Based on a study published in Japan in 2013, which aimed at the inspection and evaluation of 20 types of wild bilberry products on the market. It found that the consumption on the label was 66 times different, and the amount marked on the packaging of 6 of them is even lower than the replenishment amount recommended by the Japanese official. Furthermore, there were even products with bilberry content lower than 20% of the declared content on the label. According to Japan's (Japan Health Food & Nutrition Food Association), the recommended daily intake of anthocyanins is 29 mg; converted, if the concentration of bilberry extract in a dietary supplement is 36%, it needs to contain at least 80 mg. If it is a lower 25% concentration of bilberry extract, you need to consume more than 116 mg. If this content is not reached the estimations, the effect may not be significant after consumption.

The content and stability of anthocyanins in bilberry are greatly affected by different manufacturing processes. It is generally recommended that bilberry be manufactured at extremely low temperatures to maintain the stability and the activity of anthocyanins. This is the reason that the anthocyanins of some products did not meet the label of the packaging in that Japanese study. The differences between different raw material brands are great.

The Unique Anthocyanins In Bilberries

Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) belongs to the Ericaceae family, and there are more than 450 species belonging to the genus Vaccinium. Therefore, the variety of the bilberry is very important. Generally, the anthocyanosides contained in bilberry are approximately 25% after standardized extraction, and the anthocyanidin contained in 100 grams of bilberry fruits is about 300-700 mg. The difference between this range mainly depends on the bilberries from different regions.

MirtoSelect® is the most trusted brand of bilberry in the European and American supplemental market. MirtoSelect® has a unique HPLC sequence and has a specific fingerprint. In addition, MirtoSelect® has the highest concentration, at least over 36% (36 -39%) of anthocyanins. Due to this reason, MirtoSelect® has excellent effects and benefits after consumption. MirtoSelect® is the only top-grade bilberry that has been verified in animal and human trials. It is also the only bilberry extract supported by human date in the field of vision.

Bilberry vs Blueberry, What Is The Differences?

Bilberry has always been easily confused with blueberry. Although the fruit looks similar, it is completely different. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is mainly grown in Central and Northern Europe. Bilberries and blueberries have a different phytochemical profile and anthocyanins content of bilberry fresh fruits is almost 4 times higher in bilberries than in blueberries. Besides, the fruit of bilberry is smaller than blueberry. In addition, unlike blueberries, whose fruits are not produced in clusters, they are usually single or occasionally two when they grow. Moreover, bilberries pulp is blue/dark purple, that of blueberries is greenish. Bilberries are also harder and less juicy.

Bilberry cannot be cultivated; it can only be obtained from wild sources. It is an extremely precious variety. In addition, the processing and extraction process of bilberry must be very careful and controlled at extremely low temperatures. If it is not processed in a frozen environment, the tissue damage will trigger the deglycosidation of anthocyanins, with detrimental effects on their chemical stability. MirtoSelect® undergoes a rigorous production process. Once harvested, the freshly collected berries are immediately frozen in ventilated tunnels at -35°C. The smaller fruits, stones, leaves and other impurities are strictly screened and removed by the machine, and next go through the color selecting process. The best quality of bilberries are then packaged and stored.

Who Is Not Suitable For Eating Bilberry?

Foreign professional studyings indicated that anthocyanosides have the effect of preventing platelet coagulation. The bilberry extract may interfere with anticoagulant drugs (such as Warfarin). Therefore, people who take anticoagulant drugs are not suitable for taking bilberry. It’s better to consult a physician or medical professional before taking. In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally not recommended to take the ingredient of bilberry as well.

The Features of MirtoSelect® Bilberry Extract :

1. Nowadays, MirtoSelect® is the most widely trusted and researched bilberry extract brand. It is the only top grade bilberry that has been verified in animal and human trials.

2. In the specific field of vision, it is the only top bilberry brand that has undergone human clinical trials.

3. It contains the highest concentration on the market, containing more than 36% (36-39%) of anthocyanins.

4. MirtoSelect® is characterized by a very specific and consistent HPLC profile that represents the “fingerprint” of the extract. It is obtained from precious wild sources.

5. Extracted throught extremely low temperature (-35°C), the anthocyanin content is completely retained.