Can You Take Berberine Supplements While Fasting? Safety & Effects

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a bioactive compound that can be extracted from certain plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, and Chinese goldthread. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine due to its wide range of potential health benefits.

Potential Health Benefits of Berberine

Research has shown that berberine may help:

• Lower blood sugar levels
• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Reduce cholesterol levels
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce inflammation
• Have antimicrobial effects

The majority of research on berberine has focused specifically on its effects on blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels.

Berberine for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

Several studies have found that taking 500 mg of berberine 2-3 times per day can lower fasting blood sugar levels similarly to popular diabetes medications like metformin. It also helps reduce HbA1c, which is a marker of long-term blood sugar levels.

Additionally, berberine can increase insulin sensitivity and promote the healthy breakdown of starches into glucose in the body.

Berberine for Cholesterol and Heart Health

Due to its impacts on cholesterol and triglycerides, berberine shows promise for promoting heart health. Specifically, studies show that 1500 mg per day can:

• Increase HDL (good) cholesterol
• Reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Lower triglycerides
• Slow plaque buildup inside arteries

Through these mechanisms, berberine supplements may reduce the risk of heart disease and events like heart attacks or strokes for some people.

Is Berberine Safe to Take While Fasting?

Intermittent fasting as a health and weight loss approach has soared in popularity in recent years. It involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting for 12 hours up to several days.

A common question that arises is whether supplements like berberine can be taken safely as normal while fasting. The short answer is yes, berberine is generally recognized as safe to take on both short and prolonged fasting regimens.

Why Berberine Doesn't Break a Fast

Berberine is non-caloric and does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels, which means it will not activate metabolic processes or interrupt ketosis and autophagy, two key drivers of the health benefits of fasting.

Dosing Recommendations for Fasting

The standard daily dose used in research studies showing health benefits is 500-1500 mg per day, split into multiple even doses. For example:

• 500 mg taken 2-3 times per day
• 1000 mg taken 1-2 times per day
• 1500 mg taken once per day

This normal dosing schedule remains appropriate and safe during both intermittent fasting and prolonged multi-day fasting windows. No special precautions or dosage adjustments are needed.

Potential Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with berberine are gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and stomach pain or discomfort. Headaches have also been reported in some users.

These side effects are generally mild and often dissipate with continued use as the body adjusts. However, those doing extended fasts beyond 24 hours may experience amplified or worsened GI side effects.

Other Supplements That Can Be Taken While Fasting

In addition to berberine, other common supplements that are generally recognized as safe to take while fasting include:

• Multivitamins
• Minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc
• Probiotics
• Anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric or omega-3 fish oil
• Digestive enzymes
• MCT oil
• Electrolytes

The key is to look for fasting-friendly supplements without calories, carbs, protein or fat, as those can stimulate insulin production or influence ketosis.

Supplements to Avoid While Fasting

On the other hand, the following supplements should typically be avoided during fasting windows:

• BCAAs (branched chain amino acids)
• Creatine
• Pre-workouts containing carbs or protein
• Fat burners with stimulants
• Protein powders or shakes

These supplements provide macros like protein or carbs that can influence metabolic processes and undermine the purpose of fasting for health or weight loss goals.

The Takeaway on Berberine and Fasting

At the end of the day, evidence supports that berberine is safe for most people to continue taking as normal during intermittent fasting windows or even prolonged multi-day fasting regimens.

As with any supplement, it's best to start with a low dose and increase slowly while remaining aware of any side effects. This remains true whether fasting or not.

Additionally, check with your healthcare provider about potential contraindications with any prescription medications you take prior to starting berberine.

Subject to these basic precautions, taking berberine while fasting can be an effective one-two combo to maximize the health, blood sugar, and weight benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.