Berberine, curcumin, and inositol are three entirely different nutrients – each with their own unique benefits.* But there’s a not-so-invisible string tying them all together.
Do you know what it is?
Well, it’s time to find out. Learn about berberine, curcumin, and inositol separately, and discover how they’re connected.
What is berberine?
Berberine is a compound found in plants like barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape. It’s been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and modern research has pinpointed some of the specific ways berberine can benefit your health.*
- Metabolic health.* Supports healthy insulin and blood sugar levels, body composition, and triglyceride and cholesterol levels.*
- Hormonal health.* Promotes healthy androgen (testosterone) levels in certain women.*
- Gut health.* Your gut hosts trillions of microorganisms, including over 1,000 bacterial species – some good and some bad. So, maintaining a balance of good and bad bacteria is crucial. Research shows that berberine may support a healthy gut microbiome, allowing good bacteria to flourish.*
What is curcumin?
Indian saffron, turmeric root, and Curcuma longa are all names for the same thing: turmeric. While turmeric is a plant native to Southeast Asia, it’s also a common spice you may have in your own pantry. But it’s not just for cooking. Like berberine, turmeric also has a long-standing history in traditional medicine, and recent research has uncovered the power within this plant.
Turmeric contains a whole family of plant compounds called curcuminoids, but most of the health benefits of turmeric to one specific curcuminoid – curcumin.* Turmeric and curcumin have been shown to help support:
- Joint health.* Supports joint mobility to keep you moving throughout your life.
- Heart health.* May help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.*
- Healthy aging.* May help promote overall health as you grow older.*
- Metabolic health.* Supports healthy insulin and blood sugar levels.*
What is inositol?
There are nine different forms of inositol, but two are particularly beneficial for health: myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol. Your body naturally makes both forms, and research has found that the natural ratio within most of your tissues is 40:1. That’s 40 parts myo-inositol to one part d-chiro-inositol.
Research shows that myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol support:
- Hormonal health.* Supports healthy hormone (androgen) levels in certain women.*
- Metabolic health.* Helps keep important health markers in check, like insulin, blood sugar, and lipid levels.*
- Menstrual regularity.* Promotes regular menstrual cycles and healthy ovulation, both essential for reproductive health.*
- Female fertility.* Supports healthy egg and embryo quality, key factors for female fertility, and strong predictors of a healthy pregnancy.*
How do they connect?
You may have already put the pieces together. Berberine, curcumin, and inositol all share one important benefit: healthy insulin and blood sugar levels.*
So now comes an important question: should you take all three together?
Well, the answer is different for everyone.
Weigh the individual benefits of each nutrient, and see how they stack up when you combine them. If you’re looking for additional insulin and blood sugar support, taking two (or even all three) may be beneficial.* But, it’s worth noting the small chance that taking all three may offer too much support, dropping your blood sugar too low. So, if you’re thinking about adding new supplements to your routine, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re taking what’s right for you.
How do you choose the best supplements?
What goes into your supplements determines what you get out of them. Whether you’re looking for a berberine, curcumin, or inositol supplement, make sure you’re choosing a high-quality product. Here are a few tips to help:
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For any supplement: Choose a supplement that’s tested and certified by a trusted third-party organization, like NSF International or USP. This is your best guarantee that what’s on the supplement facts label matches what’s actually in the product – no harmful contaminants or undisclosed ingredients.
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For berberine supplements: When it comes to berberine, it’s all about bioavailability. Berberine is typically difficult for the body to absorb, but choosing the right form makes all the difference. There are two main forms of berberine: berberine HCL and berberine phytosome™. Berberine phytosome is up to 10 times more bioavailable than berberine HCL, so it’s the best choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-absorb, top-quality berberine supplement.*
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For curcumin supplements: Like berberine, certain curcumin formulations are easier for the body to absorb than others. Look for an enhanced-absorption formulation to unlock the full potential of turmeric and curcuminoids.*
- For inositol supplements: If you’re looking for an inositol supplement, choose one with a 40:1 ratio of myo- to d-chiro-inositol. Research has found that this ratio is more beneficial than other ratios or either form of inositol alone to support healthy insulin and hormone levels, menstrual regularity, and egg quality.*
For those looking for metabolic and hormonal support, a mix-and-match combination of berberine, curcumin, and inositol may help.* Theralogix offers all three: Berberine Enhanced Absorption, CurcuSorb, and Ovasitol – each one best-of-its-kind and independently content-certified. Once you find the combination that’s right for you, take a look at our Ovasitol bundles with Berberine Enhanced Absorption or CurcuSorb. These offer extra savings for the products you swear by.