Fraudulent products are a real concern for supplement buyers. The latest example of this was revealed in lab testing of top selling berberine supplements purchased on Amazon. The results were pretty shocking with the majority of supplements seemingly containing less than 10% of the berberine claimed on the product label – with a couple containing none at all.
In this eye-opening episode of the NatureCity Podcast, host and supplement industry veteran Carl Pradelli breaks down the findings and why if a supplement price seems too good to be true, it probably is. You’ll also find out why solely relying on Amazon star ratings and badges may not protect you from purchasing a fraudulent supplement.
Carl also dives into why berberine has become a target for fraudulent supplement makers: it's growing in popularity for supporting blood sugar, metabolic health, and weight management, but a high dose is required for results (which make it more costly to produce). This has opened the door for bad actors to cut corners.
Carl also outlines the biological role of berberine, including how it supports AMPK enzyme activity, blood sugar metabolism, and insulin function. He also discusses GlucoVantage, a newer form of berberine (dihydroberberine) that offers superior absorption and far fewer stomach and gastrointestinal issues—making it a game-changer for anyone interested in the benefits of berberine.
This episode doesn’t just warn you—it equips you. Learn how to spot quality supplements, why price matters, and how combining berberine with strength training can improve body composition and reduce fat storage.
If you’re looking to optimize your supplement stack or protect your health investment, this episode is a must-listen.
Don’t risk your health or waste your money. Subscribe for honest supplement insights and insider tips that protect your wellness journey.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• How top selling berberine supplements failed a basic quality test.
• Why low prices often mean low quality.
• What makes berberine effective—and how to get the most from it.
• How new ingredient technology like GlucoVantage solves major challenges with berberine.
• Why combining berberine with exercise can help your body composition.
TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro: Why supplement quality still matters
1:04 Shocking results from berberine lab tests
2:14 Why berberine fraud is rising fast
3:01 Price vs. quality—what the study shows
4:38 Common side effects and red flags to watch for
5:54 Why Amazon reviews can’t always be trusted
6:40 How berberine can help support blood sugar and weight management
7:52 What is AMPK and why it matters
9:01 The absorption problem with regular berberine
10:14 GlucoVantage: What makes it a superior form of berberine
11:22 Best practices: Combining with exercise for fat loss and better body composition
12:20 How NatureCity formulates with GlucoVantage
13:10 Final tips and where to learn more
