Important info re berberine ("nature's Ozempic"

amother

OP ↓

Mon, Sep 16 2024, 8:00 pm

Supplements and vitamins with natural ingredients can have side effects. If it has a real effect, then automatically it has the potential to have a bad effect in some cases.

Berberine, a natural supplement sometimes touted as "nature's Ozempic" is dangerous when pregnant or nursing. It can worsen jaundice in infants and can cause kernicterus, which can lead to permanent brain disorders. Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-c.....erine

Nccih: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/heal.....-know

Always double check with a health care provider before taking a supplement, even a natural one.

amother

Forestgreen

Mon, Sep 16 2024, 8:33 pm

amother OP wrote:

Thanks. What's a good company?

amother

Mintcream

Mon, Sep 16 2024, 8:49 pm

An herb or supplement being contraindicated in pregnancy or while breastfeeding is not the same as a drug having risks or side effects. It doesn't make it dangerous, pregnancy and breastfeeding are just special situations.

Yes, it's important to be informed. But I don't like this equivalency.

amother

↑ OP

Mon, Sep 16 2024, 9:00 pm

amother Mintcream wrote:

Well yes, I specified that it has risks in those specific situations. My point was really that you need to double check that any vitamins or supplements you take don't interact with any medications you are on or are contraindicated for any conditions you have. Even something that seems benign and has all natural ingredients.
Berberine specifically has popped up again recently with people saying that it has no side effects and it safe for everyone.

The problem is, supplements and vitamins aren't regulated by the FDA. So, for example, a patient taking a medication that has a negative interaction with grapefruit, will be told that by their doctor. No one is telling a postpartum nursing woman not to take a berberine supplement to help lose weight after pregnancy.