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Gymnema Side Effects and Who Should Be Careful
Gymnema side effects are uncommon, but two matter: a reversible liver-injury case report and a possible stacking effect with diabetes drugs. Sugar Defender lists gymnema leaf eighth, so one mL holds at most 25 mg, well under the 200 to 400 mg of extract used in studies.
Written by the Sugar Defender label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The dose01
How much gymnema is in Sugar Defender?
At most 25 mg per mL. The label lists gymnema sylvestre leaf eighth of 22 blend lines and prints no amount, so the ceiling is 200 divided by 8.
An even split is about 9 mg. Trials of the extract used 200 to 400 mg a day (Drugs.com, Gymnema monograph), so side effects seen at those doses may not appear at this one.
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Even split of the blend | About 9 mg per mL |
| Most the eighth line can hold | 25 mg per mL |
| Studied extract dose | 200-400 mg a day |
A small dose is not a promise of safety, though. The cautions below depend on your health and your medicines, not only on milligrams.
Known effects02
What are the side effects of gymnema?
Its best-known effect is a reduced sweet taste. A reversible liver-injury case report also exists (Drugs.com, Gymnema monograph).
- Taste: sweet foods can seem less sweet for a while.
- Liver: one case report, which reversed. Report yellow skin or dark urine at once.
- Pregnant, nursing or under 18: the label asks you to see a physician or skip the drops.
A case report cannot show how common a problem is. It is a flag, not a rate. Tell your doctor about any supplement before blood tests, so unexpected liver results are read in context.
Medicines03
Can gymnema cause low blood sugar with medication?
It can matter if you take diabetes medicine. The ADA warns that some supplements can cause low blood glucose when combined with diabetes drugs (ADA, Vitamins & Supplements).
Gymnema's studied effect on fasting glucose is small, but trials measured a change, so tell your care team before you add it. Insulin, sulfonylureas and meglitinides are the drug types that can cause lows.
Know the signs, and keep taking prescribed medicine.
- Shaky or jitteryTrembling hands, feeling nervous
- Sweaty, chillsClammy skin out of nowhere
- Hungry, nauseousSudden strong hunger
- Dizzy, confusedTrouble thinking or speaking clearly
- Fast heartbeatPounding or racing pulse
15-15For many people with diabetes, a low is under 70 mg/dL. Take 15-20 g of fast carbohydrate (juice, glucose tablets), then check again in 15 minutes.
Call 911If someone with a low passes out, has a seizure or cannot safely swallow. Do not give food or drink to someone who is unconscious.
Signs and steps from NIDDK (NIDDK, Low Blood Glucose). Insulin, sulfonylureas and meglitinides can cause lows; supplements may add to them (ADA, Vitamins & Supplements).
Sugar Defender: from $49 a bottle60 mL · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 or 6 · 60-day money-back guarantee
See packsIf you try it04
What does Sugar Defender cost?
Two bottles are $158 plus shipping, three are $207 and six are $294, with a 60-day money-back guarantee on official orders.
Sugar Defender: from $49 a bottle60 mL · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 or 6 · 60-day money-back guarantee
See packsThe full profile is on the gymnema page, and every other flag is under side effects.
FAQ05
Sugar Defender questions people ask
Does gymnema change how food tastes?
Yes, its best-known effect is a reduced sweet taste. The effect is reversible, and the label does not describe it (Drugs.com, Gymnema monograph).
Should someone with liver disease avoid gymnema?
Ask a clinician first. One reversible liver-injury case report exists, and nobody knows the rate, so a liver condition is a reason to check (Drugs.com, Gymnema monograph).
What should I do if I feel shaky after starting a new supplement?
If you take diabetes medicine, check your glucose, treat a low with 15 to 20 g of fast carbohydrate and recheck in 15 minutes (NIDDK, Low Blood Glucose).
Who wrote this06
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by Isugardefender, a Sugar Defender U.S. shop, not by the manufacturer or the distributor. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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