EXCLUSIVE: Nerilee Gregory spent $144 on a popular berberine supplement after seeing it touted as “nature’s Ozempic” on social media.
Instead of helping her lose weight, it landed her in hospital.
The 52-year-old from Sydney is urgently advising other Australians to thoroughly research before believing online claims about berberine and other supplements.
Gregory knew none of this and fears many other Aussies could be in the same boat.
“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.”
A Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) told 9news that “no medicine or other therapeutic good is totally risk-free”.
Supplements containing herbal substances like berberine are generally regulated by the TGA as therapeutic goods.
They must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before being imported to, exported from, or supplied in Australia.
Most are included as listed medicines, meaning they can only contain ingredients from a pre-approved TGA list.
“Berberine is naturally present in certain plants and is included as a component in some herbal ingredients allowed for use in listed medicines,” the spokesperson informed 9news.
There are currently no limitations regarding berberine content in herbal permitted ingredients, but berberine has not been approved for use as a standalone ingredient in listed medicines.
“The TGA consistently monitors the safety of therapeutic goods in Australia, including berberine, and takes measures to address verified safety issues,” they stated.
Wheate urged Aussies to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking berberine or any other supplements.
He also cautioned against buying supplements online.
”Buy only from a physical store in Australia [and] check that the front of the packaging has a TGA approval number,” he said.
This will be formatted AUST L followed by a string of numbers, e.g. AUST L 123456.
“This means the government that approved the ingredients as safe and that it has been manufactured to the highest standard,” Wheate explained.
“Don’t buy a product that doesn’t have an TGA approval number.”
This article’s information is general. Please seek advice from your GP or another healthcare professional tailored to your specific needs.
