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Overview: Blueberry is a popular fruit that is commonly referred to as a “superfood.” It is available as a food, juice, and dietary supplement. Usually well tolerated, blueberries are often used for various health purposes, although their benefits are not well defined. Before taking blueberry supplements, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

https://aspen.webmd.com/node/2022cm000gzl is blueberry used for?

Blueberries are used to improve overall health and for specific health purposes. However, their benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use blueberries include the following.

  • For better heart health
  • To improve gut and digestive health
  • To improve memory and thinking skills
  • To help with vision problems

Note: Blueberry is regulated as a food by the FDA. Learn more about the regulation of foods and beverages here. Blueberry supplements have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does blueberry work (mechanism of action)?

The blueberry is a type of edible berry that typically comes from two different plants — the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and the lowbush blueberry (V. angustifolium). Although the berries from these plants are very similar, they contain different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. The highbush plant also tends to grow larger berries that have slightly less flavor than the berries from the lowbush plant. Blueberry is not the same as bilberry, which is a plant native to Europe and is sometimes known as the European blueberry.

Blueberries contain large amounts of anthocyanins, which are chemicals that act as antioxidants. Since they also contain many important nutrients, these berries are sometimes referred to as “superfoods.” They are considered a nutritious and healthy part of the diet. Together, antioxidants and nutrients may help reduce the risk of certain long-term health problems. Blueberries are also thought to help with vision problems and brain health. But it is not clear if they can actually help improve health or reduce the risk of any health problems.

Herbal products, such as blueberries, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific blueberry product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on the amount of each chemical found in the product you are using.

How should I store blueberries?

You should store blueberries according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and away from direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of blueberries?

Blueberries seem to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of blueberries that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of blueberries?

While less common, the most serious side effects of blueberries are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Blueberries may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using blueberry supplements and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use blueberries?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use blueberries.

  • Blueberry
  • Vaccinium angustifolium
  • Vaccinium corymbosum
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific blueberry products they stock.

What should I know about blueberry before using it?

Blueberry is available as a food, juice, and dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep blueberries out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as blueberries, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific blueberry product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way it was processed. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Blueberry is available in many different forms, including fresh or dried berries, jam, juice, dried ground powder, or capsules. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the berry.

If you are using blueberry powder, use an accurate measuring device, such as the one that comes with the product. Many blueberry powders are meant to be mixed into foods or smoothies. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.

Most dietary supplements that contain blueberry are made from the fruit (berry) of the plant. These are also the products that have been studied in clinical research. But some dietary supplements may contain the leaf of the plant, which has not been well studied. It is important to read the label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.

The FDA has not tested blueberry products to confirm whether they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using blueberry?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if blueberry is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Diabetes. Blueberry products, such as juices, may contain added sugar. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider before using blueberries if you have diabetes.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how blueberries could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if blueberry passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does blueberry interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between blueberry and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect blueberry.

Does blueberry interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between blueberries and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between blueberries and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with blueberries is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking blueberries with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much blueberry?

If you or someone else has used too much blueberry, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label thoroughly and speak with a health care provider about how to take blueberries safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.