that provide appropriate UV protection can help reduce UV exposure to the eyes.

Just as many people make sun protection part of their regular skincare routine, it is worth remembering the eyes when spending time outdoors.

Sleep and Rest Matter Too

Using a smartphone late into the night may not only extend the amount of time your eyes spend looking at a screen, but can also reduce the amount of time available for sleep.

Adequate sleep is an important part of maintaining overall health.

When people become interested in eye health, it is easy to focus on particular nutrients or supplements, but adequate rest and sleep remain important foundations of everyday wellbeing.

Getting Anthocyanins and Lutein from Food

When thinking about nutrients associated with eye health, supplements may be the first thing that comes to mind.

However, everyday food remains the foundation of nutritional intake.

Fresh bilberries may not always be readily available, depending on where you live, but anthocyanins are found in a variety of other plant foods.

Foods Containing Anthocyanins

• Blueberries
• Blackcurrants
• Grapes
• Blackberries
• Purple cabbage
• Purple sweet potatoes

Many red, purple and blue plant foods contain anthocyanins, although the specific types and amounts vary between foods.

Foods Containing Lutein

Lutein is found in a variety of foods, particularly green vegetables.

• Kale
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Green peas
• Other green vegetables

Rather than eating large quantities of one particular food simply to obtain a single compound, it is generally more practical to base your diet around a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, eggs, legumes and grains.

Alongside a varied diet, supplements provide another way of incorporating bilberry-derived ingredients or lutein into your daily routine.

Why Is Bilberry Used in Dietary Supplements?

Blueberries are widely available as fresh or frozen fruit in many countries, whereas fresh bilberries can be much harder to find for everyday consumption.

For this reason, bilberries are also processed into extracts, powders and other ingredients used in foods and dietary supplements.

Dietary supplements provide a convenient format in which the ingredients and suggested daily intake can be checked on the product label.

Some supplements contain bilberry-derived ingredients alone, while others combine bilberry with additional ingredients such as lutein.

Because formulas can differ considerably from one product to another, it is useful to know what information to check before choosing a bilberry supplement.

What to Look for When Choosing a Bilberry Supplement

There are many dietary supplements containing bilberry, but the word “bilberry” on a product label does not tell you everything about the formula.

When comparing products, it is useful to look beyond packaging and general terms such as “eye care” and check what ingredients and amounts are actually listed.

1. Check the Bilberry Ingredient

First, check what type of bilberry ingredient is used.

Bilberry has the scientific name Vaccinium myrtillus and belongs to the same Vaccinium genus as blueberries.

However, the term “blueberry” can refer to several different species. If you specifically want a product containing bilberry, checking the ingredient information and botanical name can help you identify what is actually being used.

2. Look at the Anthocyanin Information

Anthocyanins are among the best-known compounds associated with bilberries.

Depending on the product, the label may provide information not only about the amount of bilberry extract but also about its anthocyanin content or standardisation.

An important distinction is that “X mg of bilberry” and “X mg of anthocyanins” do not mean the same thing.

The amount of bilberry extract refers to the quantity of the ingredient itself, whereas anthocyanins are compounds contained within that ingredient.

When comparing numbers between products, check what each number actually represents rather than simply choosing the largest figure.

3. Understand “Fresh Fruit Equivalent” and Similar Claims

Supplement labels sometimes use expressions such as “equivalent to X mg of bilberry” or refer to a fresh fruit equivalent.

This does not necessarily mean that the stated weight of whole fresh bilberries is physically present in each capsule or tablet.

A concentrated extract may be used, with the amount expressed as an equivalent quantity of the original fruit or raw material.

For example, a label stating “equivalent to 30,000 mg of bilberry” does not necessarily mean that a capsule contains 30,000 mg of whole bilberry fruit.

When comparing products, check whether the stated figure refers to the actual amount of extract or an equivalent amount based on the original fruit or raw material.

4. Check Whether the Amount Is Per Capsule or Per Daily Serving

Another detail worth checking is the basis on which an amount is stated.

The same “X mg” figure can mean very different things depending on whether it refers to:

• one capsule or tablet
• one serving
• the suggested daily intake

When comparing different supplements, try to compare amounts using the same basis wherever possible.

5. Check the Other Ingredients in the Formula

Some bilberry supplements contain primarily bilberry-derived ingredients, while others combine bilberry with additional nutrients or botanical ingredients.

One of the most common combinations is bilberry and lutein.

Depending on the formula, you may also see ingredients such as zeaxanthin, vitamins or minerals.

A longer ingredient list does not automatically mean that a product is better.

Instead, consider which ingredients you actually want to include in your diet and compare the formulation accordingly.

6. Consider How Easily It Fits into Your Daily Routine

Dietary supplements are intended to be taken according to the directions provided with the product rather than in unnecessarily large amounts.

Check the suggested daily intake and consider whether the product is practical for your everyday routine.

Capsule or tablet size, the number required per day, the amount supplied in each container and storage instructions can also be useful factors when comparing products.

How Should You Think About Bilberry + Lutein Formulas?

Some dietary supplements combine bilberry-derived ingredients and lutein in a single formula.

As we have seen throughout this guide, the anthocyanins associated with bilberry and lutein are not the same compounds.

Bilberry is known as a deeply coloured fruit containing anthocyanins, while lutein is a carotenoid found in foods such as green vegetables and is also naturally present in the macular region of the human eye.

A supplement containing both can therefore be understood as a formula that brings together ingredients from two different groups in one product.

Some people regularly eat a wide variety of deeply coloured fruits and green vegetables, while others may have a less consistent diet from day to day.

With a balanced diet as the foundation, a combined formula is one option for people who want to incorporate both bilberry-derived ingredients and lutein into their routine.

However, the presence of bilberry and lutein together does not in itself mean that a product improves eyesight or prevents or treats eye disease.

The key is to understand what the formula contains and decide whether its ingredients match what you are looking for in a dietary supplement.

Things to Check Before Using a Dietary Supplement

Bilberry and lutein supplements are dietary products, but that does not mean that taking more than the recommended amount is appropriate.

Always check the product's suggested daily intake and any warnings or directions for use.

Depending on your individual circumstances, it may also be appropriate to speak with a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional before using a supplement, particularly if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a medical condition or are receiving medical treatment
• regularly take prescription or other medicines
• have previously experienced an allergic reaction to foods or supplements

If you use several supplements, it is also worth checking whether you are taking the same nutrients or ingredients from more than one product.

If you experience an unexpected reaction or feel that a supplement does not agree with you, stop using it and seek professional advice when appropriate.

When Should You Seek Professional Eye Care?

If your eyes feel tired or your vision seems uncomfortable after long periods of screen use, adjusting your daily habits, taking regular breaks and reviewing your general lifestyle may be useful.

However, some changes in vision should not simply be treated as everyday eye fatigue or managed with supplements.

Seek advice from an optometrist, ophthalmologist or other appropriate healthcare professional if you experience symptoms such as:

• a sudden reduction in vision
• sudden loss or deterioration of vision in one eye
• a missing or dark area in your field of vision
• new or increasing flashes of light
• a sudden increase in floaters
• severe eye pain
• persistent redness accompanied by significant pain
• double vision
• changes in vision that persist or continue to worsen

In particular, sudden changes in vision, changes in the visual field, new flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters can require prompt assessment.

Even symptoms that seem like ordinary “tired eyes” can sometimes be related to factors such as dry eyes, an outdated glasses or contact lens prescription, or other eye conditions.

Dietary supplements are not a substitute for professional eye examinations, diagnosis or treatment.

If you are concerned about persistent or sudden changes in your eyes or vision, seek appropriate professional care rather than relying on self-care alone.

Summary: Understanding Bilberry and Lutein as Part of Everyday Eye Health

Bilberry is a close relative of the blueberry within the Vaccinium genus, but it has distinctive characteristics, including deeply coloured red-purple flesh.

Among the compounds responsible for this colour are anthocyanins, a group of naturally occurring plant pigments belonging to the polyphenol family.

Lutein, which is also commonly found in supplements containing bilberry, is a different type of compound. It is a carotenoid found in foods such as green vegetables and is naturally present in the macular region of the eye.

Bilberry-derived ingredients, anthocyanins, lutein and other nutrients have been investigated in various areas of eye-related research. However, findings from specific studies should not be interpreted as evidence that general dietary supplements improve eyesight or prevent or treat eye disease.

Everyday eye health involves much more than supplements. Taking breaks during prolonged screen use, remembering to blink, maintaining a comfortable viewing distance, protecting your eyes from excessive UV exposure outdoors, getting adequate sleep and eating a varied diet are all worth considering.

If you decide to include a bilberry supplement in your routine, look beyond the largest number on the label. Check the bilberry ingredient, anthocyanin information, whether amounts are actual or equivalent values, other ingredients such as lutein, the basis on which quantities are stated and the suggested daily intake.

For people who want both bilberry-derived ingredients and lutein, a combined formula provides another option alongside obtaining these compounds from food and using individual supplements.

Understanding what bilberry and lutein actually are — and making them part of a broader approach that includes diet and everyday lifestyle habits — can help you make a more informed choice.

This article provides general information about bilberry, blueberries, anthocyanins, lutein, diet and eye health. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor does it claim that any specific product provides medical benefits. If you experience sudden vision loss, changes in your visual field, severe eye pain or other concerning symptoms, seek advice from an appropriate eye-care or healthcare professional. When using dietary supplements, always follow the suggested intake and warnings provided with the product.