Blueberry
(Vaccinium species)
What They Are
Blueberries are deeply pigmented berries naturally rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for their rich blue colour. They also contain vitamin C and a range of other plant antioxidants that contribute to their long-standing place as a nourishing, whole-food ingredient.
In functional foods, blueberry powders and extracts are valued for delivering these naturally occurring plant compounds in a concentrated yet food-based form.
Why They’re Used in Functional Foods
Blueberries are included in functional foods for their role in supporting the body’s natural antioxidant balance. Anthocyanins have been widely studied for how they interact with oxidative and inflammatory processes that influence skin structure, resilience, and appearance over time.
Because oxidative stress plays a role in visible skin ageing, polyphenol-rich fruits like blueberries are often included in skin-supportive formulations as part of a broader nourishment approach.
How They Support the Body
Research has explored blueberry-derived polyphenols in relation to their ability to support the body’s management of everyday oxidative stress. This includes their involvement in neutralising free radicals, supporting balanced inflammatory signalling, and helping protect cellular structures from oxidative strain.
Rather than acting on the skin directly, these compounds support the internal environment that influences skin vitality, tone, and long-term resilience.
Skin Support
Anthocyanins and vitamin C found in blueberries have been studied for their relevance to skin health due to their role in antioxidant protection and their connection to collagen-related pathways.
Research suggests blueberry compounds may support skin vitality and radiance, contribute to protection against oxidative stress linked to premature skin ageing, and help maintain structures relevant to collagen integrity. These effects are understood to occur through gentle antioxidant activity and modulation of cellular signalling involved in skin support.
Who They’re Commonly Chosen By
Blueberries are often chosen by people looking to support skin brightness, overall vitality, and healthy ageing from within. They are also commonly selected by those seeking antioxidant support from familiar, whole-food sources, particularly in the context of environmental or lifestyle-related stress.
Important Context
Blueberries are used in functional foods as part of a broader dietary pattern that supports skin health over time. Their role is influenced by overall diet, lifestyle, and the food matrix in which they are consumed. Research helps describe how blueberry compounds interact within biological systems, rather than predict specific outcomes.
This ingredient is shared for educational purposes, to support understanding of blueberries as part of whole-food and functional nutrition approaches.
Research references
For those who wish to explore the research context further
MDPI, Antioxidants (2023): Anthocyanins and skin-related oxidative balance
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/6/1261
MDPI, Antioxidants (2024): Polyphenols, cellular protection, and skin health
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/1/25
Supplamize context
Blueberry can be selected as an optional active in certain Supplamize blends, including: