Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Insulin Health Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by LES Labs

Insulin Health label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Insulin Health against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Insulin Health is a dietary supplement by LES Labs with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy), blood sugar support in diabetes, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 1,224 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberine Hydrochloride, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vanadium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Insulin Health by LES Labs

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Insulin Health by LES Labs — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Insulin Health by LES Labs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 13, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Insulin Health contains five active ingredients: alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, vanadium, berberine hydrochloride, and olive leaf extract. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant used in diabetic nerve damage; chromium helps your body handle blood sugar; vanadium is a mineral with theoretical blood-sugar effects; berberine is a plant alkaloid studied for cholesterol and blood pressure; and olive leaf extract is derived from the olive plant.

The capsules also contain two inactive ingredients: hypromellose (a capsule binder) and rice bran powder (a filler).

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Blood sugar and insulin health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Diabetic neuropathy, Diabetic nephropathy, Diabetic retinopathy, Metabolic syndrome — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chromium is rated "Likely Effective" for Chromium deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Alpha-lipoic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetic neuropathy, Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes.

Evidence for these ingredients is mixed. Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage and high cholesterol, and possibly effective for weight management.

Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for diabetes, but possibly ineffective for prediabetes and other conditions. Vanadium has a likely-effective rating for vanadium deficiency, but evidence for diabetes, cholesterol, athletic performance, and cancer is insufficient to rate.

Berberine is possibly effective for high cholesterol, PCOS, H. pylori infection, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Olive leaf extract has insufficient evidence for all the conditions studied — osteoporosis, indigestion, exercise respiratory infections, shingles, flu, and arthritis.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-lipoic Acid Chromium Vanadium Berberine Olive

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Alpha-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated but can lower blood sugar and is best used under medical guidance. Common side effects include headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting when taken by mouth.

Rare cases of skin rash and itching occur, and very rare reports link it to a type of autoimmune insulin syndrome. Alpha-lipoic acid should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Chromium is usually well tolerated at typical doses but may cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches, mood changes, or rashes; high or long-term doses carry unknown risks. Small amounts from diet or prenatal vitamins are generally acceptable, but extra supplement doses should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless your doctor recommends them.

Vanadium from food is fine, but supplements can cause stomach upset and diarrhea at higher doses and may harm kidneys with long-term high-dose use. Vanadium supplements should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Berberine is generally tolerated short-term but causes digestive side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. It must be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding because it can cross into the placenta and breast milk and has been linked to harm in newborns.

Olive leaf extract as a concentrated supplement is less studied than olive oil and food olives; it may cause headache or stomach discomfort and is best used with your doctor's approval in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-lipoic Acid Chromium Vanadium Berberine Olive

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Vanadium, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Chromium, Berberine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,225 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Insulin Health, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take cyclosporine (highest risk), or any blood pressure drugs, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents), diabetes drugs, insulin, antidiabetes medications, thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, CNS depressants like sedatives, NSAIDs, aspirin, chemotherapy drugs, or any medication metabolized by your liver's CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzymes — this list covers many common prescriptions, and berberine in particular can raise drug levels and increase side effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Insulin Health is designed to support blood sugar control, but its four active ingredients with interactions make it a product that needs careful review before you start. If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication — especially blood thinners, diabetes drugs, blood pressure drugs, heart medications, sedatives, or thyroid hormones — check each of your drugs with the tool on this page or talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not appropriate times for this product without specific medical guidance.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Insulin Health, straight from the product label.

Brand LES Labs
Barcode (UPC) 602573114803
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2022
DSLD ID 276519
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Insulin Health by LES Labs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
602573114803
IngredientAmount% DV
Alpha Lipoic Acid150 mg--
Chromium150 mcg429%
Vanadium570 mcg--
Berberine Hydrochloride250 mg--
Olive Leaf Extract250 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Bran, Powder

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take one (1) capsule one to three times daily or as recommended by a physician.

Precautions

Caution: Keep out of reach of children.

Pregnant or lactating women and those undergoing treatment for a medical condition should consult a physician before taking this supplement.

Do not use if outer seal is missing or damaged.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Formulation

Made with Non-GMO ingredients

Supports healthy metabolic function Promotes glucose metabolism Maintains balanced insulin response and signaling

Seals/Symbols

Manufactured in the USA cGMP certified manufacturing

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent and disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement with Berberine and ALA

Formula

Dietary Supplement with Berberine and ALA

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Insulin Health by LES Labs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Insulin Health label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Insulin Health by LES Labs

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
150 mg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

Alpha Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

Chromium

Interacts with
178 drugs
150 mcg per serving Form: Chromium Picolinate

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control i...

Chromium monograph & interactions

Vanadium

Interacts with
208 drugs
570 mcg per serving Form: Vanadyl Sulfate

Vanadium is a trace mineral found in tiny amounts in food, and people get plenty from a normal diet. Supplement claims for diabetes, weight, and athle...

Vanadium monograph & interactions

Berberine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
250 mg per serving

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research vari...

Berberine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Olive Leaf Extract

No known
interactions
250 mg per serving Form: Oleuropein

Olive comes from the same tree that gives us olives and olive oil, and its leaf and fruit contain antioxidant compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyr...

Olive Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Bran, Powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Insulin Health by LES Labs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Insulin Health?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,224Drugs
1 Major 1,204 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Berberine Hydrochloride 1,160
Alpha Lipoic Acid 263
Vanadium 208
Chromium 178

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Insulin Health interact with 1,224 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Insulin Health interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Berberine Hydrochloride Alpha Lipoic Acid Vanadium Chromium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Insulin Health with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Berberine Hydrochloride15 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.
In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetazolamide

Laboratory studies and initial clinical findings suggest that berberine has the potential to increase acetazolamide concentrations in the body. More research is needed to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Berberine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions

Alpha Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Alpha Lipoic Acid full monograph & interactions

Vanadium2 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, vanadium might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that the sodium orthovanadate form of vanadium prolongs clotting time, likely through inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, vanadium might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A few very small clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes show that the vanadyl sulfate form of vanadium increases insulin sensitivity and might lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Vanadium full monograph & interactions

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone. Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chromium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Insulin Health, from the product label.

LES Labs

See all LES Labs products
Name
LES Labs, Inc.
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
ZipCode
91789
Phone Number
87-567-5370
Web Address
www.leslabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Insulin Health by LES Labs: Common Questions

Does Insulin Health by LES Labs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Insulin Health has a known interaction with 1,224 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Insulin Health contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Alpha-lipoic acid, vanadium, and berberine should all be avoided during pregnancy because there isn't enough safety data (or in berberine's case, it's been linked to harm). Berberine also passes into breast milk. Chromium in small amounts from food or prenatal vitamins is generally okay, but extra supplements should be avoided unless your doctor says otherwise. Talk with your doctor before taking this product if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What's berberine, and why does it interact with so many drugs?
Berberine is a plant alkaloid that your liver metabolizes through several pathways. Because it inhibits some of the enzymes that break down many common medications — including blood pressure drugs, sedatives, and pain relievers — it can cause those drugs to build up in your system and increase side effects. It's why checking your full medication list before taking this product is essential.
Can this product lower my blood sugar too much?
Yes, theoretically. All four of the main active ingredients — alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, vanadium, and berberine — can lower blood sugar or increase insulin sensitivity. If you're on diabetes or insulin medication, combining them might increase your risk of low blood sugar. This is why medical guidance is recommended and why you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any diabetes drugs.
What are the most common side effects I should expect?
The most frequent side effects are digestive — nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and constipation, mainly from berberine. Alpha-lipoic acid may cause headache, heartburn, or nausea. Chromium can trigger headaches or mood changes. Most people tolerate the ingredients when used as directed, but digestive upset is common.
Is olive leaf extract in this product effective for anything?
The evidence doesn't support its use for the conditions studied — osteoporosis, indigestion, respiratory infections from exercise, shingles, flu, and arthritis. We don't have reliable evidence that it works for any of those, though it's generally well tolerated as a food and oil.
Should I be concerned about kidney or liver damage?
Serious kidney or liver damage is rare with these ingredients at typical supplement doses. However, vanadium at high doses over a long time may harm the kidneys, and rare cases of kidney and liver damage have been reported with chromium. If you have kidney or liver disease, discuss this product with your doctor before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Insulin Health label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Insulin Health’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Chromium

Interacts with 178 drugs

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control in certain people with type 2 diabetes, b...

Read the full Chromium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vanadium

Interacts with 208 drugs

Vanadium is a trace mineral found in tiny amounts in food, and people get plenty from a normal diet. Supplement claims for diabetes, weight, and athletic performance are not well proven, and...

Read the full Vanadium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Berberine

Interacts with 1,160 drugs

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research varies and it is not a replacement for presc...

Read the full Berberine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Olive

Olive comes from the same tree that gives us olives and olive oil, and its leaf and fruit contain antioxidant compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Olive oil as part of a Mediterrane...

Read the full Olive monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Insulin Health's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 159 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
  1. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  2. Anon. Alpha-lipoic acid. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:308-10.
  3. Konrad T, Vicini P, Kusterer K, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1999;22:280-7. PubMed
  4. Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A 3-week, multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia 1995;38:1425-33.
  5. Gleiter CH, Schreeb KH, Freudenthaler S, et al. Lack of interaction between thioctic acid, glibenclamide and acarbose. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1999;48:819-25. PubMed
  6. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Tritschler HJ, et al. Improvement of insulin-stimulated glucose-disposal in type 2 diabetes after repeated parenteral administration of thioctic acid. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabet 1996;104:284-8. PubMed
  7. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45:872-4.
  8. Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, pilot trial. Free Rad Biol Med 1999;27:309-14.
  9. Segermann J, Hotze A, Ulrich H, Rao GS. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and on serum lipid-, protein- and glucose levels. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:1294-8.
  10. Beitner H. Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol 2003;149:841-9.
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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