Bilberry Extract provides a potent extract of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) for the support of healthy vision.^† It takes 100 pounds of bilberries to yield one pound of this superior, concentrated extract. Standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanosides, Bilberry Extract was developed in accordance with the safety and efficacy standards set forth by the German Commission E, the world wide recognized authority for effective herbal remedies.¹

Bilberry Extract:

• Standardized for consistent results
• Meets and exceeds German Commission E monograph
• Vegetarian formula

Structure/Function

Bilberry Extract supports healthy eye function.^†

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a low growing perennial plant commonly found in the woodlands of Europe, Asia, and North America. Its edible berry, which is closely related to the blueberry, has been valued for it health supportive benefits for centuries.^{1, 2}

Bilberry contains several active constituents including anthocyanoside flavonoids (anthocyanins), vitamins, sugars, and pectins. The anthocyanosides are considered the most important of the pharmacologically active bilberry compounds. While past research has shown that anthocyanosides support digestive, immune, pulmonary, and endocrine health, current bilberry research is focused on ocular health.^†1-3

Bilberry has been shown to enhance vision and healthy eye function through multiple mechanisms.^† As a source of powerful antioxidants, bilberry helps protect the cells of the eye against free radical damage.^†4-7 The anthocyanosides found in bilberry also help strengthen blood vessel walls and reinforce connective tissue, leading to improved circulation in the small blood vessels found in the eye.^† The increased delivery of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the eye can have a beneficial impact on all aspects of ocular health.^† Research has also shown that bilberry anthocyanosides have a unique affinity for rhodopsin, a photosensitive pigment in the retinal rods, which are responsible for night vision and adjustments to light and dark.^{†1, 2, 4-6}

Bilberry's visual supportive property was first clinically studied by French researchers on Royal Air Force pilots during World War II.^† Administration of bilberry extract resulted in support of nighttime visual acuity, adjustment to darkness, and restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare.^†1

In another study, 50 individuals received a combination of bilberry, standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanosides, (180 mg twice daily) and vitamin E, in the form of dl-tocopheryl acetate, (100 mg twice daily) or placebo. After four months, 96 percent of the subjects (n=25) in the bilberry-vitamin E group experienced significant support of visual acuity.^†8

Additional Benefits

The mechanisms through which bilberry enhances vision can also beneficially impact other areas of health. For example, bilberry has been shown to enhance circulation to the extremities and throughout the veins of the leg.^† A single-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 60 volunteers showed that bilberry extract improved circulation and participants well-being after only one month of use.^{†1, 2}

Conclusion

Bilberry Extract provides natural support for eye health.^† This potent extract is standardized for 25 percent anthocyanosides to yield consistent and effective results.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Take two UltraCaps^™ three times daily.

PRECAUTIONS
If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.