Lingonberry

botanical

What is it

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), also called mountain cranberry, partridgeberry, or cowberry, is a small red berry from a low-growing evergreen shrub native to boreal forests of northern Europe, Asia, and North America. It is consumed as food and increasingly used as a supplement for urinary, metabolic, and antioxidant support.

Evidence for 3 uses

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

Urinary tract health (UTI prevention)

Limited Evidence

Similar A-type proanthocyanidins to cranberry support a plausible antibacterial-adhesion mechanism. Direct clinical evidence is more limited than for cranberry but biologically consistent.

Glycemic control and postprandial inflammation

Limited Evidence

Small clinical trials show lingonberry consumption modestly reduces post-meal glucose spikes and inflammation markers compared to control.

Cardiovascular and gut microbiota support

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical and early clinical data suggest endothelial and gut microbiota benefits from regular lingonberry consumption. Evidence is preliminary.

How it works

Lingonberries are rich in polyphenols, particularly proanthocyanidins (PACs), anthocyanins, resveratrol, and quercetin, plus organic acids such as benzoic acid (which contributes to their natural preservation). The A-type proanthocyanidins are similar to those in cranberry and are thought to inhibit bacterial adhesion (especially Escherichia coli) to the urinary tract epithelium, the same mechanism behind cranberry's traditional use for urinary tract support. Beyond urinary applications, preclinical and small clinical studies suggest lingonberry polyphenols may modulate glucose response, improve endothelial function, support gut microbiota, and reduce postprandial inflammation. The seed oil contains linoleic acid and small amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, used in some skin and supplement applications.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Whole lingonberries provide nutrient-density at culinary intake (about half cup to one cup per day). Standardized lingonberry extracts in supplements typically deliver 250 to 1,000 mg per dose. Some products are standardized to PAC content.

When and how to take it

Lingonberry can be consumed any time. For urinary tract support, dividing doses through the day and taking with water may help maintain PAC exposure in the urinary tract. For glycemic support, take with carbohydrate-containing meals to dampen postprandial glucose response.

4 commercial forms

Whole lingonberry (fresh, frozen, dried)

Full spectrum of nutrients and fiber.

Best whole-food form; suits culinary use as jams, sauces, or fresh.

Lingonberry extract powder

Concentrated polyphenols, often standardized to PACs.

Capsule or powder form for supplementation.

Lingonberry juice

Liquid form; sugar content varies in commercial products.

Common Scandinavian beverage; unsweetened versions retain polyphenols.

Lingonberry seed oil

Contains essential fatty acids; smaller amount of polyphenols.

Skin and supplement application for fatty acid content.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Common side effects include mild GI upset at high intakes. Whole berry consumption is very safe. Standardized extracts have limited long-term safety data. No formal Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been established.

Who should be cautious

People on warfarin should monitor INR carefully if adding lingonberry supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can consume berries at culinary levels; concentrated extracts have limited safety data. People with oxalate kidney stones should consume in moderation, similar to cranberry.

Interactions

Like cranberry, lingonberry may interact with warfarin (anticoagulant). Theoretical interactions with antidiabetic medications (additive blood sugar effects) and ACE inhibitors (potassium balance) are noted but rarely clinically significant.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Lingonberries (fresh)	1/2 cup	—
Lingonberry jam	1 tablespoon	—
Unsweetened lingonberry juice	8 oz	—

Frequently asked questions

Are lingonberries the same as cranberries?⌄

They are closely related (both Vaccinium species) but distinct. Lingonberries are smaller and grow in cooler boreal climates. Both contain similar A-type proanthocyanidins.

Do lingonberries help with UTIs?⌄

Like cranberry, they contain A-type PACs that may inhibit bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract. Direct clinical evidence is less extensive than cranberry, but mechanism is similar.

Can I take lingonberry with warfarin?⌄

Use caution and monitor INR. Similar concerns apply as with cranberry. Discuss with your clinician.

References

Lingonberry on Wikidata — Wikidata link
Lingonberry on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
Research on Lingonberry (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Lingonberry with Pilora

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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.