In natural health remedies, berberine stands out as a potent plant compound that offers multiple health benefits.
In natural health remedies, berberine stands out as a potent plant compound that offers multiple health benefits. However, studies report berberine’s low bioavailability and poor absorption in the body (at less than 5%) after oral intake.
WHAT IS BIOAVAILABILITY, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Have you ever taken a supplement and wondered if it worked for you? The answer lies in a principle known as “bioavailability.” Bioavailability determines how well your body absorbs a compound, like a drug or nutrient.
• High bioavailability means more substance will be absorbed into the bloodstream, enhancing its effectiveness to maximize the benefits received.
• Low bioavailability means that higher amounts are necessary for health benefits, resulting in more significant expenses and a higher risk of side effects.
Just like so many other natural/herbal compounds, berberine faces absorption challenges in the body because of its poor water solubility and rapid metabolism by the gut and liver. Generally, a compound absorbs best when it has both water and fat solubility so it can pass through the gastrointestinal environment and penetrate the cell membranes to ultimately reach the bloodstream. Furthermore, smaller compounds are generally better absorbed by our cells than larger ones.
BERBERINE’S BIOAVAILABILITY
Scientists are exploring different formulations (so-called “delivery systems”) to enhance berberine’s absorption, and increase its bioavailability within the body. To date, only a few human clinical studies have been conducted on advanced delivery systems of berberine.
As a group of leading scientists in a new clinical study, my colleagues and I found that LipoMicel®, a new delivery system of berberine, has up to six times better absorption in human participants than standard berberine. In a second study, LipoMicel achieved blood glucose reductions of 12% in participants in as little as two days, with only two doses of 500 mg/day. For comparison, in most clinical studies, standard berberine treatment, administered at a higher dose of 900–2000 mg/day, would take at least two weeks to reduce blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients.
HOW DOES LIPOMICEL WORK?
LipoMicel disperses berberine into microparticles, mixing it with both water-soluble and fat-soluble ingredients to create a natural emulsion (i.e., an oil-in-water mixture, like a vinaigrette!). These tiny particles, called micelles, have a unique structure with a core like oils (lipophilic) and an outer part like water (hydrophilic).
By encapsulating and solubilizing berberine in LipoMicel, berberine can safely travel through the digestive system – protected from degradation by enzymes – to reach the bloodstream and, ultimately, the tissue’s target(s).
BENEFITS OF A HIGH BIOAVAILABLE FORMULATION
Formulations with higher bioavailability can provide faster and greater health benefits than standard formulations. More importantly, because of the higher absorption, lower doses of berberine can be used, which reduces the risk of common gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation or an upset stomach.
RISKS, SIDE EFFECTS, AND INTERACTIONS WITH BERBERINE LIPOMICEL
In a 30-day study, LipoMicel proved safe. No significant changes in blood markers, such as liver and kidney functions, were observed, and study participants reported no side effects.
As berberine can interact with many drugs, which can potentially cause serious side effects, it should not be taken at the same time as other medications. It should also not be used during pregnancy as there’s not enough clinical evidence on berberine’s use in pregnant women.
THE BEST TIME TO TAKE BERBERINE
It’s best to take berberine together with a meal, or shortly after, to take advantage of the blood glucose and lipid spikes associated with eating. For example, take it after a heavy/sugary late-night dinner to prevent a spike in blood sugar levels, which can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
ARE ALL BERBERINE SUPPLEMENTS CREATED EQUAL?
Unlike other formulations, LipoMicel technology has been clinically studied in numerous human trials, showing better absorption and clinical efficacy, with results published in peer-reviewed journals.
If you want the maximum health benefits, choose a product tested in human clinical trials like LipoMicel, ensuring efficacy and safety. Remember, always choose supplements that prioritize quality – look for the ISURA® seal, a third-party testing certification.
