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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Extract with Lutein Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bronson

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bilberry Extract with Lutein is a dietary supplement by Bronson with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye health, age-related macular degeneration, cataract prevention.Based on those ingredients, 275 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bilberry Fruit Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Extract with Lutein by Bronson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains two active ingredients: lutein and bilberry fruit extract. Lutein is a yellow pigment naturally found in leafy greens and the retina of your eye; it's included here to support eye health.

Bilberry fruit extract comes from the berries themselves and contains compounds called anthocyanidins. The capsule also holds inactive ingredients—gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide—that serve as a binder, filler, and flow agent to hold the formula together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Supports vision and eye health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, and more.

For lutein, the evidence suggests it may help with age-related macular degeneration (a leading cause of vision loss in older adults) and cataracts, though the evidence is not conclusive. It appears ineffective for several other eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and some conditions affecting premature infants.

For bilberry fruit extract, the evidence we hold is less certain. Night vision shows no clear benefit.

For age-related cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and chronic venous insufficiency, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not. If you're considering this product for a specific condition, it's worth discussing with your doctor what the current evidence actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Bilberry

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both lutein and bilberry are rated as likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. For lutein, doses up to 20 mg daily have not caused adverse effects; it's generally well tolerated when taken orally.

Bilberry fruit extract and juice also seem well tolerated overall, though some trial participants reported temporary gastrointestinal side effects like flatulence or mild discomfort. A notable harmless but striking effect: bilberry can darken your stools and even temporarily stain your tongue or teeth a dark blue or black color—this is normal and goes away when you stop taking it.

Long-term safety data for concentrated bilberry supplements is limited, so caution is advised with ongoing use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Bilberry

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bilberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 275 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check if you're on any anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs—blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin—because bilberry may increase bleeding risk (Moderate severity). Also check antidiabetes medications, drugs processed by CYP2E1, and erlotinib.

If any of these apply to you, confirm with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bronson's Bilberry Extract with Lutein may appeal to you if you're interested in eye health support, especially for age-related macular degeneration or cataracts. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or certain cancer drugs, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—bilberry has documented interactions with those types.

Otherwise, both ingredients are generally well tolerated, though you may notice your stools darken. Talk with your own healthcare provider about whether this product fits your health goals.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 18, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bilberry Extract with Lutein, straight from the product label.

Brand Bronson
Barcode (UPC) 716563401016
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 18, 2021
DSLD ID 257374
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bilberry Extract with Lutein by Bronson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
716563401016
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein6 mg--
Bilberry Fruit Extract40 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Since 1960 Nutrition+

365 days 100% money back guaranteed

Nutrition questions or comments? Mon. - Fri. 7 AM - 6 PM MST Sat. 8 AM - 4:30 PM MST

Formulation

Supports vision & eye health

Eye health High potency Herbal support

Formula

Bilberry fruit extract standardized for 25% anthocyanidins

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement for adults, take 1 capsule one or two times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

Warning: Consult a healthcare professional before taking this product if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medications.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

Lab tested Made from high quality ingredients GMP good manufacturing practice

See for yourself

Bilberry Extract with Lutein by Bronson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Extract with Lutein by Bronson

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Lutein

No known
interactions
6 mg per serving

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

Lutein monograph & interactions

Bilberry Fruit Extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
40 mg per serving Form: Anthocyanosides

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye healt...

Bilberry Fruit Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry Extract with Lutein by Bronson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Extract with Lutein?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
275Drugs
275 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bilberry Extract with Lutein with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bilberry Fruit Extract4 drug types · 275 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, animal, and clinical research suggest that anthocyanidin extracts from bilberry can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry leaf or fruit extract may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that bilberry leaf extract might have blood glucose-lowering activity. Also, one small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking bilberry fruit extract 470 mg as a single dose prior to an oral glucose tolerance test lowers plasma glucose levels when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Animal research shows that exposure to small concentrations of bilberry extract in drinking water for around one month increased CYP2E1 activity by 31%. However, exposure over a 2-month period did not increase CYP2E1 activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Erlotinib (Tarceva)

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might reduce the efficacy of erlotinib.
In vitro research suggests that bilberry fruit extract and its constituents, delphinidin and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, inhibit the activity of erlotinib. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bilberry Extract with Lutein, from the product label.

Bronson

Name
Bronson Laboratories
Street Address
70 Commerce Drive
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788
Phone Number
1-800-235-3200
Web Address
BronsonVitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Extract with Lutein by Bronson: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Extract with Lutein by Bronson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Extract with Lutein has a known interaction with 275 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bilberry Extract with Lutein contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both lutein and bilberry are rated as likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, the safety data on higher supplement doses of lutein during breastfeeding is limited, so it's wise to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation before starting.
What's the difference between lutein and bilberry—why are both in here?
Lutein is a pigment found in leafy greens that may support the macula (the center of your vision), while bilberry is a berry rich in compounds called anthocyanidins that may offer different antioxidant benefits. Together they're meant to address eye health from different angles, though the bilberry evidence is less established.
Will this actually improve my night vision?
Bilberry is often promoted for night vision, but the evidence shows it's not effective for that purpose. Lutein may help with age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, though the evidence is only 'possibly effective,' not definite.
Why are my stools dark after taking this?
Bilberry can turn your stools dark blue or black—even stain your tongue temporarily—but this is completely harmless and normal. The discoloration goes away once you stop taking it or your body processes the bilberry out.
Is this safe if I have no medical conditions?
Both ingredients are generally well tolerated in healthy adults. Some people report mild, temporary gastrointestinal side effects like flatulence or discomfort. The main caution is that long-term safety data for concentrated bilberry supplements is limited.
How much lutein am I getting in each capsule?
The product facts don't specify the exact dose per capsule. Check the label or contact the manufacturer to see how much lutein and bilberry extract are in each serving.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Bilberry Extract with Lutein is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bilberry Extract with Lutein label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bilberry Extract with Lutein's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

See these in context on the Lutein monograph →

Bilberry 14 references
  1. Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, Puglisi L. Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison with ciprofibrate. Thromb Res 1996;84:311-22. PubMed
  2. Morazzoni P, Magistretti MJ. Activity of Myrtocyan, an anthosyanoside complex from Vaccinium myrtillus (VMA), on platelet aggregation and adhesiveness. Fitoterapia 1990;61:13-21.
  3. Erlund, I., Koli, R., Alfthan, G., Marniemi, J., Puukka, P., Mustonen, P., Mattila, P., and Jula, A. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87(2):323-331. PubMed
  4. Hawrelak, J. A. and Myers, S. P. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16(10):1065-1071. PubMed
  5. Morazzoni P and Magistretti MJ. Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on prostacyclin-like activity in rat arterial issue. Fitoterapia 1986;57:11-14.
  6. Pulliero G, Montin S, Bettini V, and et al. Ex vivo study of the inhibitory effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on human platelet aggregation. Fitoterapia 1989;60:69-75.
  7. Bottecchia D. Preliminary report on the inhibitory effect of vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on platelet aggregation and clot retraction. Fitoterapia 1987;48:3-8.
  8. Fdez, M., Zaragoza, F., and Alvarez, P. In vitro platelet aggregation effects of anthocyanosides of vaccinium myrtilus L. Anales de la Real Academia de Farmacia 1983;49:79-90.
  9. Biedermann L, Mwinyi J, Scharl M, Frei P, Zeitz J, Kullak-Ublick GA, et al. Bilberry ingestion improves disease activity in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis-an open pilot study. 2013 May;7(4):271-9. PubMed
  10. Hoggard N, Cruickshank M, Moar KM, Bestwick C, Holst J, Russell W, et al. A single supplement of a standardized bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract (36% wet weight anthocyanins) modifies glycaemic response in individuals with type 2 diabetes control
  11. Aichinger G, Pahlke G, Nagel LJ, Berger W, Marko D. Bilberry extract, its major phenolic compounds, and soy isoflavone genistein antagonize the cytostatic drug erlotinib in human epithelial cells. Food Funct 2016;7(8):3628-36.
  12. Prokop J, Lněničková K, Cibicek N, et al. Effect of bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) on drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2019;129:382-90. PubMed
  13. Chan SW, Chu TTW, Choi SW, Benzie IFF, Tomlinson B. Impact of short-term bilberry supplementation on glycemic control, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and antioxidant status in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Phytother Res 2021. Online ahead o PubMed
  14. Bøhn SK, Myhrstad MCW, Thoresen M, et al. Bilberry/red grape juice decreases plasma biomarkers of inflammation and tissue damage in aged men with subjective memory impairment -a randomized clinical trial. BMC Nutr 2021;7(1):75. PubMed

See these in context on the Bilberry monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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