Vitablue Wild Blueberry Extract
Also known as: Wild blueberry extract, blueberry polyphenol extract, anthocyanin-rich blueberry extract, Vitablue Wild Blueberry Extract, Vaccinium angustifolium extract
Overview
Wild blueberry extract, primarily derived from *Vaccinium angustifolium*, is a concentrated dietary supplement rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols. It is valued for its high antioxidant content and is primarily used to support cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and to modulate metabolic syndrome risk factors. Research indicates its potential neuroprotective and cardiometabolic benefits, with evidence ranging from moderate to good, including multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. The extract is characterized by its bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Benefits
Wild blueberry extract offers several evidence-based benefits. For cognitive function, a 6-month RCT in older adults (65-80 years) showed that daily supplementation with 111 mg of wild blueberry extract improved memory and executive function. Another RCT found that 222 mg acutely attenuated cognitive decline and improved executive function reaction time in healthy older adults. In cardiovascular health, meta-analyses indicate a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (approx. 1.95 mmHg) and potential reduction in systolic blood pressure in smokers. For metabolic syndrome, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 RCTs demonstrated that blueberry supplementation significantly decreased total and LDL cholesterol. While blood pressure reductions are modest, they are statistically significant, and cognitive benefits are subtle but measurable. Benefits are typically observed over weeks to months for cardiovascular and lipid effects, with some acute cognitive improvements.
How it works
The primary mechanisms of action for wild blueberry extract are attributed to its rich content of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. These compounds exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are crucial for cellular protection and reducing systemic inflammation. They also enhance endothelial function by improving nitric oxide bioavailability, leading to better vascular health and blood flow. The cognitive benefits are thought to stem from improved cerebral blood flow and direct neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage in the brain. Although anthocyanin bioavailability is moderate, their circulating metabolites are responsible for these systemic biological effects.
Side effects
Wild blueberry extract is generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no significant adverse effects in older adults or individuals with metabolic syndrome. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare and infrequent side effect. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in the reviewed literature. The extract has been well-tolerated in various clinical trial populations, including the elderly. As a precaution, individuals on blood pressure-lowering medications should consult a healthcare professional due to the extract's potential to modestly reduce blood pressure, which could lead to additive effects.
Dosage
Effective dosages of wild blueberry extract in clinical trials typically range from 111 mg to 222 mg daily for cognitive and cardiovascular benefits. When using powder forms, studies have utilized doses between 500 mg and 1000 mg daily. The optimal dosage may depend on the extract's standardization for anthocyanin content. For consistent benefits, typical clinical doses provide 100–200 mg of extract daily. While chronic supplementation is recommended for sustained benefits, acute cognitive effects have been observed, particularly when taken around the 'post-lunch dip'. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with food, though no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy. There are no established upper limits, but adherence to studied dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is wild blueberry extract safe for long-term use?
Yes, clinical trials up to 6 months have reported a good safety profile, indicating it is safe for extended use.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Cognitive benefits may appear acutely (within hours) and with chronic use (months); cardiovascular and lipid benefits typically require weeks of consistent supplementation.
Does it interact with medications?
No significant interactions have been reported, but caution is advised if taking blood pressure medications due to potential additive effects.
Is extract more effective than whole blueberry?
The extract provides a concentrated dose of anthocyanins, potentially offering more consistent and potent effects compared to whole blueberries.
Research Sources
- https://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Wild-Blueberry-Supplementation-Supports-Memory-in-Older-Adults.pdf – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT involving 122 older adults (65-80 years) demonstrated that daily supplementation with 111 mg wild blueberry extract or 500-1000 mg wild blueberry powder over 6 months significantly improved memory and executive function. The study concluded that wild blueberry supplementation is safe and well-tolerated in this population, supporting its role in cognitive health.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34139510/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 RCTs (12 included in meta-analysis) investigated the effects of blueberry supplementation on metabolic syndrome parameters. It found that blueberry supplementation significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and reduced diastolic blood pressure, but showed no significant effects on glycemic markers or anthropometric measures. The study highlights the potential of blueberries for improving certain cardiometabolic risk factors.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1368892/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the effects of blueberry supplementation on blood pressure and lipid profiles. It reported a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (approximately 1.95 mmHg) and non-significant LDL reduction, with increased HDL in some subgroups. The study noted moderate heterogeneity across included studies but generally supported the cardiovascular benefits of blueberry consumption.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38674870/ – This double-blind, crossover RCT in healthy older adults investigated the acute effects of 222 mg wild blueberry extract. It found that the extract acutely reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improved executive function reaction time, particularly during the post-lunch dip. The study suggests immediate cardiovascular and cognitive benefits from wild blueberry extract, though it was a small, acute study.