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Dietary supplement

Lutein Esters & Bilberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Lutein Esters & 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 Esters & 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 Esters & Bilberry is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and vision health, antioxidant support, diarrhea and digestive upset.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 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 Esters & Bilberry by Swanson

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein Esters & 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 Aug 20, 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 softgel contains two active ingredients: bilberry extract and lutein esters. Bilberry is a fruit rich in anthocyanins (natural pigments), traditionally used for vision and blood flow.

Lutein is a carotenoid — a type of plant pigment — found naturally in leafy greens and concentrated here in ester form, which may improve absorption. The capsule itself is made from gelatin, sunflower oil, and several other inactive ingredients that help form and preserve the softgel.

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: Promotes healthy eyesight and reduces eye strain.
  • 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.

The evidence for what bilberry does is mixed and limited. For night vision, the data suggests it probably isn't effective.

For other uses — like age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and chronic venous insufficiency — we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not. Lutein esters have stronger evidence: they're possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

For retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the evidence suggests it probably isn't effective.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bilberry Lutein

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.

Bilberry fruit itself is generally well tolerated as a food, but concentrated supplement safety data are limited. The most common side effects are dark-colored stools, flatulence, and mild stomach discomfort — some trial participants also reported temporary GI upset or flatulence, though these were small studies.

Bilberry may darken your stool and even your tongue or teeth. Lutein from food and typical supplement doses is generally well tolerated; doses up to 20 mg daily haven't caused adverse effects in the trials we have.

Both ingredients are considered likely safe in pregnancy and lactation based on available data. That said, bilberry supplement safety data in pregnancy and lactation are limited, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product fits your situation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bilberry Lutein

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.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) — moderate risk of increased bleeding. Also flag it if you take diabetes medications or erlotinib (Tarceva), both moderate-severity concerns.

Additionally, if you take any drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2E1, mention this product to your pharmacist, since bilberry may affect how those drugs are broken down.

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 help with age-related macular degeneration (through its lutein esters), but it carries moderate-severity interaction risks with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and certain cancer drugs. If you take any of those, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Bilberry safety data in supplement form are limited, and you should expect your stools to darken. For most people without those medication concerns, it's generally well tolerated, but a conversation with your own healthcare provider before adding it is worth your time.

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 Mar 22, 2023.

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 Esters & Bilberry, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614019048
Net contents 120 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2023
DSLD ID 273545
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 Esters & 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
087614019048
IngredientAmount% DV
Bilberry extract20 mg--
Lutein Esters6 mg--

Other ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Sunflower Lecithin, Beeswax, Carob extract, Water, Purified, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol

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.
Formulation

Promotes a healthy and strong retina and macula Promotes healthy eyesight Fights eye fatigue and eye strain

Eye and vision health Herbal source of flavonoids

Made in Canada

General Statements

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.

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

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

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 Esters & Bilberry by Swanson label

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

Lutein Esters & 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 Esters & 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.

Bilberry extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
20 mg per serving Form: Anthocyanins

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 extract monograph & interactions

Lutein Esters

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 Esters monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Sunflower Lecithin, Beeswax, Carob extract, Water, Purified, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein Esters & Bilberry by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lutein Esters & 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 extract 275

Individual Drug Interactions

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

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lutein Esters & 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 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 extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lutein Esters & 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 Esters & Bilberry by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Lutein Esters & Bilberry by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lutein Esters & 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 Esters & 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both lutein esters and bilberry are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation based on available data. That said, long-term bilberry supplement safety data in these periods are limited. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for your individual situation.
What will bilberry do to my stool?
Bilberry commonly causes dark-colored stools — some people report dark green or even dark bluish-black stools, especially at higher doses. This is harmless and reversible, but it can be startling if you're not expecting it. Your tongue and even teeth may also darken slightly.
Does this product actually help with vision?
Lutein esters may help with age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, so there's some solid evidence for that part. Bilberry, though, probably isn't effective for night vision, and we don't have enough reliable evidence to know if it helps with other eye conditions. If you're taking this for a specific vision concern, ask your eye doctor whether lutein is a good fit for you.
Will bilberry upset my stomach?
Bilberry is generally well tolerated, but some people do report flatulence and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. In small trials, around 13–33% of people had temporary GI side effects, though those studies were limited. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with a lower dose and see how you feel.
Can I take this if I'm on aspirin or blood thinners?
Bilberry may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. This is a moderate-severity interaction, so you need to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product if you're on any of those medications.
What's the difference between lutein esters and regular lutein?
Lutein esters are lutein bound to fatty acids, a form that may be absorbed more easily by your body than plain lutein. Both come from natural sources, but the ester form is what's used here to maximize how much of the lutein actually gets into your system.

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

Not sure if Lutein Esters & 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 Esters & Bilberry label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lutein Esters & Bilberry’s Ingredients

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

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 → 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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lutein Esters & 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.

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 →

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 →

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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