Can I take Berberine with Vitamin B12?

Understanding the interactions, benefits, and safety of combining these two powerful supplements.

Berberine
+
Vitamin B12

Short answer

We found no direct interaction between Berberine and Vitamin B12 in the sources below, but they share a caution.

Both have a note about diabetes medicines (see each one below).

Berberine

What it is: A compound from plants such as barberry and goldenseal, used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

What the research says: It may lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar, but the effect may be small and lifestyle changes are still needed.

Cautions

  • Mild side effects can include appetite loss, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation and rash.
  • Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding: it may harm newborns.

Medicines to check

  • Immune-suppressing drugs such as tacrolimus or cyclosporin: berberine may raise their levels
  • Some diabetes drugs (sulfonylureas)
  • Many prescription drugs processed by the liver: berberine may make them less effective
  • Bosutinib (a cancer drug)

In Holitro: Berberine 500mg (500 mg per capsule)

Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, About Herbs: Berberine (updated June 2023)

Vitamin B12

What it is: A vitamin that keeps blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA.

What the research says: B12 prevents a type of anemia that makes people tired and weak. People who take metformin or long-term acid reducers may absorb less of it.

Cautions

  • It hasn't been shown to cause harm, even at high doses.

Medicines to check

  • Metformin and acid-reducing medicines can lower B12 levels (the medicine affects the vitamin, not the other way round)

In Holitro: Vitamin B12 (1000 mcg per capsule)

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Consumers (updated December 2023)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take medication.

Check your stack β€” free

Educational information only, not medical advice. This reflects general ingredient overlap, not a personalized safety review. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining supplements, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or manage a health condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

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