GLUCOVANTAGE® DIHYDROBERBERINE VS STANDARD BERBERINE

The plant-based alkaloid berberine has gained popularity as a natural alternative to lower blood sugar levels and reduce high cholesterol, and some people have found berberine also helps post-workout recovery thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Now, there's a newer form of berberine called GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine (or just dihydroberberine), which some claim is a more effective, super-powered version of berberine.

So which one is better? Is either one right for you? Below, you will find all you need to know about berberine vs dihydroberberine — what they are, how they work, and what they can do for you.

WHAT IS BERBERINE?

First, here are some definitions for both berberine and GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine. Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grapes.

Humans have long used berberine as a health supplement. Traditional Chinese medicines, first synthesized centuries ago, use berberine to address everything from high blood pressure to digestive tract issues. In modern times, berberine has gained attention for its potential to support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Some weight loss supplements also contain berberine since it aids metabolism and digestion.

WHAT IS GLUCOVANTAGE® DIHYDROBERBERINE?

GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine is a modified form of berberine. It's basically a metabolite of berberine, which means it's similar to what your body converts berberine into after ingestion. Dihydroberberine was designed to enhance the bioavailability of berberine. In other words, it’s designed to become available to the affected parts of your bloodstream faster and more efficiently.

Scientists believe that as a metabolite, dihydroberberinen is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream. And, so the theory goes, faster absorption should lead to increased effectiveness. That's why you can now find GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine in everything from glucose management supplements to vision aids.

COMPARISON: GLUCOVANTAGE® DIHYDROBERBERINE VS. STANDARD BERBERINE

As you can imagine, the effectiveness of GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberin is quite a bit different than standard berberine. You can think of it as a sort of concentrated version of berberine — one which can be up to five times more bioavailable than standard berberine. Since your body can absorb and utilize dihydroberberine more efficiently, you can take lower doses for the same results as higher doses of standard berberine.

So, what does that mean in real-world terms? Here's an example. Berberine has long been known to lower blood sugar, with some reporting positive effects on conditions like diabetes. However, due to its enhanced absorption, dihydroberberine may offer comparable or even superior glucose control at lower doses. In short, if berberine in glucose control supplements has worked well for you, it's reasonable to expect smaller doses of dihydroberberine could have a similar effect.

DIHYDROBERBERINE VS. BERBERINE: CLINICAL STUDIES AND RESEARCH

Medical professionals have conducted extensive research on berberine over the years. A 2021 clinical study by the US National Institute of Health (NIH) showed promising results, including lowering cholesterol and better managing blood sugar.

NIH's research validated berberine's ability to activate AMPK, a key enzyme involved in cellular energy regulation. This activation leads to a cascade of effects, including improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced glucose uptake by cells, and reduced glucose production in the liver. These effects demonstrate berberine's ability to lower blood glucose levels and support healthy metabolic function.

According to clinical trial results, berberine has a positive impact on lipid profiles besides glycemic control. This suggests berberine can help lower levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides while potentially raising HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).

In research studies, GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine has proven to be equally or more effective than standard berberine. A US government clinical trial, labeled NCT0502134, found that dihydroberberine reached significantly higher concentrations in the blood than standard berberine. This suggests that the metabolite does indeed have a higher bioavailability, and that lower doses of dihydroberberine can achieve similar effects as standard berberine.

The study also concluded that GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine potentially reduces the risk of the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated that with taking higher doses of berberine. Therefore, it's easy to conclude GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine gives you all the advantages of higher doses of berberine, without the unpleasant side effects.

The study also concluded that GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine potentially reduces the risk of the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated that with taking higher doses of berberine. Therefore, it's easy to conclude GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine gives you all the advantages of higher doses of berberine, without the unpleasant side effects.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS AND BENEFITS

As these studies show, both berberine and dihydroberberine have the potential to improve metabolic health. The two have been linked to improved blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity. Studies estimate that more than 60% of people with metabolic syndrome may benefit from such supplements.

Meanwhile, other studies suggest that berberine may help with weight management. By stimulating fat metabolism, berberine shows promise as a natural weight loss supplement. Berberine and dihydroberberine both also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them helpful for arthritis, headaches, and other common ailments.

HARNESS THE POTENTIAL OF GLUCOVANTAGE® DIHYDROBERBERINE

Both standard berberine and GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine are known to support metabolic health and blood sugar management. While berberine is well-studied and readily available, GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine has the advantage of higher bioavailability, making it more effective at lower doses. But which supplement with GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine will give the best results? Meet DRIVE.

The Day One DR1VE Capsule features GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine as part of a complete supplement package. For those who demand more from every meal, every workout, and every hour of the day, DR1VE helps maximize every opportunity. Visit the Day One DR1VE Capsule page to learn more.