What is known about the ingredients
- Berberine (100 mg): can cause stomach upset, cramps, constipation or diarrhoea; lowers blood sugar and affects how the liver breaks down many medicines, so interactions are possible; not considered safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Chromium, banaba, alpha lipoic acid, Asian ginseng: may also lower blood sugar – together with diabetes medication this can push it too low
- Green tea leaf extract (150 mg): concentrated extracts have been linked to rare cases of liver injury, more often when taken on an empty stomach; may contain some caffeine, which the label does not state
- Resveratrol and Asian ginseng: may affect blood clotting and interact with blood thinners such as warfarin; ginseng can also cause trouble sleeping or headaches in some people
- Cayenne: can irritate the stomach or cause heartburn
- Milk thistle: may cause allergic reactions in people allergic to ragweed, daisies or related plants
- Zinc (11 mg): 100% of the Daily Value; watch the total if you also take a multivitamin or another zinc supplement
Who should talk to a doctor first
- Anyone taking diabetes medication, blood thinners or other prescription drugs
- People with liver or kidney disease, or a surgery coming up
- Anyone whose dizziness or balance problems have not been checked by a doctor
- Pregnant or nursing women – the label says not for use
- Anyone under 18 – the label says not for use
Is Vertigenics FDA approved?
No supplement is FDA approved; the FDA does not review supplements before they are sold. The maker says Vertigenics is made in the USA in a facility that follows FDA regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices, and that ingredients are tested by independent labs. We could not verify the testing.
How to use it safely
Take it with food if your stomach is sensitive, keep to two capsules a day, and avoid stacking it with other products that contain berberine, green tea extract or ginseng unless your doctor agrees. Stop and seek medical advice if you notice dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, signs of low blood sugar, unusual bleeding or an allergic reaction.
