Dwarf Bilberry

Botanical

What is it

Dwarf bilberry (Vaccinium cespitosum) is a low-growing wild blueberry relative native to North America. Its fruit is used in superfruit powder blends for polyphenol content.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Vascular and cognitive support

Limited Evidence

Anthocyanin-rich Vaccinium intake is associated with vascular and cognitive benefits in available research, mostly using highbush blueberry, not dwarf bilberry specifically.

How it works

Like other wild Vaccinium species, dwarf bilberry is rich in anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and other polyphenols. These compounds are studied for vascular, ocular, and metabolic effects, mostly extrapolated from European bilberry (V. myrtillus) and lowbush blueberry research. Wild Vaccinium berries generally have higher anthocyanin density per gram than cultivated highbush blueberry.

Dosage

No established dose. Standard blueberry polyphenol research has used 22 to 26 g/day of dried powder equivalent to one cup of fresh berries.

When and how to take it

No specific timing. Take with or between meals.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Freeze-dried wild bilberry powder

Often blended with other wild Vaccinium species in premium superfruit products.

Anthocyanin bioavailability is low but pharmacologically active metabolites are produced.

Safety

Very safe at food-level intake. Higher-dose extracts may rarely cause GI upset.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and lactation at food amounts is safe. Concentrated extracts lack safety data for these groups.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported at food-level intake. Theoretical anticoagulant interactions with high-dose extracts.

Food sources

Wild dwarf bilberries

Amount
100 g
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is dwarf bilberry the same as bilberry?⌄

It is a related species. European bilberry (V. myrtillus) has the most clinical research.

How much wild bilberry should I take?⌄

5 to 10 g/day of powder approximates the polyphenol content of a half cup of fresh berries.

References

Dwarf Bilberry on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dwarf Bilberry on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dwarf Bilberry (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Dwarf Bilberry with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.