Who should avoid berberine?

Understanding Berberine and Its Precautions
Berberine, a compound derived from various plants such as goldenseal and Oregon grape, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, particularly in managing conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. However, while berberine may offer advantages for many, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid its use altogether.
Who Should Avoid Berberine?
1. Individuals on Specific Medications:
People taking sulfonylureas, a class of diabetes medications, should be particularly cautious. Research indicates that berberine can interfere with the metabolism of these drugs, potentially leading to unpredictable blood sugar levels. This interaction underscores the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before combining berberine with any diabetes medication.
2. Older Adults:
Elderly individuals, especially those over 60, may experience diminished effectiveness from berberine. Studies suggest that the compound’s benefits may wane after prolonged use, particularly beyond 12 weeks or at dosages exceeding 2 grams per day. This demographic may also be more susceptible to side effects, making it crucial for them to discuss any supplement use with their healthcare provider.
3. Pregnant or Nursing Women:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised to avoid berberine. The safety of berberine during pregnancy has not been well established, and its effects on fetal development or nursing infants remain unclear. Therefore, it is prudent for women in these situations to refrain from using berberine unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
4. Individuals with Gastrointestinal Issues:
Berberine can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea and stomach upset. Those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions or sensitivities may find that berberine exacerbates their symptoms. It is advisable for these individuals to consult with a healthcare provider before starting berberine.
5. People with Liver Conditions:
Since berberine is metabolized in the liver, individuals with liver disease or compromised liver function should avoid this supplement. The potential for altered metabolism could lead to increased toxicity or reduced efficacy of other medications processed by the liver.
Conclusion
While berberine presents promising health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals on certain medications, older adults, pregnant or nursing women, those with gastrointestinal issues, and people with liver conditions should approach berberine with caution. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to ensure safe and effective use, particularly for those with underlying health concerns or who are taking other medications. As with any supplement, informed decisions are key to maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

What medications cannot be taken with berberine?

Berberine may have side effects with medicines used to treat diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, blood thinners like warfarin or medicines that cause drowsiness or sedation. Caution is warranted with coadministration of potentially toxic medicines such as cyclosporine.

What vitamins should not be taken at night?

Timing Is Everything: 3 Supplements You Should Avoid At Night

• Vitamin D. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D has been shown to boost immunity, support collagen production, and aid the body in absorbing calcium.
• B complex vitamins.
• Multivitamins.

Can you take berberine and vitamin D together?

Early research suggests that taking berberine together with vitamin D3, vitamin K, and a chemical found in hops for 14 weeks can decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Does berberine reduce belly fat?

Berberine may help you lose weight
Additionally, a review of 12 studies found that supplementing with berberine led to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, and belly fat. It also decreased levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation ( 15 ).

What is the danger of taking berberine?

Some side effects of berberine have been reported in research studies, primarily gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Berberine may interact with medicines.

Is berberine hard on your liver?

Dose dependent effects of berberine and sanguinarine. Sub-chronic toxicity of berberine has reported to damages lung and liver by increasing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), significantly (Ning et al., 2015).

Do doctors recommend berberine?

Why don’t doctors recommend berberine? Berberine has not been FDA-approved to treat any condition, so we still don’t know much about its safety and overall effects, compared to already approved drugs like Ozempic and metformin.

When should you avoid berberine?

Berberine should be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may worsen jaundice in infants or result in kernicterus, a condition in which prolonged high bilirubin levels can cause irreversible effects (28).

Can I take berberine with other vitamins?

Berberine might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.

Which is safer, metformin or berberine?

Studies have shown that taking berberine for 12 months or longer is safe and well-tolerated. Similarly, metformin is safe and well-tolerated with long-term use.