Bilberry (anthocyanins) ビルベリー（アントシアニン）
The pigment (anthocyanins) of the bilberry, a dark berry similar to the blueberry that grows wild in northern Europe and northern North America.
In Japan: Foods with Function Claims notifications
Functions claimed (counted from notifications with this ingredient alone)
| Function | Notifications |
|---|---|
| Focusing and eye fatigue | |
| Dry eyes |
Examples of notified claims (our translation)
This product contains bilberry-derived anthocyanins. Bilberry-derived anthocyanins have been reported to have the following functions for people who use smartphones and computers on a daily basis: (1) relieving eye fatigue; (2) relieving the neck and shoulder strain that is temporarily felt from using the eyes; (3) supporting the eyes' focusing function; (4) supporting eye moisture, which tends to be lacking.
This product contains bilberry-derived anthocyanins. Bilberry-derived anthocyanins have been reported to support the eyes' focusing function and to relieve eye fatigue and dry eyes.
Under Foods with Function Claims, the company notifies the Consumer Affairs Agency of the scientific evidence on its own responsibility; the government does not review or approve it. You can look up each product's notification by the number on the package in the Consumer Affairs Agency's database (Japanese).
In the EU: the register of health claims
Claim not authorised in the EU
- The EU health claim that bilberry and blackcurrant anthocyanins are "good for the eyes (adaptation to the dark)" was not authorised, because the substance was not sufficiently characterised to be assessed (2011 opinion).
In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.
What the US NIH says
- In rigorous studies, it did not improve night vision in healthy people. It has not been clearly shown to help with any health condition.
- Eating the berries as food in normal amounts is considered safe. Taking large amounts of the leaves, or taking them for a long time, may not be safe.
Sources: NCCIH "Bilberry"
Find products PR
These are Japanese online shops (affiliate links).
Example of a product notified with this ingredient
大正ブルーベリー ヒトミクリア （大正製薬株式会社）
Food with Function Claims, notification No. D360. Chosen from products sold on Rakuten whose names match a current notification to the Consumer Affairs Agency, picking one with many reviews.
See on Rakuten (taisho-directshop)See on Amazon.co.jpThis database does not guarantee any product's effect. For Foods with Function Claims, check the notification number on the package; for Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, check the amount per daily serving.
Compare “ビルベリー サプリ” products on RakutenCompare “ビルベリー サプリ” products on Amazon.co.jpRelated articles
Other ingredients in the same categories
This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.