Written by Dietetic Intern: Julie Silversmith

Berberine is a chemical found in plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It has been reported that it has a bitter taste and yellow in color. Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat many ailments. It is an alkaloid compound, made from carbon and nitrogen.

Claims:

·       Aides in weight loss

·       Regulate blood sugar levels

·       Improve cardiovascular health

·       Supports immune system

Weight Loss Aide

Sometimes things sound too good to be true- like Berberine not only boosts metabolism but is increases weight loss. This claim is stated that you must have a calorie deficit as well as increase activity to help it be effective.  This sounds like with just those two things alone that you can achieve weight loss without adding any supplements.  It claims that it can shrink fat cells-while it has been known that weight loss overall shrinks’ fat cells.  

Normalize Blood Sugar

Berberine has been looked at to normalize blood sugar levels within the body. You must take this supplement three times a day for three months to see results, which can also be from any weight loss that was achieved within this timeframe too.  Weight loss can help with the stabilization of blood sugar within the body. And it also should be noted that balanced meals bring balanced blood sugar.

Cardiovascular Health

This supplement claims to help with cardiovascular health through the fats in the bloodstream.  It claims that it is a breakthrough herbal medicine that keeps cholesterol and triglycerides in check to reduce cardiovascular disease. Triglycerides are fats that are produced in the body as well as from foods that you eat. Its claims with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that it can increase heart health. 

Boost Immune System

While many Chinese medicine practitioners believe in berberine to help fight infections, they believe it works best with gastrointestinal issues. It is looked at that it has natural antibacterial properties that means that it boosts your immune system.  It is also believed that it has antioxidants which help repair any damage that has been done in the body. When you increase produce within the diet, this is also done.

Our Final Thoughts

It is always important to remember that statements on most supplements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  

It is always more important to make sure that are you consistent with the basics of weight loss (exercise, calorie deficit, etc) before moving on to supplements. I would not recommend this supplement if you are not already consistent with these habits, but if you are it wouldn’t hurt to try adding on this supplement to see if it makes a difference.