Can You Take Berberine and Vitamin B12 Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Berberine, similar to metformin, may reduce vitamin B12 absorption by altering gut motility and affecting intrinsic factor-B12 complex uptake in the terminal ileum.

How to arrange timing

Monitor B12 levels when using berberine long-term; consider B12 supplementation.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Zhang Y et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(7):2559-2565

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.