When 52-year-old Nerilee Gregory saw berberine being promoted as 'nature's Ozempic' across her social media feeds, she thought she'd found the perfect weight loss solution. Instead, the Sydney woman ended up in hospital, violently ill and fearing for her life.
Her experience highlights a growing concern for older Australians: the aggressive marketing of unproven supplements through social media, often with claims that sound too good to be true—because they usually are.
A $144 gamble that nearly went fatal
Gregory's ordeal began when she ordered two bottles of berberine capsules online for $144, drawn in by promises of effortless weight loss. Some people on social media are claiming that the supplement berberine is helping them lose weight by lessening their appetite, with comments like 'One week in.
3 pounds down. All the snack chatter in my head has disappeared' and 'Same thing happened to me! Food noise gone and hunger really reduced.'
The reality proved far more dangerous.
Within hours of taking her first capsule, Gregory was violently ill with severe gastrointestinal symptoms. When she tried the supplement again days later, the reaction was even worse—she collapsed outside her office after hours of vomiting and diarrhoea.
'I thought I was going to die,' she said, describing symptoms that align with berberine's main side effects, which are gastrointestinal and include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas and vomiting.
'The scary thing is that it interacts with a ton of medications'
The science behind the social media hype
Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in goldenseal, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, and other plants, and has been a part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
But the recent explosion of interest stems from social media claims comparing it to Ozempic—a comparison that medical experts say is misleading.
Although some call berberine 'nature's Ozempic,' the comparison may be exaggerated. The two also work in different ways. While Ozempic slows down digestion, berberine helps control how the body breaks down and uses energy.
The weight loss evidence? Many studies showing weight loss benefits are of low quality and have a high risk of bias, meaning there is currently no medical agreement on how well berberine can help people lose weight and that new, high-quality research on the topic is needed.
A comprehensive 2025 analysis of 12 studies found modest effects on metabolic parameters including blood sugar and waist circumference, but nothing approaching the dramatic weight loss promised in social media posts.
What the research actually shows
One 12-week study found people taking 500mg berberine three times daily lost about 5 pounds on average and 3.6 per cent body fat
May work about as well as metformin for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
Studies show it may reduce 'bad' cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides
More research is needed to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness
When supplements turn dangerous
What Gregory experienced wasn't a freak occurrence. The most reported adverse events from berberine are hypoglycemia, nausea, constipation, and mild abdominal discomfort, though the overall incidence of adverse events is generally low.
However, there's a more serious concern that many Australians don't realise: berberine interacts with a large number of medications. For older Australians who often take multiple medications, this poses significant risks.
Berberine may interact with medicines, for example, it has been shown to interact with cyclosporine, a drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. It can also affect how the liver processes various medications, potentially making them less effective or more dangerous.
Professor Nial Wheate from Macquarie University warns that large quantities of berberine may be fatal, and it's not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Exposure to berberine has been linked to a harmful buildup of bilirubin in infants, which can cause brain damage, making it likely unsafe for infants and possibly unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Understanding Australia's supplement maze
One of the most confusing aspects of Gregory's experience was the lack of clear warnings on her supplement packaging. This points to a crucial gap in public understanding about how supplements are regulated in Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all vitamins for safety and quality, and the AUST number on product labels tells you what kind of TGA scrutiny a vitamin has received.
But here's what most Australians don't understand: there are two very different types of approval.
Listed medicines (AUST L) - like most berberine supplements—have been assessed for safety and quality, but listing focuses on safety, quality and permitted indications; it is not the same as prescription-level efficacy claims. This means the TGA hasn't verified whether they actually work for their claimed purposes.
Registered medicines (AUST R) undergo much more rigorous testing, similar to prescription drugs, and must prove they're both safe and effective.
What those AUST numbers really mean
- AUST L: Basic safety and quality checks only
- AUST R: Proven safe AND effective through clinical trials
- No AUST number: Not approved for sale in Australia
- Always check labels before purchasing any supplement
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements in the United States, and there is no guarantee of the safety or effectiveness of a supplement. The same principle applies in Australia—listed medicines haven't been proven to work.
How to shop safely for supplements
Professor Wheate's advice for Gregory applies to all Australians considering supplements: speak to a doctor or pharmacist first, and buy only from physical stores in Australia with proper TGA approval numbers.
Products available on international websites are not regulated by the TGA, and consumers are advised not to order medicines, including dietary supplements and herbal preparations, over the Internet unless the consumer knows exactly what is in the preparation and has checked the legal requirements for importation and use in Australia.
For older Australians, there are additional precautions to consider:
- List all your medications: If you take medicine, talk with your health care provider if you are considering taking berberine supplements.
- Start slowly: The standard dose of berberine is 900-2,000mg a day, divided into three to four doses, taken with meals, as too much berberine at once can result in stomach upset, cramping, and diarrhea.
- Monitor for reactions: Watch for the early warning signs Gregory experienced—severe nausea, vomiting, or unusual stomach pain.
What Gregory wants you to know
Gregory's experience cost her more than just money—it shook her confidence in health information online and left her wary of all supplements. But she hopes her story can prevent others from going through the same ordeal.
'I don't want anyone else to go through what I did,' she said. 'Mine was a rare reaction, but I will never, ever buy another supplement.'
Her advice echoes what medical experts stress: if you're considering berberine as part of your wellness routine, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it's a good fit for your health needs and goals.
The supplement industry's marketing machine is particularly effective at targeting older Australians through social media, promising easy solutions to complex health challenges. But as Gregory learned the hard way, there are no shortcuts when it comes to your health.
Did you know?
Did you know?
A 2017 study found wide variation in the content of various berberine capsules, which could cause confusion about safety and dosages. The researchers did not find that a higher cost necessarily reflected a higher quality product.
The bottom line on supplement safety
Overall, berberine has an outstanding safety profile, with main side effects related to digestion, and there are some reports of diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. However, individual reactions can vary dramatically, as Gregory's case demonstrates.
The key is approaching any supplement with the same caution you'd apply to prescription medication—because that's effectively what you're taking. It's thought that taking 1.5 grams of berberine daily for six months or less is safe, with the six-month limit due to a lack of longer term data.
Remember: if social media claims about a supplement sound too good to be true, they probably are. Your health deserves better than marketing hype—it deserves evidence-based medicine and professional guidance.
Have you had experiences with supplements marketed through social media? What questions do you have about navigating supplement safety as you age? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below—your experience could help other readers make safer choices.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications or have underlying health conditions.
Original Article
https://www.9news.com.au/national/b...ey-woman/cb9446a8-ca53-4938-9901-ce7fc4993568
Berberine Weight Loss Supplement Benefits and Risks | Mayo Clinic Press
Cited text: Some people on social media are claiming that the supplement berberine is helping them lose weight by lessening their appetite.
Excerpt: Some people on social media are claiming that the supplement berberine is helping them lose weight by lessening their appetite, with comments like 'One week in.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutr...t-but-its-not-a-magical-weight-loss-solution/
Berberine Weight Loss Supplement Benefits and Risks | Mayo Clinic Press
Cited text: All the snack chatter in my head has disappeared,” one TikTok commenter wrote. Another chimed in, “Same thing happened to me!
Excerpt: Some people on social media are claiming that the supplement berberine is helping them lose weight by lessening their appetite, with comments like 'One week in.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutr...t-but-its-not-a-magical-weight-loss-solution/
Berberine Weight Loss Supplement Benefits and Risks | Mayo Clinic Press
Cited text: The main side effects of berberine are gastrointestinal (GI) and include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas and vomiting.
Excerpt: align with berberine's main side effects, which are gastrointestinal and include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas and vomiting.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutr...t-but-its-not-a-magical-weight-loss-solution/
Berberine: Benefits, supplements, side effects, dosage, and more
Cited text: Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in goldenseal, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, and other plants.
Excerpt: Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in goldenseal, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, and other plants, and has been a part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325798
Berberine: Benefits, supplements, side effects, dosage, and more
Cited text: Berberine has been a part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Excerpt: Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in goldenseal, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, and other plants, and has been a part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325798
Berberine: Benefits, Side Effects, and Weight Loss
Cited text: Berberine vs. Ozempic · Although some call berberine “nature’s Ozempic,” the comparison may be exaggerated. The two also work in different ways. While...
Excerpt: Although some call berberine 'nature's Ozempic,' the comparison may be exaggerated.
https://www.webmd.com/obesity/berberine-health-benefits
Berberine: Benefits, Side Effects, and Weight Loss
Cited text: But many of these studies are of low quality and have a high risk of bias. This means that there is currently no medical agreement on how well berberi...
Excerpt: Many studies showing weight loss benefits are of low quality and have a high risk of bias, meaning there is currently no medical agreement on how well berberine can help people lose weight and that new, high-quality research on the topic…
https://www.webmd.com/obesity/berberine-health-benefits
Efficacy and safety of berberine on the components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials—PMC
Cited text: This study analyzed 12 RCTs with a total of 889 patients, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of berberine on MetS components, includi...
Excerpt: modest effects on metabolic parameters including blood sugar and waist circumference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12307485/
Frontiers | Efficacy and safety of berberine on the components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
Cited text: The additional meta-analysis demonstrated that berberine remains its therapeutic effects on the following MetS parameters after excluding the two low-...
Excerpt: modest effects on metabolic parameters including blood sugar and waist circumference
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1572197/full
Berberine — a Powerful Supplement with Many Benefits
Cited text: In one older 12-week study in people with obesity, taking 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times per day caused about 5 pounds of weight loss, o...
Excerpt: One 12-week study found people taking 500mg berberine three times daily lost about 5 pounds on average and 3.6 per cent body fat
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-powerful-supplement
Berberine Weight Loss Supplement Benefits and Risks | Mayo Clinic Press
Cited text: Berberine may improve blood sugar measures such as fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in those with type 2 diabetes, and by some measures may ...
Excerpt: May work about as well as metformin for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutr...t-but-its-not-a-magical-weight-loss-solution/
Berberine Weight Loss Supplement Benefits and Risks | Mayo Clinic Press
Cited text: Studies have demonstrated that berberine may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Excerpt: Studies show it may reduce 'bad' cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutr...t-but-its-not-a-magical-weight-loss-solution/
What is Berberine?
Cited text: While early studies are encouraging, more research is needed to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness.
Excerpt: More research is needed to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness
https://store.mayoclinic.com/education/what-is-berberine/
Frontiers | Efficacy and safety of berberine on the components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
Cited text: The most reported adverse events were hypoglycemia, nausea, constipation, and mild abdominal discomfort; however, the overall incidence of adverse eve...
Excerpt: The most reported adverse events from berberine are hypoglycemia, nausea, constipation, and mild abdominal discomfort, though the overall incidence of adverse events is generally low.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1572197/full
Berberine Weight Loss Supplement Benefits and Risks | Mayo Clinic Press
Cited text: “The scary thing is that it interacts with a ton of medications.
Excerpt: berberine interacts with a large number of medications.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutr...t-but-its-not-a-magical-weight-loss-solution/
Berberine and Weight Loss: What You Need To Know | NCCIH
Cited text: Berberine may interact with medicines. For example, it has been shown to interact with cyclosporine, a drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted ...
Excerpt: Berberine may interact with medicines, for example, it has been shown to interact with cyclosporine, a drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/berberine-and-weight-loss-what-you-need-to-know
BERBERINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
Cited text: Déléaval M, Burri H, Bakelants E. Harmless herbs? A case report of acquired long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes in a patient taking herbal supple...
Excerpt: large quantities of berberine may be fatal, and it's not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1126/berberine
Berberine and Weight Loss: What You Need To Know | NCCIH
Cited text: Exposure to berberine has been linked to a harmful buildup of bilirubin in infants, which can cause brain damage. Therefore, berberine is likely to be...
Excerpt: Exposure to berberine has been linked to a harmful buildup of bilirubin in infants, which can cause brain damage, making it likely unsafe for infants and possibly unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/berberine-and-weight-loss-what-you-need-to-know
How are vitamins regulated in Australia? | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Cited text: In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all vitamins for safety and quality.
Excerpt: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all vitamins for safety and quality, and the AUST number on product labels tells you what kind of TGA scrutiny a vitamin has received.
https://www.tga.gov.au/news/blog/how-are-vitamins-regulated-australia
How are vitamins regulated in Australia? | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Cited text: In this article, we will explain how we regulate vitamins, and how the AUST number (the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) identification...
Excerpt: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all vitamins for safety and quality, and the AUST number on product labels tells you what kind of TGA scrutiny a vitamin has received.
https://www.tga.gov.au/news/blog/how-are-vitamins-regulated-australia
Best Berberine Supplements in Australia (2025)—Eco Traders Australia
Cited text: Regulatory note (AUST L): In Australia, many complementary medicines are supplied as listed medicines (AUST L). Listing focuses on safety, quality and...
Excerpt: listing focuses on safety, quality and permitted indications; it is not the same as prescription-level efficacy claims.
https://ecotraders.com.au/blogs/nutrition-supplements/best-berberine-supplements-in-australia-2025
Berberine: Benefits, supplements, side effects, dosage, and more
Cited text: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements. There is no guarantee of the safety or effectiveness of a supplement, and it is ...
Excerpt: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements in the United States, and there is no guarantee of the safety or effectiveness of a supplement.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325798
Australian regulatory guidelines for complementary medicines ARGCM
Cited text: Products available on international websites are not regulated by the TGA. We advise consumers · not to order medicines, including dietary supplements...
Excerpt: Products available on international websites are not regulated by the TGA, and consumers are advised not to order medicines, including dietary supplements and herbal preparations, over the Internet unless the consumer knows exactly what is…
https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/defaul...-guidelines-complementary-medicines-argcm.pdf
Berberine and Weight Loss: What You Need To Know | NCCIH
Cited text: If you take medicine, talk with your health care provider if you are considering taking berberine supplements.
Excerpt: If you take medicine, talk with your health care provider if you are considering taking berberine supplements.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/berberine-and-weight-loss-what-you-need-to-know
Berberine benefits, dosage, and side effects
Cited text: The standard dose of berberine is 900-2,000mg a day, divided into three to four doses. Berberine should be taken with a meal, or shortly after, to tak...
Excerpt: The standard dose of berberine is 900-2,000mg a day, divided into three to four doses, taken with meals, as too much berberine at once can result in stomach upset, cramping, and diarrhea.
https://examine.com/supplements/berberine/
What is Berberine?
Cited text: If you’re considering berberine as part of your wellness routine, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s a good fit for your health needs ...
Excerpt: if you're considering berberine as part of your wellness routine, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it's a good fit for your health needs and goals.
https://store.mayoclinic.com/education/what-is-berberine/
Berberine: Benefits, supplements, side effects, dosage, and more
Cited text: ... 2017 study found wide variation in the content of various berberine capsules, which could cause confusion about safety and dosages. The researcher...
Excerpt: A 2017 study found wide variation in the content of various berberine capsules, which could cause confusion about safety and dosages.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325798
Berberine — a Powerful Supplement with Many Benefits
Cited text: Overall, berberine has an outstanding safety profile. The main side effects are related to digestion, and there are some reports of diarrhea, constipa...
Excerpt: Overall, berberine has an outstanding safety profile, with main side effects related to digestion, and there are some reports of diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-powerful-supplement
Berberine Weight Loss Supplement Benefits and Risks | Mayo Clinic Press
Cited text: It’s thought that taking 1.5 grams of berberine every day — sometimes split into multiple doses — for six months or less is safe. The six-month limit ...
Excerpt: It's thought that taking 1.5 grams of berberine daily for six months or less is safe, with the six-month limit due to a lack of longer term data.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutr...t-but-its-not-a-magical-weight-loss-solution/
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
Your love for dogs might be causing real problems for some Aussies—here’s how
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 0
-
-
Was this subway passenger exfoliating her foot being disrespectful—or just unaware?
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 0
-
Five frozen foods that could land you in hospital—why Australian seniors need to be extra careful
- Started by Gian T
- Replies: 0
-
