Bilberry Guide

Quick Answers

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is bilberry?

Bilberry, or Vaccinium myrtillus, is a dark blue berry also known as European blueberry.¹

What is bilberry used for?

Bilberry provides antioxidant support, and Jamieson’s current Bilberry formula is positioned to support eye and circulatory health.

What are anthocyanosides?

Anthocyanosides are antioxidant plant compounds that give bilberries their deep blue-purple colour.

Is bilberry the same as blueberry?

They’re related, but they aren’t the same plant. Bilberry is Vaccinium myrtillus and is often called European blueberry.¹

What is bilberry?

Bilberry is a small, dark berry from the Vaccinium myrtillus plant. It’s closely related to blueberries and is sometimes called European blueberry.¹ 

Bilberries contain colourful plant compounds called anthocyanosides, which have antioxidant properties. Jamieson uses a concentrated extract standardized to provide a consistent amount of these compounds. 

How does bilberry support the body?

Bilberry provides antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.² 

Jamieson’s current Bilberry product is also positioned to support eye and circulatory health, making it relevant for people looking for antioxidant support with a focus on vision and circulation. 

Which health goals can bilberry support?

Eye Health

Jamieson Bilberry is positioned to provide antioxidant support for eye health.

Heart Health

Jamieson’s current Bilberry product is also positioned to help support circulatory health.

Everyday Wellness

Bilberry provides antioxidants that help support the maintenance of good health.²

How can bilberry fit into your routine?

Bilberry is often used as part of a routine focused on antioxidant and eye-health support. 

  • Eat colourful plant foods: Berries and other deeply coloured fruits and vegetables provide a variety of antioxidant plant compounds. 
  • For eye-focused routines: Bilberry is often paired with other eye-health nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin. 
  • For antioxidant support: Concentrated extracts provide bilberry compounds in a convenient daily format. 
  • Support the basics: Regular eye exams, balanced nutrition, movement, and managing screen habits also matter for long-term eye health. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a bilberry supplement?

Start with the amount, form, and reason you’re taking it. 

  • Check the extract ratio: Jamieson uses an 80:1 bilberry extract, meaning the extract is concentrated from a much larger amount of fruit. 
  • Look for standardization: Jamieson’s formula is standardized to 36% anthocyanosides. 
  • Compare the equivalent amount: Jamieson’s 25 mg extract is equivalent to 2,000 mg of bilberry fruit. 
  • Decide between standalone and combination formulas: Bilberry is available alone or paired with eye-health ingredients such as lutein and zeaxanthin. 
  • Check your medications: If you take prescription medications or blood thinners, speak with a healthcare practitioner before use. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine

FAQs

Is bilberry the same as blueberry?

No. Bilberry and blueberry are related plants in the same genus, but bilberry refers specifically to Vaccinium myrtillus. Health Canada also recognizes the common name European blueberry.¹

What are anthocyanosides?

Anthocyanosides are plant compounds responsible for much of bilberry’s deep blue-purple colour and antioxidant activity. Jamieson’s Bilberry extract is standardized to 36% anthocyanosides.

How much bilberry is in Jamieson Bilberry?

Each capsule contains 25 mg of an 80:1 bilberry extract, equivalent to 2,000 mg of bilberry fruit, standardized to 36% anthocyanosides.

Sources

1. Health Canada. Bilberry — Vaccinium myrtillus Oral Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_bilberry--oral_english.pdf 

2. Health Canada. Antioxidants Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=antiox2&lang=eng 

3. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database — Jamieson Bilberry, NPN 80006626.[Text Wrapping Break]https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/info?licence=80006626