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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is often promoted for supporting eye health, primarily due to its high content of anthocyanins—natural pigments with antioxidant properties. The use of related berries, such as bilberry, in traditional medicine for improving night vision and other eye conditions dates back to World War II anecdotes, although these stories are now considered largely unsubstantiated. Scientifically, laboratory and animal studies have shown that anthocyanins can help protect retinal cells from oxidative stress, which is a contributing factor in age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

However, evidence in humans remains limited. Some small clinical trials have explored the impact of blueberry or anthocyanin supplementation on various markers of eye health, such as visual acuity and eye fatigue, yielding mixed results. A few studies suggest potential benefits in reducing eye fatigue and improving some aspects of vision, but these studies are generally small, short-term, and sometimes methodologically weak. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews typically conclude that while blueberries are rich in antioxidants and have plausible mechanisms of action, there is currently insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to support strong claims about their effectiveness for eye health.

In summary, blueberries are used for eye support based on their antioxidant profile and some preliminary human data, but robust scientific validation is lacking, leading to a modest evidence rating.

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