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Dietary supplement

Lutein plus Bilberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Sundown Naturals

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

Lutein plus Bilberry is a dietary supplement by Sundown Naturals 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 Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein plus Bilberry by Sundown Naturals

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.
  • “Lutein” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (6 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: zeaxanthin (a naturally occurring carotenoid in lutein) and bilberry extract. Zeaxanthin and lutein are pigments found in the eye that help protect the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision — from age-related damage.

Bilberry is a berry extract traditionally used to support eye health and vision. The softgel also contains soybean oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and soy lecithin as inactive ingredients (the binders and capsule material).

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 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: Zeaxanthin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, and more.

Zeaxanthin is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the most common cause of vision loss in older adults — but the evidence for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, breast cancer, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia is insufficient to rate. Bilberry extract is possibly ineffective for night vision.

The evidence for AMD, age-related cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and chronic venous insufficiency is insufficient to rate.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin 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 1 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 zeaxanthin and bilberry are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Bilberry extract in particular may cause dark-colored stools, flatulence, and mild digestive discomfort — and some people have reported dark discoloration of the tongue or teeth.

In small trials, about one-third of patients taking concentrated bilberry experienced mild-to-moderate flatulence, and about half reported dark green stools with higher doses. For pregnancy and breastfeeding: both zeaxanthin and bilberry are rated Likely Safe, but zeaxanthin supplement safety in pregnancy hasn't been well studied — food sources are fine, but use caution with the concentrated supplement.

Similarly, breastfeeding safety data for bilberry concentrate is limited; food amounts are fine, but avoid concentrated supplements. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin 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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bilberry, Zeaxanthin.
  • 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 you take this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs), diabetes medications, drugs processed through the CYP2E1 liver enzyme, or erlotinib (Tarceva) — all have Moderate-severity interactions with one or both active ingredients.

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.

Sundown Naturals Lutein plus Bilberry is most useful if you're interested in supporting eye health, particularly for age-related macular degeneration. If you take diabetes medication, blood thinners, or erlotinib (Tarceva), or if you metabolize drugs through the CYP2E1 enzyme pathway, check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.

Both ingredients are generally well tolerated, though bilberry can cause digestive upset and discolor your stools.

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 25, 2014.

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 plus Bilberry, straight from the product label.

Brand Sundown Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 030768047580
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2014
DSLD ID 31514
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 plus Bilberry by Sundown Naturals, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
030768047580
IngredientAmount% DV
containing naturally occurring zeaxanthin0.24 mg--
Lutein6 mg--
Bilberry Extract20 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Contains <2% of

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: FOR ADULTS, TAKE ONE (1) SOFTGEL ONE TO TWO TIMES DAILY, PREFERABLY WITH A MEAL.

General Statements

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

Supports Eye Health*

Smart Facts Lutein supports the health of your eyes and is the principal carotenoid found in the central area of the retina called the macula.* Lutein possesses antioxidant factors, while also supporting eye health.*

Formulation

No Artificial Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

Formula

Naturally Contains Zeaxanthin

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

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.

Precautions

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

TAMPER RESISTANT: DO NOT USE IF SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN OR MISSING.

Storage

STORE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AND AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT.

Seals/Symbols

FREE OF Gluten & Wheat

GUARANTEED LABORATORY TESTED QUALITY

General

Prod. No. 4758 03B B4756 GAB

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C)2012

See for yourself

Lutein plus Bilberry by Sundown Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein plus Bilberry by Sundown Naturals

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 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: Lutein Esters

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 Extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
20 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 Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Contains <2% of. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein plus Bilberry by Sundown Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lutein plus 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lutein plus 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
The maker

Brand information

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein plus Bilberry by Sundown Naturals: Common Questions

Does Lutein plus Bilberry by Sundown Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lutein plus 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 plus 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.
Does this product actually improve vision or prevent age-related eye disease?
Zeaxanthin is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bilberry, however, is possibly ineffective for night vision, and the evidence for AMD and other eye or cognitive conditions is insufficient to rate. This product may support eye health, but it's not proven to restore or sharply improve vision.
Is it safe to take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both zeaxanthin and bilberry are rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, zeaxanthin supplement safety in pregnancy hasn't been well studied — food sources are fine, but use caution with the concentrated supplement. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough data on concentrated bilberry, so talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
What are the most common side effects?
Bilberry extract can cause dark-colored stools, flatulence, and digestive discomfort. Some people have also noticed dark discoloration of the tongue or teeth. In small trials, about one-third of patients experienced mild-to-moderate flatulence, and half reported dark green stools at higher doses.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin or aspirin?
Bilberry extract may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Before you start this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist — they'll know your full medication list and can advise whether it's safe for you.
Will this affect my diabetes medication?
Both zeaxanthin and bilberry extract may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with diabetes drugs. If you take antidiabetes medication, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — they can help you decide if monitoring is needed.

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

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

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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.

Lutein plus Bilberry label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lutein plus 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 20 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.

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin 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 →

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, Ln&ecaron;ni&ccaron;kov&aacute; 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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