Blueberry antioxidant supplement: vision & circulation

Bilberries’ properties come mainly from their high level of anthocyanosides. These are found in many fruits, as well as in red wine and some green leafy vegetables, but bilberries are probably the richest source (4).

The latest research shows the likely ways in which anthocyanins benefit microcirculation, by strengthening capillary resistance and reducing their permeability. They may also promote the regeneration of rhodopsin, or visual purple, thus improving night vision (scotopic) and twilight vision (mesopic), though robust clinical trials are needed to confirm this.

Additional mechanisms currently under investigation include:

• Antioxidant activity. These studies are important because light-induced photo-oxidation typically affects lipofuscin, a pigment which accumulates with age in retinal pigment epithelial cells. This oxidation generates phototoxic free radicals that gradually contribute to chronic oxidative stress which is particularly damaging for the eyes. In vitro and in vivo studies (5-8) have demonstrated the antioxidant capacity of bilberry extract, particularly its anthocyanins.

• Arterial vasomotion. Vasomotion is the ability of an artery to vary its diameter. It is essential for healthy circulation but is often compromised by the formation of fatty deposits on internal vessel walls which subsequently become less receptive to biochemical signals and which lose elasticity. When this occurs in the small arteries of the eye, visual function is affected.

We recommend taking two capsules a day, before each main meal.

It’s also a good idea to adopt the following measures during the supplementation period:

• Eat a diet high in fruit and vegetables to maximise your antioxidant intake.
• Protect your eyes when out in the sunshine by wearing sunglasses that filter out 100% of UV light.
• Drink as little coffee as possible, and don’t smoke.
• Take regular exercise.
• Eat foods rich in carotenoids (especially lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin - the three carotenoids concentrated in the retina) or take a supplement such as Macula Plus.

This product’s capsules are made of pullulan, a natural polysaccharide obtained by fermenting tapioca or corn. Pullulan contains no animal ingredients and provides an excellent barrier to oxygen, helping to preserve the integrity of the capsule’s ingredients. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.