Berberine and Metformin
Good morning. Based on your previous podcast and concern about berberine/metformin and exercise performance (mitochondria toxin), I have stopped using Dihydroberberine. I had been using it primarily to reduce glucose and insulin sensitivity. I am 61 years old and have a lot of muscle but I also am about 30% body fat (weigh around 265). I am trying to lose weight and get healthier primarily. Is there any new research since everything I saw from you was in 2019? Here is a response I got from another doctor on YouTube: "Berberine and dihydroberberine (DHB) can impact mitochondrial function, but it's important to clarify how this happens. Both forms of berberine activate an enzyme called AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), which helps regulate cellular energy and improves metabolic function. This can enhance mitochondrial efficiency by promoting fat burning and improving glucose metabolism. However, there's a concern that high doses of berberine could stress mitochondria, leading to potential toxicity, but this effect tends to be dose-dependent. Dihydroberberine is a more potent, bioavailable form, meaning you need lower doses to achieve similar benefits, potentially reducing the risk of mitochondrial stress compared to standard berberine. Regarding VO2 max, berberine has shown some positive effects in improving VO2 max by enhancing mitochondrial function and supporting endurance. By increasing the efficiency of how cells use oxygen, it could support better aerobic capacity, though more research is needed to fully understand this in human subjects. In summary, DHB is often seen as a safer, more effective option with fewer mitochondrial risks, while still offering metabolic and endurance benefits."