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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Anthocyanins are a group of flavonoid compounds responsible for the red, blue, and purple pigmentation in many fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, blackcurrants, and elderberries. Their use in supporting eye health is largely based on both traditional use and emerging scientific evidence. Historically, anthocyanin-rich berries like bilberry were reputed to improve night vision, particularly among World War II pilots, though this anecdote has limited direct scientific backing.

Recent research has begun to examine anthocyanins for their antioxidant properties, which may help protect ocular tissues from oxidative stress—a factor implicated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases. Several small-scale human and animal studies suggest that anthocyanin supplementation may improve visual acuity, reduce eye fatigue, and increase retinal blood flow. However, clinical trials are generally limited in size, duration, and methodological rigor. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews indicate that while there is some promise, the evidence is not yet robust or consistent enough to draw strong conclusions.

Overall, the use of anthocyanins for eye health is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, primarily due to their antioxidant effects and some preliminary positive findings in clinical studies. However, more large-scale, well-controlled trials are needed to firmly establish efficacy.

More about anthocyanins
More about Eyes

Other ingredients that support Eyes

Acetyl L-carnitine
algal oil
Alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanins
apricot
astaxanthin
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
black currant
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
carrot
citicoline
cryptoxanthin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavonols
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gooseberry
hyaluronic acid
hypromellose
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
lutein
mannitol
Marine lipid
Melatonin
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
pine bark
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rutin
saffron
spinach
Triphala
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
Water
Mulberry
Zeaxanthin
Zinc
chickweed
Morus
chrysanthemum
haliotis
polyphenols
trace minerals
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
Algae
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Aronia melanocarpa
Alchornea
avocado
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
beta-zeacarotene
Beef liver
Blakeslea trispora
berry
bioflavonoids
bee products
barbary matrimony vine
crocin
Carnosine
cod liver oil
cyanidin
cornflower
cantaloupe
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cornus
carotene (unspecified)
crocetin
cocklebur
Crypthecodinium
Celosia
capsanthin
currant
Dunaliella salina
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
egg
ergothioneine
Eyebright
eicosapentaenoic acid
fruit
flavonoids
fat liver oil
fish
fatty acids
Fagopyrum
flavoglycosides
fibroblast growth factor
Gac
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Glutathione
gamma-carotene
Haematococcus pluvialis
huckleberry
Idebenone
Lycium
Ligustrum
lipids
Mineral ascorbate
Marine fat
marigold
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Phaffia rhodozyma
procyanidol
proanthocyanidins
polyunsaturated fat
Pycnogenol
Polygonum
rue
rose
Schizochytrium Oil
Spanish Needle
Schizochytrium
Salmon Oil
Tea
Troxerutin
Taurine
Tagetes
Xanthophyll