What Is Berberine?
However, one drawback of berberine is its low bioavailability when taken as a dietary supplement. In other words, not much that's consumed orally can be
used by the body to lower blood sugar or cholesterol.
It's estimated that the oral bioavailability is about 0.68%. Put another way, if you swallowed a 500 mg berberine supplement, only 68% (340 mg) would be absorbed into the circulation. Berberine's chemical structure also makes it difficult for the molecule to enter cell membranes.
Berberine Forms In Supplements
In dietary supplements, people can purchase the herbal substance as capsules or powder, typically in its salt form in these versions:
- Berberine hydrochloride (HCL)
- Berberine sulfate
Berberine HCL is popular in dietary supplements because it dissolves better in water, although berberine fumarate appears slightly better.
However, all forms have low absorption (about 68%). To compensate, supplement manufacturers may add black pepper (piperine or Biopiperine) to berberine capsules to boost absorption.
Another form, called berberine phytosome, combines the extract with phospholipid fat to enhance absorption when taken on an empty stomach.
Dihydroberberine, detailed below, is a downstream metabolite that promises to be better absorbed and more potent than traditional forms.
How To Increase Berberine Absorption
Avoid taking it on an empty stomach unless the supplement is in a phytosome form. Instead, taking 30 minutes before or with meals that contain fat will boost absorption. However, the bioavailability would still be less than 100%.
Berberine In Foods
Food | Berberine Content (per 3.5 oz) |
Barberries | ~1,200 mg |
Tree Turmeric | ~1,000 mg |
Goldthread | ~500 mg |
Coptis Chinensis | ~1,500 mg |
Indian Barberry | ~1,000 mg |
The roots of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) contain a small amount of berberine, estimated to be about 25 mg per 1000 mg of root powder, making it an inefficient source of this herbal medicine.
What Foods Reduce Berberine Absorption
Foods that interfere with berberine absorption include grapefruit, Seville oranges, and Tangeolos. These foods contain nutrient chemicals called furanocoumarins, which interfere with a family of critical metabolism enzymes called cytochrome P450.
Additionally, foods high in soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, can interfere with the absorption of berberine and dihydroberberine. Fiber slows down stomach emptying, reducing how quickly berberine enters the intestines. Additionally, research suggests that calcium-rich foods such as cow's milk, kefir, and yogurt block berberine absorption.
Alcohol also seems to interfere with berberine absorption.
Foods | Potential Impact on Berberine Absorption |
Grapefruit juice | Contains compounds that may inhibit intestinal enzymes potentially affecting absorption. |
Dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese) | Calcium in dairy products may form insoluble complexes with berberine, reducing absorption. |
High-fiber foods (e.g., whole grains, legumes) | Dietary fiber may delay gastric emptying and decrease absorption of berberine. |
Coffee and tea | Some compounds in coffee and tea may interfere with absorption processes in the GI tract. |
Spices and herbs (e.g., turmeric, cinnamon) | Some spices and herbs contain bioactive compounds that may affect absorption mechanisms. |
Alcohol | Excessive alcohol consumption may interfere with GI function and absorption. |
Processed foods | High levels of additives or preservatives in processed foods may affect absorption. |
Refined carbohydrates (e.g., white bread) | Foods high in refined carbohydrates may affect gastric emptying and absorption |
Carbonated beverages | Carbonation may alter gastric pH and affect absorption |
What is Dihydroberberine?
Dihydroberberine (DHB) is a bioactive form of berberine. When metabolizing berberine, our bodies form dihydroberberine. More specifically, enzymes such as cytochrome P450 reductases and other hepatic enzymes mainly convert the precursor substance, berberine, into dihydroberberine in the liver. Additionally, the microbes in the intestinal gut convert berberine to DHB as well, proving that, at least in animals, the microbiome acts as an “organ” for DHB production.
Dihydroberberine vs. Berberine Absorption.
While berberine is often touted as a natural form of Ozempic, challenges like high dosage requirements and gastrointestinal discomfort have spurred interest in its derivative, dihydroberberine.
It's been widely circulated that dihydroberberine is up to 5x more bioavailable than conventional berberine, giving it the nickname “super berberine.” However, there isn't direct evidence suggesting that dihydroberberine is exactly five times more bioavailable across all studies. That said, research suggests that it is more absorbable, with at least one study reporting that dihydroberberine was 3.25 to 4.8 times better absorbed in rats. This has led some to propose dihydroberberine be investigated as a new drug.
Dihydroberberine For Blood Sugar Reduction
Researchers have conducted over 100 clinical trials on classic berberine regarding blood sugar management and diabetes. Many of these studies reveal that supplementation reduces blood glucose and improves insulin function. For example, in one study, 36% of people taking the supplement were reported to have a remission in metabolic syndrome. Given its improved absorption, it makes sense that dihydroberberine would have similar effects at lower dosages; however, human studies have not yet been conducted to confirm this.
Does Dihydrobererine Lower Cholesterol?
Berberine has been shown to reduce PCSK9 levels. This is similar to how powerful LDL-lowering cholesterol drugs like Repatha function. However, berberine does not appear to cause muscle pain like some have reported with the drug.
In one meta-analysis involving 20 clinical trials, researchers concluded that berberine supplements, when used alongside lifestyle modification (diet and exercise), outperformed lifestyle changes alone in lowering hyperlipidemia problems such as elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Furthermore, when used together, the herbal supplement enhanced the effectiveness of statin medications like simvastatin (Zocor), indicating a synergistic effect. However, it's essential to note that evidence supporting berberine doesn't necessarily guarantee the same for dihydroberberine.
Dihydroberberine & Weight Loss
Some research studies have documented that people taking 500 to 1500 mg of berberine, in addition to diet and exercise, may lose an extra 2 to 4 pounds per month. Additionally, reports that berberine increases GLP-1 has led some to speculate that it fosters weight loss similar to that of Ozempic (Semaglutide). However, it has not been proven that dihydroberberine augments GLP1 levels.
Take home message: the proof that berberine promotes weight loss is scarce, and there is even less evidence for DHB.
How Do You Use Dihydroberberine?
When attempting to improve insulin sensitivity or lower cholesterol, take DHB 30 minutes between meals. Avoid taking it during fasting because food improves absorption. Keep in mind that the same foods that can interfere with berberine might also be problematic for DHB.
Dihydroberberine Optimum Dosage
In clinical trials, researchers often administer conventional berberine at a dosage of 1500 mg per day (500 mg, taken three times daily). At least one company-sponsored clinical trial has revealed that 100 mg and 200 mg of dihydroberberine (GlucoVantage brand) raised blood levels at least 20 times as high as 500 mg of berberine HCL.
In theory, this might mean a much smaller dose, say 300 mg of dihydroberberine, might work as well as 1500 mg of traditional berberine. However, research needs to verify this and the best dosage. A drawback of this study was that it involved only 5 healthy men who did not have metabolic syndrome.
When starting any new dietary supplement, begin by taking less than recommended for at least the first week to adapt and minimize possible negative side effects.
What Is The Best Kind of Dihydroberberine?
GlucoVantage is a DHB supplement derived from Indian barberry (Berberis Aristata). This appears to be the only proprietary form that researchers have clinically evaluated. Some evidence suggests this proprietary form is more absorbable at lower dosages. People who took 100 mg and 200 mg of GlucoVantage had higher concentrations of berberine in their blood two hours after eating than people who consumed 500 mg of regular berberine.
All supplement companies using this form will display “GlucoVantage” on their labels. GlucoVantage is a product from the NNB Nutrition company in Nanjing, China. The more precise company name is Nanjing Nutrabuilding Bio Tech Co Ltd. This company holds US patent number 10278961B2, which deals with the administration of berberine metabolites.
Brands I Like
I like these three brands based on their company reputation, price, lack of heavy metals, and independent potency testing.
Solaray Vital Extracts Berberine
How Much Dihydroberberine Works?
Research suggests that amounts of 100 mg and 200 mg raise levels in the blood as well as 500 mg of traditional berberine. However, this doesn't necessarily mean the lower dose works as well at improving glucose or hyperlipidemia symptoms.
Dihydroberberine Side Effects
Limited evidence does not reveal significant side effects in healthy humans. That said, exercise caution if you are not healthy or if you are pregnant, nursing or take any medications such as:
- Diabetes medications, including metformin, Ozempic, insulin, and sulfonylurea drugs.
- Glucose sugar-reducing supplements such as chromium, Gymnema, magnesium, and cinnamon.
Is Dihydroberberine A Legit Alternative To Berberine?
Although DHB has gained popularity, researchers have primarily conducted most human clinical trials on traditional berberine. In theory, DHB might work as well as berberine at lower dosages. However, human studies need to confirm this.
Delve deeper with these berberine reviews.
Is berberine a natural PCSK9 inhibitor?
cyd birns says
hi Joe
awhile back came across info and switched from berberine to dihydroberberine – here’s my question, I’ve just come across a ‘new’ product (it’s actually referenced by another commenter below – from wealthy health) and then came across your article, both reference glucovantage, the DHB i’m presently using and a few others i’ve looked at do not say glucovantage they just say DHB on their ingredient list – is there a difference? if so, why is one preferred over the other (hard to believe that much of anything from china can truly be considered better then something made in usa).
second question – i understand you arenot a medical professional but it can’t hurt to ask for ideas/opinions, lots of folks touting berberine and DHB for weight loss – i’ve never been a big eater but age had brought on the poundage, i have not lost anything taking berberine or dhb, is weight loss perhaps a lucky by product for some folks rather then a for sure thing?
thanks in advance for taking the time to answer
Joe Cannon says
HI Cyd,
I looked on the Wealthy Health website (australian company) and didnt see their supplement listed. Glucovantage (the name) is trademarked but “DHB” might not be. They should be the same thing though. I’d ask them where they are getting their DHB from (australia, US, china etc.).
there are some weight loss studies on berberine which I summarized in this video https://youtu.be/-ElofEeEuHA I think there needs to be better studies but if they are to be believed it may promote a little weight loss – but I think results will vary until I see better studies.
Any other questions, just ask and I’ll try to help.
cyd says
thanks Joe –
not surprised you didn’t find anything, wrong website, it’s WELLthy not wealthy:wellthylifenutra.com/products/berberine-elite-2
a quick cruise through amazon has many Dihydroberberine (DHB) products listed, most list their dh as glucovantage, a few just list plain Dihydroberberine.
rom what i can tell it’s simply generic vs ‘branded’ name for the same product, i just wanted to be sure there wasn’t a difference, at least not anything significant enough to warrant paying high prices for the same thing.
appreciate your time and knowledge!
Joe Cannon says
Thanks Cyd for that link. Yes I think you are right. Glucovantage is trademarked while DHB might not be isn’t so it may just be some are using generic DHB, which I assume has the same composition as glucovantage (I’m not sure either way).
As an aside, when I looked at the Wellthylifenutra website, I saw the website was registered May 10 2024, which makes it a pretty new site. Nothing generally wrong with that. Just something that I noticed.
cyd says
interesting – i hadn’t checked to see when the site was registered, wonder if it’s a rebrand or renewal, as they seem to have several products the latest being the DHB aka glucovantage.
anyway, thanks for confirming my suspicions, yes i realize that’s not a guarantee but then what in life is. appreciate your having taken the time to check into it and your replies
be well
cyd
Joe Cannon says
Glad to help Cyd 🙂
Sue A says
This was very helpful and was a reason to re-think taking DHB. I have a bottle of DHB with Ceylon cinnamon. It is in 250mg capsules. I am 76, female and have no high cholesterol. I take magnesium glycinate and I do not have high BP. I follow a keto diet and have lost over 100 lbs. I am active and would like to have a way to not have a large glucose spike when I eat a piece of toast or have a desert. So, do you think that I should try a 250mg capsule 30 minutes before having the high carb food?
Joe Cannon says
Hi Sue, Thanks so much Im glad this review helped you!
How high does your blood sugar spike go after eating? The thing with spikes is that we often think when blood sugar goes up, that its bad. That’s not always the cause. While I’m not a doctor from what I’ve heard unless your blood sugar goes above 160-180 after eating and does this on a regular basis, it may not be a problem. Of course your doctor can give you better insights on whats best for you. Remember too low blood sugar can be a problem too.
Congratulations on losing over 100 pounds! That is fantastic!!! How long did it take to lose?
Judy leahy says
Thanks Joe.
I don’t know if this was sent or not but I also wanted to mention a similar product that just announced a new product launch, claiming patents on Dihydroberberine and GlucoVantage. Here is a link to the product, which also contains gymnemic acid
wellthylife.store/products/berberine-elite?variant=&selling_plan=4512645348
However, it does not indicate the form of cinnamon used? I sent an email to the company.
Joe Cannon says
Hey Judy, yes that company is usiung GlucoVantage Dihydroberberine. My hunch is they get it NNB Nutrition which supplies the GlucoVantage brand. The Wealthy Life company adds cinnamon and Gymnema to try to boost the effects. Is it better? Maybe. Hard to say without some testing. Good call on them not mentioning the type of cinnamon!
Judy leahy says
Thanks Joe. I don’t have issues with blood sugar or in need of weight loss, but I’ve come across some webinars that indicate berberine helps with digestion as well.
Regarding foods that may interfere with absorption, I bought barberries as per Dr. Greger’s recommendation and generally have it with my oatmeal but after reading this, I am concerned about the oats interfering with absorption. Can you comment if the absorption issues extend to food sources or only supplement?
Joe Cannon says
Hi Judy, so as I mentioned in the review fiber can interfere with berberine absorption however my guess is you probably are not using much barberry in your oatmeal to make much of a difference My best guess is to separate berberine from high fiber foods by 60 minutes. That said if youve been using berberine and having good results – via your blood tests – then it may not matter.
Melodye Buskin says
The reason for cycling on and off berberine is to give the liver a chance to filter out. There’s info about this on the web and on Reddit.
Joe Cannon says
Its possible some people may have issues. The Liver Tox website reports no significant liver issues for most people
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564659/
Melodye says
Info on how long to take berberine from different articles I’ve read on the web :
Stop taking berberine after 6 months. Clinical trials of berberine generally don’t last any longer than 6 months and researchers have not evaluated the long-term use of the supplement. For this reason, it’s probably safest to stop taking the supplement and monitor your health after 6 months.[7]
If any symptoms return that disappeared when you were taking berberine, you might consider taking it again for another 6-month cycle. However, talk to your doctor again before you do this.
If you decide to start another cycle of berberine, wait at least 2 months between cycles.
As for long-term use, the clinical trials on berberine lasted from several weeks to two years. This may seem short, but phase 1 and phase 2 drug trials are of similar duration.
On the other hand, many people have taken berberine for years with no reported problems. Plus, the well-documented therapeutic use of berberine-rich plants in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine provides an additional indication of long-term safety.
I’ve also read where reviewers have said that they’ve taken it long-term and have not had a problem and there are other people that stop taking it for a few weeks and then go back on it.
I not only checked the web, but also Reddit to get other peoples opinion and reviews on Amazon.
Check this chiropractor’s comment on cycling on an off at five minutes in:
https://www.youtube.com/live/Uq1_XQg7Mq4?si=0bx1f_oGg44_fAGi
Joe Cannon says
Thanks Melodye, I looked at his video. I dont recall seeing any berberine studies where it was cycled on and off. It cant hurt but Im not sure if it helps. Some people in my video about berberine side effects did report some negative reactions https://youtu.be/66kDO86j8BM but I think, as you point out, people have been taking it for a long time without issues. still, I do feel its wise to start berberine – or any new supplement – by taking less for at lest the first week. This gives us time to adjust and if there were side effects, taking less, should help minimize them.