Berberine
A plant alkaloid studied for blood sugar and cholesterol. Absorption is the limiting factor.
Berberine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in several plants, including barberry, and it has been studied in a number of human trials for its effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels already within a normal range. It is poorly absorbed in its standard form, berberine HCl, largely because the body converts much of it into other compounds before it reaches circulation. Dihydroberberine (DHB) is a related form designed to absorb more efficiently at a lower dose, though it has a shorter track record than standard berberine HCl.
Reference values
Daily reference values from official nutrition authorities. These are population reference figures, not personal recommendations.
| RDA | Upper limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | 1500 mg | UK |
Forms and bioavailability
Not all forms are absorbed equally. The form on your supplement label affects how much your body can actually use.
| Form | Absorption | With food | Timing | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| berberine HCl | Lower | With food | Either | Likely |
| dihydroberberine (DHB) | Higher | With food | Either | Likely |
Stack Almanac tracks which berberine form you're taking, since DHB and standard berberine HCl are typically dosed very differently for the same effect.
Track your Berberine in Stack Almanac
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08. Reference values are adult-general RDAs from UK. Individual needs may vary. This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.