Evidence supporting the use of: Blueberry
For the body system: Capillaries

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are rich in anthocyanins, which are polyphenolic compounds that have been studied for their potential vascular benefits, including support of capillary health. Several laboratory and clinical studies suggest that anthocyanins can help strengthen capillary walls and improve microcirculation. A 2019 review published in Nutrients discusses how anthocyanins may reduce capillary fragility and permeability by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in the vascular endothelium. Some small human studies have demonstrated improved microvascular function and endothelial-dependent vasodilation after blueberry supplementation.

Historically, related species such as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) have a long tradition in European phytotherapy for supporting capillary integrity, particularly in the context of eye health and circulatory disorders. Blueberry’s use is often extrapolated from this traditional use of bilberry, although most scientific research has focused on bilberry rather than blueberry specifically. Nevertheless, the similar phytochemical profile supports the rationale for blueberry’s use.

Overall, while the evidence is promising and mechanistically plausible, most clinical data are indirect or limited in scale. Therefore, blueberry’s support for the capillary system is rated as moderate (3/5) on the evidence scale due to a combination of experimental findings and some human data, but more large-scale clinical trials are needed for definitive confirmation.

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