Endocrinologist reveals truth about popular supplement: 'It's not a magic pill'

What is known about berberine

According to the expert, berberine is found in some dietary supplements that affect carbohydrate metabolism, which is why it has become very popular. Its effects are similar to those of metformin (an oral blood sugar-lowering medication) and other insulin-related drugs that influence cell sensitivity to insulin.

This leads to improvements in carbohydrate metabolism, lowering blood glucose levels, increasing insulin sensitivity in cells, reducing appetite, and even promoting weight loss.

"It's not a magic pill, but a tool in the right hands. Some of its effects might resemble those 'trendy injections' for weight loss," added Samoylenko.

Berberine has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions such as infections, metabolic disorders, and diabetes. However, it is a plant-based compound, essentially an alkaloid from the barberry plant, and it effectively influences carbohydrate metabolism.

Studies show that blood sugar levels can be reduced by up to 30% after taking the supplement.

However, like any active substance, berberine has its indications, contraindications, and dosage requirements. Therefore, it should not be taken independently.

Who should avoid taking berberine

There are certain contraindications for taking berberine, including:

• Allergy to berberine or other alkaloids found in plants from the barberry family.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Berberine may affect fetal development, so it is not recommended without consulting a doctor.
• Liver or kidney dysfunction: It may impact these organs, so people with such conditions should take it with caution.
• Drug interactions: Berberine can interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants, blood sugar-lowering drugs, and anticoagulants, which could increase the risk of side effects.
• Children: Taking berberine is not recommended for children under 18 years old, as it may be harmful.

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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.