Frequently Asked Questions About Berberine

Q: How does an effective Berberine supplement work?

These supplements supply the body with Berberine, a compound that a bioactive compound that provides antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, Berberine supplements are most often sought out for their cardiovascular health benefits. The effects on blood sugar and metabolism stem from Berberine’s role as an AMPK activator. AMPK is an enzyme that regulates energy inside the body’s cell. This means that it gives the green light for cells to take in sugar and produce energy. By activating glucose/sugar uptake into the cells, it reduces sugar circulating in the blood and improves cases of insulin resistance. Berberine also helps prevent the breakdown of LDL receptors, meaning that it helps maintain the body’s ability to use and remove cholesterol from the blood to maintain healthier levels. Furthermore, it offers triglyceride-lowering benefits which is important because high triglyceride levels can cause artery walls to harden which may result in cardiovascular failure.

The correct formula holds the key to success, so look for a product with around 1000 mg Berberine per serving and a bioavailability enhancer such as the patented black pepper extract, BioPerine^® to overcome Berberine’s naturally low absorption rate. The formula should not just contain the right ingredients, but also provide doses that have been proven effective and are backed by scientific research. 

Q: Do all Berberine supplements work?

Unfortunately, they do not. There are many shady companies that just go along with the latest health supplement trends, formulating supplements that contain unnecessary or inactive ingredients and the wrong potencies or amounts. Often, they even add cheap fillers, binders, hormones, artificial colorings, or preservatives that can hinder the effects of the active ingredients. Do your homework and check the labels to make sure you are taking a quality product and not just some inactive powders in a pill. 

Q: What are the important points to look out for in a Berberine supplement?

Berberine supplements should:  

• Provide 500 mg of Berberine, two to three times a day, (1000-1500 mg a day) which has been found to be an effective dose.
• Contain BioPerine^® (or similar) to aid absorption, efficacy, and faster results.
• Contain no hormones, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
• Be 100% pure, with no unnecessary ingredients that could reduce the effectiveness of the product.

Q: Are there any known side effects of Berberine supplements?

Berberine’s most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including diarrhea, constipation, gas, and stomach discomfort. As with any supplement, we recommend consulting with a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an existing medical condition or are taking regular medication. Berberine is considered safe in dosages up to 1500 mg per day, but should not be taken for more than 6 months straight. Most doctors recommend either taking a month off of Berberine every 6 months or only taking it 6 days a week. Consult your doctor to determine the dosage and frequency that is right for you.

Q: What are the dosage instructions for Berberine supplements?

This differs between products. Always read the label thoroughly and follow the instructions carefully. If you exceed the suggested dosage you could pose health risks to yourself. Generally, we found that most products suggest taking 2 capsules of 500 mg each per day. Since each person is different, we highly recommend that you consult your doctor to determine the dosage and frequency that is right for you.

Q: How long before I start to see results?

Some consumers experience positive effects within a few weeks. For others, it can take longer. Everybody is different. Additionally, results will vary depending on other factors such as your diet, lifestyle choices, and genetic disposition. Most recommendations suggest assessing results after 3 months. If you’re skeptical about seeing results, choose a provider who offers a complete money-back satisfaction guarantee as this indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. 

Q: What should I expect to pay for a good Berberine supplement?

The cost of products varies among manufacturers. Unfortunately, many are cheap, useless supplements that have been formulated without any thought for safety or efficacy. On average, the best supplements we found are selling between the $40-$50 price range. Oftentimes, a cheaper price is indicative of low quality or a low recommended serving, which will not be sufficiently effective. Be aware. Read the labels.

Q: Which Berberine supplement is the best to buy?

Since each person’s experience of a product is different, it is difficult to say specifically which one is the best. That said, based on several factors, we did like Approved Science Berberine the most. We found that from the 50+ products that we analyzed, Approved Science Berberine had the best quality of ingredients, potency, consumer feedback, and customer service.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. We hope that our research has gone some way in helping you make your decision. If you are looking for an effective product, we think you can’t go wrong with Approved Science Berberine. It is an excellent quality product with great reviews and is well priced.