Berberine’s recent boost in popularity as a health supplement is multifaceted and Metabolic is offering a new Berberine + Chromium supplement. One facet is the benefits it offers in the realm of blood sugar support and insulin signaling. If your interest in berberine is related to gut health or weight management, check out the blog post linked here. In the article that follows, we will delve into the scientific evidence supporting the use of berberine for healthy glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a botanical antioxidant that supports a healthy inflammatory response [1]. It is a bioactive compound from the bark and/or roots of various plants. The berberine in Metabolic Maintenance’s new Berberine + Chromium product is berberine HCl from the bark of the Amur cork tree, or Phellodendron amurense.
With a rich history in traditional medicine, berberine has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to target a range of health concerns. Recent research has brought berberine into the spotlight for its promising support to metabolic health.
Blood Sugar Support
One of the key areas where berberine has demonstrated its benefits is in blood sugar regulation. Several clinical studies have explored the impact of berberine’s several mechanisms influencing glycemic control.
Berberine can support levels of blood glucose already in the normal range and healthy lipid metabolism [2,3].
Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity is a crucial factor in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Impaired insulin signaling can lead to insulin resistance. Berberine can influence key signaling pathways affecting normal insulin response [4]. Specifically, berberine activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor. [4].
Mechanisms of Action
The positive effects of berberine on blood sugar and insulin signaling can be attributed to its multiple mechanisms of action. Research indicates that berberine can:
- Activate AMPK: As mentioned earlier, berberine activates AMPK, which plays a crucial role in cellular energy regulation. Activation of AMPK promotes glucose uptake and utilization in cells [3].
- Modulate Gut Microbiota: The microbial community residing in the gut has emerged as a key player in metabolic health [5]. Berberine can influence the composition of gut bacteria, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and supporting normal inflammatory response [6]. These changes in the gut microbiome may support normal insulin sensitivity [5].
- Inhibit Gluconeogenesis: Berberine can inhibit the liver’s production of glucose (gluconeogenesis) [7]. By reducing excessive glucose production, berberine helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Safety and Tolerability
Berberine’s safety profile is a crucial consideration for its widespread use. Any product marketed as a nutritional supplement must be safe for general consumption. Studies have generally reported berberine as safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects [8].
However, as with any supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating berberine into your regimen, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.
Berberine + Chromium
Metabolic Maintenance’s new berberine product is not a stand alone nutritional supplement. It is a formula containing berberine, chromium, and magnesium.
Chromium is an excellent complement to berberine when it comes to insulin signaling and blood sugar balance [9]. Chromium potentiates the actions of insulin, augments the insulin signaling pathway, blunts the negative regulators of insulin signaling, enhances AMPK activity, up-regulates cellular glucose uptake, and attenuates oxidative stress [9].
Magnesium supplementation can balance plasma glucose both in a fasting state, and after a 2 hour oral glucose tolerance test [10]. Furthermore, supplemental magnesium is associated with positive markers of insulin sensitivity [10].
Do I Need Berberine?
The scientific evidence supporting the benefits of berberine for blood sugar regulation and insulin signaling is compelling. From its ability to activate AMPK to modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting gluconeogenesis, berberine, specifically, demonstrates multifaceted actions that contribute to improved metabolic health.
When these mechanisms are supported further by chromium and magnesium, you get a well-rounded, potent and effective metabolic support product. That is what we are proud to offer in Berberine + Chromium.
The current body of evidence suggests that berberine could be a valuable supplement for individuals aiming to support normal blood glucose levels. However, as with any health-related decision, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs.
References
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/7/973
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026049508000462
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/endocrj/66/1/66_EJ18-0109/_article/-char/ja/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2020.1756349
- https://www.cell.com/trends/endocrinology-metabolism/fulltext/S1043-2760(11)00003-8
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095177921001179
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2020/6210526/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037887411400871X
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286311003044
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/4074