Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot Reviews: Is It Worth It?

I’ve been on a mission to get my health markers in check. My cholesterol numbers have been stubbornly high, and I’ve been resisting the push toward prescription statins, wanting to try a natural path first. That’s when I stumbled upon the buzz around citrus bergamot. After sifting through countless brands, I landed on Naomi Whittel’s “Italian Citrus Bergamot.” It looked premium, had great reviews, and included resveratrol.¹ But did it work? If you’re in the same boat, wondering if this supplement is just expensive hype or a true natural ally for your heart health, I’m here to tell you: it’s a powerful contender you need to consider.

My Experience With Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot

My journey with this supplement started about four months ago.

I had just received my latest blood panel, and my LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) was still elevated, despite my best efforts with diet.

My doctor gave me the “we need to talk about medication” speech, and I asked for a three-month window to try one last natural approach.

That’s when I found the Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot.

I was immediately drawn to the story. It wasn’t just generic bergamot; it was Italian bergamot, sourced from Calabria, and it was a specific, trademarked extract called Bergamonte.

The formula also included olive leaf extract and resveratrol, which I already knew were powerhouse antioxidants.³ It felt like a comprehensive formula, not just a single ingredient.

The bottle arrived, and I was impressed. It felt high-quality. The capsules themselves were a standard size, easy to swallow, and had no weird smell. The directions said to take one 500mg capsule daily. I decided to take mine with my breakfast, which is usually a high-fiber oatmeal, to help with absorption and minimize any potential stomach upset.

The first few weeks, I felt… nothing. This wasn’t a pre-workout; there was no “kick.” I just took it faithfully every morning and continued with my (mostly) clean eating and regular walks. Around week three, however, I did start to notice something subtle. My energy levels felt more stable. That mid-afternoon slump I’d usually get? It wasn’t as pronounced. I just felt a bit clearer, a bit more resilient. I wasn’t sure if it was the bergamot or a placebo, but it was a welcome change.

I didn’t experience any of the negative side effects I’d read about, like muscle cramps or dizziness. My stomach handled it perfectly fine, which I was very grateful for.

The real test, of course, came three and a half months later. I went back to my doctor’s office, got my blood drawn, and waited. The phone call was the moment of truth. My doctor was genuinely surprised. My LDL cholesterol had dropped by 22 points. My triglycerides were down. And my HDL (the “good” cholesterol) had actually ticked up a few points.

Was it just the Naomi supplement? No. I was also being strict with my diet and exercise. But I firmly believe the supplement was the catalyst. It was the X-factor that finally moved the needle in a way diet and exercise alone hadn’t been able to. It’s not a magic pill, but for me, it was the critical support my body needed to get those numbers under control. I’m now on my fifth bottle and have no plans of stopping.

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Pros Of Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot

• High-Quality, Trademarked Ingredient: This isn’t just ground-up citrus peel. The product uses “Bergamonte,” which is a patented and clinically studied extract of Citrus bergamia.⁴ This is a huge pro for me. It means the manufacturer has invested in a standardized extract that guarantees a certain percentage of active polyphenols and flavonoids—the specific compounds that are believed to provide the cholesterol-lowering benefits.⁵ You’re not guessing what you’re getting; you’re getting a specific, studied dose (500mg) that has been used in clinical trials. This gives me huge peace of mind about its potency and reliability.
• Powerful Synergistic Formula: This is what really sold me over other brands. Naomi Whittel didn’t just bottle bergamot. The formula includes a blend of other heart-healthy superstars.⁶ It has olive leaf extract, which is also known to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.⁷ It contains resveratrol, a potent antioxidant from grape seed that is famous for its anti-aging and cardiovascular benefits.⁸ This synergistic approach makes perfect sense. You’re not just targeting one pathway; you’re providing comprehensive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support for your entire cardiovascular system. It feels like a multi-pronged attack on bad cholesterol, rather than a single-bullet approach.
• Clinically Backed For Cholesterol: The main ingredient, citrus bergamot extract, isn’t a folk remedy with no science.⁹ There is a solid and growing body of clinical research showing that these specific polyphenols (like brutieridin and melitidin) work by inhibiting the same HMG-CoA reductase enzyme that statins target. In plain English, it’s believed to help reduce your body’s production of cholesterol in the liver. Multiple studies have shown it can significantly lower LDL and triglycerides while also helping to raise HDL.¹⁰ This product is formulated to deliver the exact ingredient and dosage that those studies are based on, which is why it has such a strong reputation.
• Excellent User Reviews And Brand Trust: When I was doing my research, I saw that the overwhelming majority of reviews were from people just like me—folks who got real, measurable results on their bloodwork. People were reporting significant drops in their LDL numbers, and many, like me, were able to avoid or delay statin medication (under their doctor’s supervision, of course). The Naomi Whittel brand itself has a strong following. She is a visible wellness advocate, which adds a layer of accountability and trust that you don’t get from a generic, faceless supplement company on Amazon.
• Minimal Side Effects For Most Users: While I’ll get into the potential cons later, my experience with side effects was non-existent. And in my research, I found this to be the common experience. Because it’s a natural fruit extract, it’s generally very well-tolerated. It doesn’t come with that long, scary list of potential side effects associated with prescription medications. For me, taking one capsule with breakfast was seamless. No heartburn, no dizziness, no muscle cramps. This high degree of tolerability is a massive pro for a supplement you plan on taking long-term.

Cons Of Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot

• The Premium Price Tag: Let’s be real, this supplement is not cheap. A single 30-day supply bottle is a significant investment. When you compare it, gram for gram, to other brands on the market, you are definitely paying a premium for the Naomi Whittel name, the trademarked Bergamonte, and the extra ingredients like resveratrol. If you are on a tight budget, there are cheaper bergamot supplements out there. This cost can add up quickly, especially since you need to take it for at least three months to see if it’s truly working on your blood lipids.¹¹
• It’s A Supplement, Not A Magic Pill: This is the most important “con” to understand. You cannot buy this, take it every day, and continue to eat a terrible diet of fast food and sugar, expecting your cholesterol to drop. It doesn’t work that way. It is a supplement, meant to supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle. Some negative reviews I’ve seen are from people who reported “no results,” and I often wonder if they made any other changes. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s not a cure-all. It requires you to do your part, and if you’re not willing to, you’re just wasting your money.
• Potential For Mild Side Effects: While I didn’t experience any, some users do report mild side effects. The most common ones I’ve read about are heartburn, mild indigestion, or a “dizzy” feeling. This is often the case when taking it on an empty stomach. Citrus bergamot can also lower blood sugar levels.¹² While this is a “pro” for many people, it can be a significant “con” if you are diabetic or prone to hypoglycemia.¹³ You absolutely have to be mindful of this and monitor your blood sugar if you fall into that category.
• It Can Interact With Medications: This is a huge one. This supplement is not for everyone. Because it works on the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, it can potentially interact with statin drugs. Taking both could, in theory, intensify the effects and increase the risk of side effects like muscle pain.¹⁴ More importantly, bergamot can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is what your body uses to metabolize a huge number of common medications (like blood pressure meds, benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants).¹⁵ This is not a supplement to just casually add to your routine. You must talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
• The Dosage May Be Lower Than Competitors: The Naomi capsule is 500mg.¹⁶ Many clinical studies, and many competing brands, use a dose of 1000mg or even 1500mg per day to achieve the most dramatic results. While 500mg is a great, effective dose (especially with the added synergistic ingredients), some people with very high cholesterol might find they need a higher dose to see significant changes. This means you’d have to take two capsules a day, which would make an already-expensive supplement twice as expensive.

Maintenance Tips For Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot

• Consistency Is Your Greatest Ally: This is not a supplement you take “as needed.” The beneficial compounds need to build up in your system to exert their effects on your liver and cholesterol production.¹⁷ You must take it every single day, without fail. Pick a time that works for you—for me, it’s breakfast—and stick to it. Set a reminder on your phone. Put the bottle right next to your coffee maker. It takes at least 3-4 months of consistent use before you can truly judge its effectiveness with a new blood test, so you have to be patient and diligent.
• Always Take It With Food: I mentioned this in my experience, but it’s the most important practical tip. I’ve seen nearly all reports of mild indigestion or heartburn solved by this one simple trick. Taking the capsule with a meal (especially one with some healthy fat and fiber) helps it absorb better and buffers your stomach from the concentrated citrus extract. Never, ever take it on a completely empty stomach, as that’s just asking for irritation. Taking it with breakfast is a perfect way to start your day and set yourself up for success.
• Pair It With Soluble Fiber For A 1-2 Punch: This is a tip I got from a nutritionist, and I think it’s part of why I had such great results. This bergamot supplement works by helping to reduce your body’s cholesterol production. Soluble fiber (from things like oats, psyllium husk, apples, and beans) works by binding to cholesterol and bile acids in your gut and pulling them out of your body. When you combine the two, you’re attacking high cholesterol from both sides. You’re making less of it and you’re excreting more of it. I add a scoop of psyllium husk to my water every afternoon, and I feel this combo is what really amplified my results.
• Store It Properly (Cool, Dark, And Dry): This is a high-quality, plant-based extract. Its potency can be degraded by heat, light, and humidity. Do not store this bottle in your bathroom cabinet, where it gets hot and steamy every time you shower. Don’t leave it on a kitchen counter in direct sunlight. The best place is a cool, dark, and dry pantry or medicine cabinet away from any moisture. You’re paying a premium for this product, so protect your investment by storing it correctly to maintain its full potency.
• Cycle Your Supplements (The Advanced Tip): This is a strategy that many long-term supplement users follow to prevent their body from adapting. While I’m taking this continuously leading up to my next blood test, some experts recommend “cycling” your herbal supplements. This might look like taking it for five days and then taking two days off each week, or taking it for three months and then taking one week off. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule and you should talk to your doctor about it, but it’s a maintenance strategy to consider to keep the supplement working at peak effectiveness for years to come.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot Vs. Jarrow Formulas Citrus Bergamot: Jarrow Formulas is a fantastic, no-nonsense brand that I trust. Their product is very straightforward: 500mg of citrus bergamot extract in a veggie cap.¹⁸ It doesn’t have the trademarked “Bergamonte” name, but it’s standardized to 25% flavonoids. The main difference here is the formula and the price. The Naomi product is a “complex”—you’re paying extra for the resveratrol, olive leaf, and the prestige of the Bergamonte patent.¹⁹ The Jarrow product is a “pure” bergamot supplement. If your budget is your primary concern and you just want a quality bergamot extract, Jarrow is an outstanding value. If you believe in the synergistic, “all-in-one” approach and want the extra antioxidant support, the Naomi supplement is the better, more comprehensive (but more expensive) choice.
• Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot Vs. Life Extension Bergamot: Life Extension is another top-tier, science-backed brand.²⁰ Their bergamot product is a direct competitor and a very interesting one. Instead of adding resveratrol, Life Extension’s “Advanced Lipid Control” formula adds berberine and a special black tea extract. Berberine is another powerhouse supplement that is incredibly well-studied for its effects on both blood sugar and cholesterol (it works differently than bergamot). This makes the Life Extension product an absolute beast for anyone who is also dealing with high blood sugar or metabolic syndrome. The choice here depends on your secondary goals. I chose Naomi because my primary concern was cholesterol and antioxidant support. If my blood sugar was also a major issue, I would have seriously considered the Life Extension formula instead.
• Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot Vs. Nutricost Or NOW Foods Citrus Bergamot: This is the “bulk value” comparison. Brands like Nutricost and NOW Foods are famous for their high-quality, single-ingredient products at a fantastic price. You can often get a Nutricost bottle with double the dose (1000mg or 1200mg) for less money than the Naomi 500mg bottle. The trade-off? You are getting only citrus bergamot. There are no extra synergistic ingredients. The Naomi product is a curated, premium formula. The Nutricost product is a raw, high-dose, bulk ingredient. If you are an experienced supplement user who wants to build your own “stack,” buying a bulk bergamot from Nutricost and a separate resveratrol supplement might be more cost-effective. If you want a simple, one-and-done, professionally formulated capsule, you’re paying for that convenience with the Naomi brand.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, is the Naomi Italian Citrus Bergamot worth it? For me, the answer was a clear and definite yes. The blood test results speak for themselves. This is not just some generic supplement; it’s a high-quality, patented, and synergistic formula that gave my body the natural support it needed to finally get my cholesterol numbers moving in the right direction. If you are on the fence, have stubbornly high cholesterol, and are willing to also put in the work with your diet, I cannot recommend this product enough. It’s an investment, but for me, it’s one that paid off.