Dihydroberberine vs Berberine

Exploring the Differences and Benefits Between Two Popular Forms of Berberine

Berberine is a plant-derived compound with a long history in traditional medicine. It has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits related to healthy blood sugar levels, and its ability to reduce the suggested dose of medication in the treatment of Type II diabetes1. While Berberine became popular for the well informed wellness customer, it didn’t truly begin to take off until the GLP-1 trend began. Once Berberine became known as a cheaper and more natural alternative with similar effects, it began to go viral on social media.

Dihydroberberine vs Berberine

Dustin Elliott, Exercise Physiologist

However, a newer form of berberine, known as dihydroberberine, has emerged as a potentially more bioavailable and effective alternative at just 1/3rd of the dose. In this article, we'll delve into the differences between dihydroberberine and berberine and explore their respective benefits.

1. Bioavailability One of the key differences between dihydroberberine and berberine is their bioavailability. Dihydroberberine is a more bioavailable form of berberine2, meaning it is more readily absorbed by the body. This enhanced bioavailability allows you to use just 1/3rd of the dosage of regular berberine for dihydroberberine.

2. Blood Sugar Regulation: Both dihydroberberine and berberine have been studied for their effects on blood sugar regulation. Research suggests that both compounds may help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood sugar levels, and lower hemoglobin A1c levels in individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. However, some studies suggest that dihydroberberine may be more potent in its effects, possibly due to its 5 times greater bioavailability and 2x longer lasting effects (8 hours vs 4 hours).

3. Cardiovascular Health Both dihydroberberine and berberine have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. They may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve endothelial function, which could help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Weight Management Some research suggests that both dihydroberberine and berberine may help support weight management by supporting metabolism, reducing appetite, and promoting fat loss. However, further studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and effectiveness for weight management.

5. Gut Health Berberine has been shown to have antimicrobial properties and may help rebalance the gut microbiota. While there is limited research on dihydroberberine's effects on gut health, its enhanced bioavailability may allow it to exert similar effects to berberine in the gut.

In conclusion, while both dihydroberberine and berberine have potential health benefits, dihydroberberine may offer advantages in terms of bioavailability and potency. However, there is more research forthcoming on dihydroberberine's health benefits that could make the ingredient even more groundbreaking. Individuals interested in incorporating dihydroberberine or berberine into their health regimen should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and form for their needs.

• Reyhaneh Babaei Khorzoughi, et al. “In-vitro Synergistic Effect of Metformin and Berberine on High Glucose-induced Lipogenesis.” Iran J Pharm Res. 2019 Autumn; 18(4): 1921–1930. doi: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.15085.12867

• Moon, Jessica M et al. “Absorption Kinetics of Berberine and Dihydroberberine and Their Impact on Glycemia: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Pilot Trial.” Nutrients vol. 14,1 124. 28 Dec. 2021, doi:10.3390/nu14010124.

• Feng, Ru, et al. “Transforming Berberine into Its Intestine-Absorbable Form by the Gut Microbiota.” Scientific Reports, vol. 5, no. 1, 15 July 2015, p. 12155, doi:10.1038/srep12155.