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Dietary supplement

Lutein & Bilberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Lutein & Bilberry label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Lutein & Bilberry against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lutein & Bilberry is a dietary supplement by Swanson 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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 2 active ingredients: lutein and bilberry fruit extract. Lutein is a plant pigment found naturally in the eye that plays a role in vision health.

Bilberry fruit extract comes from a berry related to the blueberry and has been used traditionally to support eye function and vision. The softgel also contains inactive ingredients — gelatin, glycerin, purified water, carob extract, sunflower oil, soy lecithin, yellow beeswax, and natural tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) — which help 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: eye health and retinal support.
  • 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 shows it's possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts — two common eye conditions — but possibly ineffective for retinitis pigmentosa and several other conditions. For bilberry fruit extract, the evidence isn't established: we hold insufficient data to rate it for AMD, age-related cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Bilberry is rated possibly ineffective for night vision.

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.

Lutein from supplement doses is generally well tolerated, with doses up to 20 mg daily showing no adverse effects in studies. That said, long-term safety data for supplement doses is limited, so talk with your doctor if you're planning to take it regularly.

Bilberry fruit and extracts are also generally well tolerated, though some people report dark-colored or discolored stools, flatulence, and stomach discomfort — these are not dangerous, just noticeable. A small number of trial participants experienced mild-to-moderate flatulence or temporary GI upset.

Both ingredients are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, though bilberry's long-term safety during breastfeeding hasn't been well studied.

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 with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin) — bilberry may increase bleeding risk. Also ask about diabetes medications, as bilberry might lower your blood sugar further.

If you're on erlotinib (Tarceva) or drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2E1, mention this product too.

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.

This product may be worth considering if you're interested in supporting eye health, especially for AMD or cataracts, though the evidence is strongest for lutein. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or certain cancer drugs, you'll need to check with your pharmacist first — bilberry can interact with these.

Talk to your pharmacist about your medications before you start.

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 Aug 22, 2025.

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 Lutein & Bilberry, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614029900
Net contents 120 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 337884
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel 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 Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
087614029900
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein6 mg--
Bilberry Fruit Extract20 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Purified, Carob extract, Sunflower Oil, Soy Lecithin, Yellow Beeswax, Tocopherols, Natural

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.
Formula

Combines two of nature's most effective eye-specific antioxidants

2-in-1 Antioxidant blend

Formulation

Promotes a healthy and strong retina and macula

Eye and vision health

Made in Canada

General Statements

swanson.com or call 1-800-437-4148 Science-backed quality since 1969

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one softgel per day with food and water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Contains soy. Contains a bioengineered food ingredient.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson label

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

Lutein & Bilberry label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule 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 Form: Marigold Flower Extract

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
20 mg per serving Form: Vaccinium myrtillus Fruit Extract

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, Glycerin, Water, Purified, Carob extract, Sunflower Oil, Soy Lecithin, Yellow Beeswax, Tocopherols, Natural. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lutein & Bilberry?

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

Bilberry Fruit Extract 275

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Lutein & Bilberry interact with 275 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Lutein & Bilberry interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bilberry Fruit Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lutein & Bilberry 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
Bilberry Fruit Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Lutein & Bilberry by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lutein & Bilberry 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?
Lutein & Bilberry 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.
Is this safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both lutein and bilberry are rated likely safe during pregnancy and lactation. That said, lutein supplement safety at higher doses hasn't been well studied during breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're nursing.
What are the side effects I should watch for?
Both ingredients are generally well tolerated. Bilberry may cause dark-colored or discolored stools, flatulence, or mild stomach discomfort — these aren't harmful, just noticeable. Lutein at typical doses hasn't shown adverse effects.
How much lutein is in each capsule?
The product facts provided don't list the individual doses of lutein or bilberry per capsule — check the supplement label on the bottle for that information.
Will this actually improve my night vision?
Bilberry is rated possibly ineffective for night vision based on the evidence we hold, so it's not a reliable option for that purpose. Lutein hasn't been rated for night vision either.
Can I take this long-term?
Lutein at supplement doses is generally well tolerated, though long-term safety data is limited. Bilberry's long-term safety as a concentrated supplement is also not well studied, so talk with your doctor about how long you plan to take it.
Does this product have any fillers or binders I should know about?
Yes — it contains gelatin, glycerin, carob extract, sunflower oil, soy lecithin, yellow beeswax, and natural tocopherols as inactive ingredients to make the softgel. If you have allergies or sensitivities to any of these, check the label or ask your pharmacist.

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

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

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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.

Lutein & Bilberry label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lutein & Bilberry’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

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

Read the full Lutein monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bilberry

Interacts with 275 drugs

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

Read the full Bilberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lutein & Bilberry'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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