Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It has been known for some time that curcumin can provide amazing benefits. There are a lot of supplements on the market today that claim to offer a large dose of curcumin.
With hundreds of options to choose from, how do you determine the best curcumin supplement?
We took a look at the top choices for curcumin in hopes of helping you find the best choice for your supplement routine.
One of the biggest problems with curcumin is that it has poor bioavailability.
It found naturally in turmeric is not readily absorbed by the human body. Many companies simply take the curcumin out of turmeric and curcumin put it in a pill.
While you will get some pros from eating turmeric, there are better ways of consuming curcumin to maximize its effectiveness.
Some companies have found ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by combining it with another substance.
When you are looking for a supplement to take, we recommend one that has utilized natural ways of increasing bioavailability.
In this review, you will find an overview of a handful of supplements that have done just that, as well as some useful information on curcumin and its benefits.
Table of Contents
Best Curcumin Supplement Products (Bioavailable Forms)
MERIVA FORM
1. Thorne Research Meriva SF
Thorne Research’s Meriva SF compound is one of the best curcumin supplements. Thorne Research has to lead the way in understanding natural compounds and how to make them more available to the human body.
With over 30 clinical studies on Meriva SF, you can trust that it has a proven track record of success.
Meriva is 20% curcumin and 80% phospholipids. The phospholipids are there to bind with the curcumin and make it absorbable in the body.
The phospholipids in this supplement are unique to the company and were designed for maximum bioavailability.
They have named this ingredient Phytosome. Phytosome improves the ability of the body to keep and use curcumin.
One of the research studies for Meriva was done with 9 participants with an average age of 35. Each participant took a small dosage of Meriva, a large dosage of Meriva, or a placebo mixture.
The findings from the study showed that lower dosages of Meriva improve the bioavailability of curcumin compared to other curcumin supplements.
The Meriva form supplement is the best organic turmeric supplement, primarily because of the encouraging research findings and overwhelmingly positive consumer reports.
This product is absolutely one of the best on the market in 2021. It is my #1 choice. If you have been looking for a bioavailable supplement from a trusted company, then Meriva SF products are an excellent choice.
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2. Jarrow Formulas
Jarrow Formulas Curcumin products also use the Meriva compound and Phytosome in the supplement. Meriva is a patented compound that is shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin.
Jarrow Formulas leased that compound for their supplement. It is free of gluten, wheat, egg, dairy, fish, and peanuts. It is also vegan-friendly.
When comparing the two companies, both will provide you with an excellent source of bioavailable curcumin.
With Thorne Research, you are getting the same product from a better reviewed and established company.
Jarrow Formulas Curcumin Phytosome is a good choice if you are already buying products from them and you want to add the Meriva form to your supplement routine. However, the same product is also available through an extremely trustworthy brand -Thorne Research.
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THERACURMIN FORM
3. CurcuminRich by Natural Factors
CurcuminRich by Natural Factors supplement products uses Theracurmin to increase the bioavailability of their curcumin. This compound is 10% curcumin and 90% other curcuminoids.
Theracurmin was patented by Theravalues Corporation, a Japanese company. This compound is new to the supplement market, but large amounts of clinical research studies have been conducted on Theracurmin and found to increase the bioavailability of curcumin.
CurcuminRich by Natural Factors is the best choice if you are looking for an all-natural way to take curcumin that uses Theracurmin.
These capsules contain 60 mg of Theracurmin curcumin each, and they are vegan-friendly and non-GMO. The company, Natural Factors, puts its supplements through rigorous testing.
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LONGVIDA FORM
4. 1MD Advanced X285
1MD products use the compound Longvida in their Advanced Turmeric X285. Longvida is 80% phospholipids and 20% curcumin. It’s similar to BioPerine because producers use the same turmeric supplements with curcumin.
However, the BioPerine formula does not contain curcumin, whereas Longvida does. It was designed and patented for two reasons; to make curcumin easier for the body to retain and help treat specific health conditions.
There has been a considerable amount of research on the effectiveness of Longvida.
The company 1MD is a trusted supplement company that prides itself on quality and purity. If you are looking for a curcumin supplement that uses Longvida, then this is a good choice.
The 285 in the name represents the turmeric supplement’s proven ability to be 285 times more bioavailable than turmeric. The pills are vegan-friendly and non-GMO. Each capsule contains 400 mg of Longvida.
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BIOPERINE FORM
5. Vita Balance Turmeric Plus
What is the most potent turmeric supplement?
The Turmeric Curcumin Plus formula made by Vita Balance includes BioPerine. BioPerine was designed to be taken with a curcumin supplement.
The specific percentage of BioPerine that should be used with curcumin is around 1%.
BioPerine has gone through many clinical research studies, which have proven that taking BioPerine improves the safety and efficiency of other supplements.
A variety of supplement producers use it in their products including Vita Balance.
Vita Balance products are from a trusted company that only uses 100 percent natural ingredients made in the USA. Each two-capsule serving has 1200 mg of turmeric, 100 mg of curcuminoids, and 10 mg of BioPerine.
6. TC With Bioperine by Vimerson Health
One of the best brands in this space is Vimerson Health. Its researches and manufactures turmeric root powder with the BioPerine supplement.
Consumers can feel safe when purchasing their products. A good sign for consumers purchasing this compound is that it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if there is no joint pain relief or discomfort relief.
The product is made with an organic formula, which is GMO, gluten, dairy, and soy-free. Also, all products that are made by VH products do not contain hormones, preservatives, or antibiotics.
Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine is manufactured in the United States, so customers can feel confident that the product was produced with the highest level of care, quality, and safety.
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PIPERINE (BLACK PEPPER) FORM
7. Purity Labs Organic Supplement with Black Pepper
For thousands of years, turmeric extract and curcumin have been used to improve joint, cardiovascular, and liver health. This curcumin supplement with pepper piperine from Purity Labs has been considered as the best turmeric supplement with black pepper extract.
As discussed previously, turmeric is quickly metabolized within the liver and intestines; in other words, your body cannot optimally absorb the compound.
Black pepper extract can be added to supplements to increase the body’s absorption of turmeric. This supplement may help with the following symptoms and conditions:
- Help joints pain and back pain
- Improve cardiovascular well-being
- Increase energy
- Lower levels of inflammation
- Digestion disorders
- 120 capsules
- Improve neurological function
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Purity Labs promise that the following ingredients will never be found in any of their organic turmeric supplements: Trans fats, preservatives, soy, sugar, dairy, artificial colors or flavors, gluten, GMOs, and wheat.
Purity Labs is so confident in their product that each purchase comes with a one-year, 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the results. It’s not very often you find that kind of guarantee in a supplement or dietary product.
The superior formula of Purity Labs Turmeric Curcumin Supplement and Purity Lab’s proven track record of manufacturing useful products has led to this supplement being named the top turmeric supplements with black pepper extraction on the market in 2020.
A1 Vitality – Bonus
As a nation, we don’t get the credit we deserve for our health and well-being, but we’re pushing ahead. And as things stand, turmeric is up there as one of the jewels in our crown.
While our strength training/weightlifting techniques may not always have the requisite support from science and research (somehow, an effective and exciting way to challenge yourself in the gym is lost on a lot of gym-goers) turmeric has it in spades. In fact, according to the current evidence, it seems to be doing so much more than that. And you only have to look at this fabulous drink for proof.
It’s no secret that turmeric powder has a huge amount of well-being-boosting properties. It contains several bioactive compounds, including curcumin, the active constituent of turmeric (also known as the golden spice). This compound is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. These include, but aren’t limited to, treating various ailments, inflammatory bowel disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, Alzheimer’s, and HIV/AIDS. At A1 Vitality, we’re not the only ones in town – plenty of commercial brands (under other names) make this very drink. So how do you choose?
The key to choosing the best turmeric product is the potency and formulation of the supplement. In order for turmeric to activate and provide its healing properties, it needs to be at a concentrated level, so some products contain curcumin at 100% concentration. Others contain even more powder. This is fine, as it means there is an even greater focus on the medicinal pros of turmeric, but the downside is you don’t get the pros of extra potency.
Products not includedin this review:
- Garden of Life mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric
What is Curcumin?
It is a yellow compound that is produced by specific plants like turmeric. It is manufactured and distributed in the form of a supplement. It is also an ingredient in cosmetic products, flavoring, and food coloring.
The compound has been known to have antioxidant properties. It has also been shown to treat and dull pain, as well as improve levels of depression.
Dietary Supplements that are composed of curcumin are thought to have several benefits. It helps with the human body’s manufacturing of three specific antioxidants.
These antioxidants include superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione. Research has indicated that curcumin has several beneficial applications.
For instance, the chemical may decrease the pace at which some forms of cancer develop which can make it potentially useful to take curcumin supplements for cancer prevention (talk to your doctor first to find out what the doctor recommended). It may also improve cognitive function in individuals with deficiencies related to aging.
This unique compound may be capable of improving cardiovascular well-being. It also may be able to lower the likelihood of developing diabetes.
The mixture can also help heal some medical conditions related to diabetes. It has been shown to have poor bioavailability when consumed orally. In other words, when you consume curcumin orally, it is not well-retained by the body.
Thus, curcumin must be made more bioavailable. The chemical’s bioavailability can be increased by combining it with piperine.
Turmeric vs Curcumin vs. Cumin
The comparison of curcumin, turmeric, and cumin can be troublesome. First, let’s examine the differences between curcumin and cumin.
The two have different features and present unique benefits to users. Curcumin is a component of turmeric.
Turmeric belongs to the ginger family of plants. It most often used as a spice to change the color of foods into a yellow-ish or gold-ish hue.
Benefits of Curcumin
Ancient medical experts from Asia have been using it as a healing agent for hundreds of years.
More recently, it has been studied and researched in a broad variety of settings.
The primary reason that curcumin is being investigated and reviewed is for the healing and antioxidant advantages.
When being used for its antioxidant properties, it seeks out and destroys harmful molecules.
These toxic molecules, also known as “free radicals,” harm healthy cells and can cause chronic conditions.
It also has anti-inflammatory effects. Research has shown that the substance may be useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and several others.
It does have some negative features. It has poor bioavailability properties, and the human body does not retain it well.
Research studies show that curcumin may be most effective when it is combined with another substance, such as piperine.
Benefits of Cumin
Cumin is a plant but is often seen and used in powder form. It’s is found in chili and curry powders or on its own as a spice. Additionally, cumin possesses certain advantages.
The main component of cumin is an oil, which is known as cuminaldehyde. This oil has been known to have antimicrobial and antifungal features.
Research has shown that this special oil prevents the formation of certain bacteria, which also turns it into a good option as a food preservative.
Further studies have shown that cumin may be effective at slowing stomach or gastrointestinal issues.
Cumin also contains large amounts of iron. Iron is an essential and beneficial component of a healthy diet. Also, it is reported to help with weight loss, though the evidence is anecdotal.
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric can be easily identified due to the substance’s bright yellow color. People use turmeric for different purposes all over the world.
In India, people use turmeric to help with skin, stomach, and inflammatory problems. Turmeric also contains curcumin, which provides its own unique set of advantages.
Thus, most of the advantages that can be attributed to It apply to turmeric as well.
Turmeric may also have several beneficial properties that curcumin does not have. For example, research indicates that turmeric can be useful in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
Many scientists attribute the advantages of turmeric to plant-based compounds. Studies suggest that curcumin and turmeric can decrease the growth of fungus in the body.
The same studies show that turmeric may be more effective than curcumin. More research needs to be done to determine the effects of independently using turmeric, curcumin, and cumin. Supplements are available as pill and turmeric powder form
Curcumin Bioavailability and Absorption – How to Take
When curcumin is consumed without any extra supplement, the compound is not well-retained. There are a few methods that help the body absorb and retain supplements.
- Creating a combination of curcumin and piperine, which is a component of black pepper
- Creating a mix of curcumin with specific lipids
The first method of combining curcumin with piperine is taking 500 mg. Then, take 20mg of piperine. You should take this supplement combination three times daily.
The second method of taking curcumin is by combining it with specific lipids, such as BCM-95 or Meriva.
What medications should not be taken with turmeric supplements?
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Omeprazole.
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
BCM-95
Let’s take a deeper look at the compound BCM-95 that is used in many supplements. BCM-95 is 86% curcuminoids, and around 8% essential oils.
It is made by Progressive Labs, which was founded in 1992. They focus on the research and development of well-being supplements. Like the other compounds, BCM-95 is used in many brands of supplements.
The first unique property of BCM-95 is that is 100% turmeric. This composition creates a more natural supplement, which is unlike including other ingredients.
The website for Progressive Labs states that there have been fourteen clinical research trials, as well as two studies related to the bioavailability.
Extra research has focused on the supplement helping with specific well-being conditions like joint health, urinary tract health, mental health, and stress reduction, as well as neurological function, and breast, prostate, and liver well-being.
Research on BMC-95 tried to compare the compound to Longvida and Theracurmin.
Additionally, the study focused on bioavailability. The findings from the research state that BCM-95 may have broad medical applications.
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Curcumin and Turmeric Health Benefits
Curcumin and turmeric both have components that could bring users advantages. The following are some of the known or suggested benefits that the two supplements can provide, supported by clinical research.
Research has demonstrated that both compounds are antiinflammatory. These properties help with the symptoms of Osteoarthritis.
Clinical studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory of both supplements assists in regulating body fat.
Both compounds have been studied in clinical trials with an emphasis on their effect on certain cardiovascular conditions and heart disease. Research shows that they can decrease harmful LDL cholesterol levels.
Reduced LDL cholesterol can lower the likelihood of developing certain cardiovascular and heart conditions. Research studies indicate that both compounds could increase metabolism and lower blood sugar.
This finding could result in a reduction of the adverse effects of diabetes on the human body.
Research conducted on rats demonstrated that these compounds assisted in the protection of the liver from chronic damage.
This protection is achieved by decreasing negative oxidative pressure. Clinical studies on the effect of the compound on cancer are ongoing; however, early results say that the mixture could decrease cancer cells in some regions of the body.
Studies also indicate that both supplement compounds can fight off fungus-related cells.
This finding demonstrates that the compounds could be used in combination with other fungus medicines to improve the outlook of patients with fungal conditions.
Studies show that both compounds have potent antibacterial properties. These properties could decrease how quickly health condition-causing bacteria grow.
Curcumin Benefits That You May Not Find in Turmeric for Specific Conditions
It is known to be an essential component of turmeric. Studies have begun to focus on the isolation of curcumin to figure out if it has pros without being a part of turmeric.
It has already been shown to have potent antioxidant properties.
The compound can assist in healing certain wounds due to its antibacterial nature.
Research studies that involved animal subjects state that curcumin reduces the properties of diabetes better than turmeric. It may decrease the likelihood of contracting osteoporosis.
There is no debate that it has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplementation. This can prove beneficial to people who have diabetes and osteoporosis.
How a Curcumin Can Help you Deal with Inflammation
The main reason that people turn to curcumin supplements is for their anti-inflammatory supplementation to fight inflammation. These supplements contain many curcuminoids.
Research shows that these curcuminoids work in the human body to inhibit PGE2, the hormone that increases inflammation.
The best supplement may be one that increases curcumin’s bioavailability.
What are the most potent turmeric supplements?
Which curcumin is best for inflammation?
Unfortunately, it is really poorly absorbed. It really helps to consume supplement which contains piperine (black pepper extract), a natural substance that increases the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%;
The best supplements contain piperine, substantially increasing their effectiveness.
The complex is also fat-soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Curcumin
Inflammation is an important defense mechanism of the human body. The primary cause of inflammation is to stop foreign bodies from entering the body as well as fixing the damage.
If we didn’t evolve the inflammation defense, certain types of bacteria that are benign today could be deadly.
Does turmeric help inflammation?
Research on curcumin demonstrates that its properties match the most popular anti-inflammation medications.
As an added benefit, curcumin doesn’t carry the same possibility of adverse side effects and can be used long term.
What are the side effects of curcumin?
A small number of people may experience some really mild side effects if taken at higher doses. These may include:
- Digestive issues
- Headache and nausea: 450 mg or more may cause some nausea & headache in a small number of people;
- Skin rash: After taking a dose of 8,000 mg or more, some people have reported a skin rash;
Chronic inflammation (inflammatory response) is a property of some of the most common diseases in the world. Several studies show that curcumin can decrease the number of inflammation molecules.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
One of the most prominent properties of aging and several diseases is oxidative harm.
Oxidative damage comes from important molecules that react to natural substances in the body.
Antioxidants are beneficial because they protect the body from the free radicals mentioned earlier.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, which is used to inhibit those free radicals.
Research indicates that curcumin can increase the human body’s natural antioxidant enzymes.
Curcumin employs a two-factor approach to inhibiting harmful oxidative molecules.
It works by first inhibiting the toxic particles; then, it increases the body’s ability to use its antioxidant protection.
Some popular supplements I decided to include in this review for various reasons: Doctor’s Best Curcumin From Turmeric Root Extract, North American Herb & Spice Oregamax, Life Extension Curcumin Elite Turmeric Extract, Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex
Who Should Not Take Turmeric?
Studies have shown turmeric does not lower blood pressure. In fact, some research suggests it may increase blood pressure. Turmeric does not lower cholesterol levels, the mineral content of which may cause inflammation. Many have observed that turmeric has a very light coloring, so if you have a history of food allergies or sensitivities it’s best to stay away. Very high dosages of turmeric are associated with severe abdominal pains and stomach cramps. These side effects are so common that it has earned the nickname “turmerone” and was given to treat the pancreatic disorder Clenbuterol.
In one study, in which nine people were given 3 grams (1 teaspoon) of turmeric a day for 21 days, two people suffered serious side effects including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. There’s also been a case of death associated with turmeric overdose. People who take the drug regularly have reported that they experience these side effects for months or even years afterward. It’s very important to check with your physician before taking turmeric or turmerone.
Is Curcumin Safe to Take Daily?
Over 90 percent of the world’s population is deficient in this nutrient, which means you need to eat large amounts of turmeric. If your body has been chronically deprived, a couple of turmeric supplements should be enough to be considered safe for everyone. Back to Basics on the Benefits of Curcumin. Cancer: Is your turmeric supplementation enhancing your body’s ability to fight cancerous tumors? According to a study conducted in Japan, at least three different types of tumors appeared to be suppressed, when taken regularly.
Diabetes: According to a Danish study, turmeric is highly effective against inflammation caused by diabetes. This increase in inflammation is key to the process of stimulating and accelerating insulin production in the body. Heart Disease: Dietary supplements have been found to decrease LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), improving the chances of maintaining cardiovascular health. Alzheimer’s Disease: According to a study by a team of Dutch and Italian researchers, taking 100 milligrams of curcumin daily could help.
Doctor Recommended Turmeric Curcumin
The latest update of the Vitamin D Council’s 2017 Vitamin D Status Report stated that a combination of turmeric and curcumin—the chemically active component of turmeric—takes longer to reach maximum absorption than one single vitamin, but is still recommended as the highest potential of a multivitamin supplement in everyday use. Turmeric contains an impressive amount of curcumin in a relatively safe form, which could promote and maintain the health benefits of this important herb,” said the study’s author, Mignon Girault.
Whether you’re looking to get the most out of your nutrient-rich, antioxidant-packed turmeric or want to remove turmeric’s bitter taste from your life forever, the discovery of this research may just be the solution you’ve been looking for. It is reported that while it takes a little over a day for a curcumin supplement to reach maximum absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take for Turmeric to Work?
he efficacy of turmeric largely depends on various factors, such as the form of turmeric consumed, dosage, and individual variations in metabolism. In general, it may take several weeks or even months to experience noticeable effects from turmeric supplementation. The key active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has low bioavailability, meaning it is poorly absorbed by the body. However, combining turmeric with black pepper or a source of fat can enhance its absorption. Additionally, consistent and long-term use of turmeric, whether in the form of supplements or as a spice in cooking, is more likely to yield desirable outcomes. Remember, while turmeric holds promise for supporting overall well-being, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable before incorporating it into your routine to ensure its compatibility with your specific health needs.
Are Holland and Barrett Turmeric Capsules Good?
Holland and Barrett, a well-known retailer of health and wellness products, offer turmeric capsules as part of their supplement lineup. Evaluating the quality and effectiveness of Holland and Barrett turmeric capsules requires considering several factors. Firstly, it’s crucial to examine the ingredients and manufacturing processes employed by the company. Ideally, the turmeric capsules should contain a standardized amount of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, as this ensures consistent potency. Moreover, assessing the presence of other additives, fillers, or allergens is important for those with specific dietary concerns.
Customer reviews and feedback can offer insights into the overall satisfaction and experiences of individuals who have used Holland and Barrett turmeric capsules. Additionally, looking for third-party quality certifications, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or NSF International, can provide reassurance regarding the product’s quality and safety. Lastly, consulting with a healthcare professional can offer personalized guidance on whether Holland and Barrett turmeric capsules are suitable for an individual’s specific health goals and needs.
Is NuVitality Turmeric Curcumin Good?
When considering the quality and effectiveness of NuVitality Turmeric Curcumin, several aspects come into play. First and foremost, it is essential to assess the ingredients and formulation of the product. NuVitality Turmeric Curcumin should ideally contain a standardized amount of curcumin, the key active compound in turmeric, to ensure consistent potency. It is also important to evaluate the purity and sourcing of the turmeric used in the formulation.
Customer reviews and feedback can provide valuable insights into the experiences and satisfaction of individuals who have used NuVitality Turmeric Curcumin. Checking for third-party certifications, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or NSF International, can offer further assurance of the product’s quality and adherence to safety standards.
Moreover, considering the presence of any additional ingredients or potential allergens is crucial for individuals with specific dietary requirements or sensitivities. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine whether NuVitality Turmeric Curcumin is suitable for one’s individual health goals and needs, as they can provide personalized guidance.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the efficacy of turmeric curcumin supplements can vary depending on factors such as dosage, individual metabolism, and overall health status. As with any dietary supplement, it is best to make informed decisions based on scientific evidence and professional advice.
Final Words on What Best Turmeric Supplements to Take
There wasn’t much suspense at the beginning of this article. The Meriva Form, Thorne Research – SF Meriva supplement, was named the best organic turmeric supplement of 2020.
Also, the Piperine Form, Organic and gluten-free Turmeric Curcumin Supplement by Purity Labs, is the best turmeric supplement that contains black pepper.
Customers can purchase these supplements with confidence that they will perform the function that they are supposed to.
There is no definitive answer about which supplement is better for any individual. The majority of research related to these compounds focuses on specific forms.
These forms contain large amounts of curcumin, or curcumin by itself.
The most important factor to consider when choosing turmeric supplements is to make sure there is black pepper added into the formula. The presence of black pepper will increase the body’s ability to absorb and keep the turmeric.
If you interested in longevity, read my buying guide about top anti-aging pills here.