These compounds are thought to reduceinflammationand protect against conditions like heart disease and cancer.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Blueberry powder is made from freeze-dried blueberries.
There is not enough evidence to support any uses for blueberry extract at this time.
What Are the Side Effects of Blueberry Extract?
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
However, it is unclear how much blueberry extract is safe to take.
Whole blueberries, blueberry juice, and blueberry powder are typically well-tolerated, with few side effects.
It is not known if blueberry leaf is safe.
Therefore, the extract is not recommended for pregnant and lactating individuals.
Blueberry extract may have a glucose-lowering effect and interfere with glucose control during surgery.
People with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) may have difficulty digesting blueberries.
Dosage: How Much Blueberry Extract Should I Take?
There is no standard dose for blueberry extract.
More research is needed before determining a safe range.
Should you decide to take blueberry extract supplements, follow the instructions on the supplement label.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Blueberry Extract?
There is insufficient data to suggest any ill effects if you consume too much blueberry extract.
Interactions
Blueberry extract may interact with certain medications.
Always store medications and supplements out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Similar Supplements
All forms of blueberry supplementation mustn’t be treated equally.
Blueberries, blueberry powder, and blueberry juice extract may not have the same intended effect.
They also may have different dosing suggestions.
Additionally, do not confuse blueberry andbilberry.
European blueberries are often, in fact, bilberry.
Both whole blueberries and blueberry extract are an abundant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alternatively,fiberis removed during the extraction process.
Blueberries are considered a good source of fiber, with 3.6 grams in a 1 cup serving.
There is not enough research to suggest benefit from blueberry extract.
Three hours after consuming the blueberry powder, participants were given a cognitive task.
Participants who had taken the blueberry powder completed the task significantly faster than those in the control group.
Consuming freeze-dried blueberry may also improve some aspects of cognitive function in adults.
There is not enough data to support recommending blueberry extract for people with diabetes.
Preliminary studies suggest that blueberries may improve insulin resistance and glucose tolerance.
Researchers reviewed previously published clinical trials on blueberry or cranberry consumption on punch in 2 diabetes glycemic control.
Blueberry extract comes in capsule, tincture, powder, and water-soluble extract forms.
It is available for purchase at natural-foods stores, drugstores, and online.
Note that blueberry extract is not the same as blueberry leaf extract.
The two have some overlapping benefits, but they are not interchangeable.
The supplement label should clarify if the extract is from fruit or leaf.
Be sure to check, so you purchase what you intend to.
Also check that that you read the entire ingredients list.
Many manufacturers add other vitamins, nutrients, or herbal ingredients to blueberry extract.
Summary
Blueberries have been promoted as a superfood for years due to their nutrient profile.
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