We chose Thorne as the best overall turmeric supplement thanks to its unique formulation and third-party testing. See which other brands made our list.
<img src="/uploadfile/2025/0324/20250324110712716.jpg" alt="a collage of turmeric supplements by Nordic Naturals, Thorne, and Doctor"s Best" class="css-1jytyml"/>Share on Pinterest- Best overall: Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules | Skip to review
- Best budget: Source Naturals Turmeric with Meriva Capsules | Skip to review
- Best vegan supplement: NOW Foods Turmeric Curcumin Phytosome | Skip to review
- Best extra strength: Doctor's Best High Absorption Curcumin Tablets | Skip to review
- Best organic: Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Capsules | Skip to review
- Best softgel: Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin Softgels | Skip to review
- Best gummy: Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies | Skip to review
- Best with black pepper: Garden of Life Extra Strength Turmeric | Skip to review
Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin Softgels
4.6 (10.4k+) from Amazon- Dose: 1 softgel per day
- Active ingredients: turmeric extract 500 mg, black pepper extract 5 mg
- Certifications: non-GMO verified, certified gluten-free, third-party tested
Editor's take
“[The products] I’ve tried in the past have had too much black pepper and cause indigestion—this product was just right! The amount of curcumin in this product was potent and so helpful since it is the targeted compound within turmeric for fighting inflammation.”
— Kristin Currin-Sheehan, Healthline editor
You may love turmeric as a spice or spice blend to cook with, but if you’re looking for medicinal purposes, a turmeric supplement provides a more concentrated dose of the compound curcumin and other curcuminoids.
Turmeric and other herbs have a long history in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.
We have been evaluating turmeric supplements on the market since 2020 — researching the products for ingredient safety and effectiveness — and selected these reliable picks.
Note that the dosage recommendations range from 1 to 3 capsules or tablets 1 to 5 times daily.
So a product that you need to take fewer times per day may end up being comparatively cheaper, despite having a higher price per count than a product that you need to take several times per day.
A note on piperine and BioPerine
You’ll see the terms “piperine” and “BioPerine” seemingly used interchangeably.
Piperine is a plant compound found in black pepper, which some supplements include for better absorption. BioPerine is a patented extract of piperine.
You can learn more by reading 5 emerging benefits of BioPerine and piperine supplements.
You might already know turmeric contains a class of compounds called curcuminoids, the most prevalent of which is curcumin. Curcumin may reduce pain from arthritis, help regulate blood sugar levels, and improve cholesterol levels, among other benefits. You’ll see both terms used throughout our roundup.
Healthline’s picks of the best turmeric supplement options
Best overall
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules
- Form: capsule
- Dose: 2 capsules per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): curcumin phytosome 1 g
- Price: $32.00
Price may vary.
0out of 5healthline scoreHealthline’s reviewThe body doesn’t absorb curcumin very well.
To boost your absorption of curcumin, Thorne uses a patented formulation of a compound called Meriva, which is standardized to contain 18% to 22% total curcuminoids.
Meriva also contains lecithin, a type of fat found in foods like soybeans and eggs. Compared with other extracts, Meriva has been shown to produce 29 times better absorption of curcumin in humans.
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules contains 1,000 milligrams (mg) of Meriva per 2-capsule serving.
These supplements are manufactured in current good manufacturing practices (CGMP)-compliant facilities and undergo third-party testing. The company has also received an A1 rating from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.
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Our score breakdownTester Review0Expert Review0Pros & cons
- third-party tested
- gluten-free
- formulated for optimal absorption
- expensive
- not a good option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- third-party tested
- gluten-free
- formulated for optimal absorption
- expensive
- not a good option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Product details
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50+
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50+
Best budget
Source Naturals Turmeric with Meriva Capsules
4.6 (1k+) from Amazon- Form: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): Meriva turmeric complex 500 mg
- Price: $10.49
Price may vary.
Healthline's review
If Thorne Curcumin Phytosome is more than your budget allows, then Source Naturals Turmeric with Meriva is worth considering.
While it doesn’t go through as rigorous of a third-party testing process, this supplement contains 500 mg of turmeric extract per capsule in the form of Meriva for enhanced absorption — similar to the Thorne product.
Source Naturals adheres to CGMPs and claims to routinely test its raw materials to verify the purity and potency of each ingredient included in the supplements.
Pros & cons
- affordable
- formulated for enhanced absorption
- not third-party tested
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- not a good option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
- affordable
- formulated for enhanced absorption
- not third-party tested
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- not a good option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
Product details
- Number of servings: 120 per container
- Number of servings: 120 per container
Best vegan supplement
NOW Foods Turmeric Curcumin Phytosome
- Form: capsule
- Dose: 500 mg to 2,000 mg
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): curcumin phytosome 500 mg
- Price: $33.99
Price may vary.
Healthline's review
If you’re looking for a vegan, third-party-tested supplement, then NOW Foods Curcumin Phytosome is worth considering.
This family-owned company undergoes rigorous third-party testing and has in-house testing facilities for all its products. This supplement contains 500 mg of turmeric extract per capsule in the form of Curcumin Phytosome (previously known as Meriva) for enhanced absorption — similar to the Thorne and Source Naturals products.
Except, it comes at a much lower price tag than Thorne, and unlike Source Naturals, it’s third-party tested.
Plus, it is a great option for vegans.
Pros & cons
- gluten-free and soy-free
- vegan and non-GMO
- third-party tested and in-house testing facilities
- not a great option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
- gluten-free and soy-free
- vegan and non-GMO
- third-party tested and in-house testing facilities
- not a great option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
Product details
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Shipping: standard shipping rate
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Shipping: standard shipping rate
Best extra strength
Doctor's Best High Absorption Curcumin Tablets
4.5 (742+) from Doctor's best- Form: tablet
- Dose: 1 capsule per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): curcumin C3 complex 1,000 mg, black pepper extract 5 mg
- Price: $78.99
Price may vary.
Healthline's review
Doctor’s Best High Absorption Curcumin Tablets is formulated for optimal absorption and provides a larger amount of curcumin than many other products on this list.
Specifically, the product contains 1,000 mg of curcumin extract and 5 mg of BioPerine per tablet.
Doctor’s Best products are also tested by independent labs to help ensure safety and quality.
Pros & cons
- third-party tested
- features piperine for better absorption
- higher dose than other supplements
- relatively expensive
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- third-party tested
- features piperine for better absorption
- higher dose than other supplements
- relatively expensive
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Product details
- Number of servings: 60 capsules per container
- Number of servings: 60 capsules per container
Best organic
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Capsules
4.8 (1.3k+) from Gaia Herbs- Form: capsule
- Dose: 1 capsule per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): proprietary extract blend 482 mg (organic turmeric root extract, turmeric root extract, turmeric root supercritical CO2 extract), black pepper fruit supercritical CO2 extract 7 mg
- Price: $51.99
Price may vary.
0out of 5healthline scoreHealthline’s reviewThis Gaia Herbs product offers a concentrated liquid extract of turmeric.
According to the brand, liquid curcumin is more easily digested and better absorbed by your body than powdered turmeric extracts. Some older research supports this.
Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength delivers 482 mg of turmeric extract that’s standardized to contain 36 mg of curcuminoids per capsule. It also contains 7 mg of black pepper to enhance absorption.
Gaia Herbs offers a traceability tool on its website that allows you to discover the origin of the herb and view validation of the product’s quality.
This company received the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) at the silver level, a certification that considers soil health, farmworker fairness, and animal welfare.
Our score breakdownTester Review0Expert Review0Pros & cons
- produced by a certified B corporation
- tested for heavy metals
- formulated with BioPerine for enhanced absorption
- vegan-friendly
- gluten-free
- not third-party tested
- not a great option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
- expensive
- produced by a certified B corporation
- tested for heavy metals
- formulated with BioPerine for enhanced absorption
- vegan-friendly
- gluten-free
- not third-party tested
- not a great option for people with difficulty swallowing pills or capsules
- expensive
Product details
- Number of servings: 120 per container
- Number of servings: 120 per container
Best softgel
Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin Softgels
4.6 (10.4k+) from Amazon- Form: softgel
- Dose: 1 softgel per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): turmeric extract 500 mg, black pepper extract 5 mg
- Price: $20.97
Price may vary.
Healthline's review
Liquid softgels are generally easier to swallow than standard capsules, and some people may prefer them.
These Sports Research turmeric softgels feature a patented extract of turmeric called Curcumin C3 Complex, which is standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids.
The product contains 500 mg of the extract and 5 mg of BioPerine per softgel.
The product also contains organic virgin coconut oil, which may further enhance the absorption of the curcuminoids.
What’s more, you can view the third-party testing results for each product using a search feature on the Sports Research website.
What our tester says
Healthline editor Kristin Currin-Sheehan tried these liquigels for 30 days to reduce chronic inflammation that causes her waves of pain episodes due to fibromyalgia, occipital neuralgia, and hypertrophic trapezius muscles.
For her pain management, keeping inflammation at bay is the name of the game.
“I love the taste and effects of turmeric on my inflammation; however, methods of intake like turmeric shots or ‘Golden Milk‘ can leave my teeth yellow. I do prefer capsules.”
Her main critique was that the pills are large, but, she says of the texture, “They go down smoothly.”
Currin-Sheehan said she “noticed a gradual reduction in inflammation in my trapezius and a muting of a recent fibromyalgia pain episode.”
She traveled out of state and adds that “usually the stress and late-night prep and packing to travel, combined with having to tow luggage triggers pain episodes. That happened this time but it was not as severe after taking daily turmeric for 10 days leading up to the business trip.”
A specific perk of Sports Research’s Turmeric and Curcumin compound? “Turmeric and curcumin are absorbed more readily with a fat (fat soluble), so I appreciated the added coconut oil in the supplement, so I didn’t have to worry about pairing with a particular meal.”
Healthline editor Kristin Currin-Sheehan tried these liquigels for 30 days to reduce chronic inflammation that causes her waves of pain episodes due to fibromyalgia, occipital neuralgia, and hypertrophic trapezius muscles.
For her pain management, keeping inflammation at bay is the name of the game.
“I love the taste and effects of turmeric on my inflammation; however, methods of intake like turmeric shots or ‘Golden Milk‘ can leave my teeth yellow. I do prefer capsules.”
Her main critique was that the pills are large, but, she says of the texture, “They go down smoothly.”
Currin-Sheehan said she “noticed a gradual reduction in inflammation in my trapezius and a muting of a recent fibromyalgia pain episode.”
She traveled out of state and adds that “usually the stress and late-night prep and packing to travel, combined with having to tow luggage triggers pain episodes. That happened this time but it was not as severe after taking daily turmeric for 10 days leading up to the business trip.”
A specific perk of Sports Research’s Turmeric and Curcumin compound? “Turmeric and curcumin are absorbed more readily with a fat (fat soluble), so I appreciated the added coconut oil in the supplement, so I didn’t have to worry about pairing with a particular meal.”
Pros & cons
- third-party tested
- may be easier to swallow than standard capsules
- contains BioPerine for enhanced absorption
- gluten-free
- non-GMO
- vegetarian-friendly
- rather large capsules
- third-party tested
- may be easier to swallow than standard capsules
- contains BioPerine for enhanced absorption
- gluten-free
- non-GMO
- vegetarian-friendly
- rather large capsules
Product details
- Number of servings: 120 per container
- Number of servings: 120 per container
Best gummy
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies
4.4 (385+) from Amazon- Form: gummy
- Dose: 2 gummies per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): curcumin extract 200 mg
- Price: $25.46
Price may vary.
Healthline's review
These Mango-flavored turmeric gummies from Nordic Naturals are made with Longvida Optimized Curcumin extract, a patented form of curcumin that is well absorbed by the body.
Each serving contains 200 mg of curcumin extract and is:
- non-GMO
- free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
These turmeric gummies are also made without any added sugar or gelatin, making them a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
Moreover, all Nordic Naturals products are third-party tested, and a certificate of analysis (COA) is available for any supplement upon request.
Pros & cons
- good option for those with difficulty swallowing medications
- formulated with highly bioavailable form of curcumin
- free of added sugar
- vegan-friendly
- non-GMO
- third-party tested
- expensive
- good option for those with difficulty swallowing medications
- formulated with highly bioavailable form of curcumin
- free of added sugar
- vegan-friendly
- non-GMO
- third-party tested
- expensive
Product details
- Number of servings: 30
- Number of servings: 30
Best with black pepper
Garden of Life Extra Strength Turmeric
4.6 (5.3k+) from Amazon- Form: tablets
- Dose: 1 tablet per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): organic turmeric blend 553 mg, organic fermented ginger root 50 mg, organic black pepper fruit extract 7 mg, probiotic blend 4 mg
- Price: $32.99
Price may vary.
Healthline's review
These turmeric tablets from Garden of Life are designed to help ease inflammation and support your body’s antioxidant response.
Each serving contains 100 mg of curcumin, along with black pepper extract to boost absorption and a probiotic blend to enhance digestion.
Plus, this product is not only third-party tested but also NSF-certified gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and certified organic.
Pros & cons
- contains black pepper extract to enhance absorption
- formulated with blend of other ingredients, including ginger root and probiotics
- vegan-friendly
- non-GMO
- certified organic
- NSF-certified gluten-free
- third-party tested
- not a good option for people with difficulty swallowing medications
- not ideal for those who prefer single-ingredient supplements
- contains black pepper extract to enhance absorption
- formulated with blend of other ingredients, including ginger root and probiotics
- vegan-friendly
- non-GMO
- certified organic
- NSF-certified gluten-free
- third-party tested
- not a good option for people with difficulty swallowing medications
- not ideal for those who prefer single-ingredient supplements
Product details
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency, USDA organic, non-GMO verified, certified by NSF, certified gluten-free, certified vegan, certified kosher
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency, USDA organic, non-GMO verified, certified by NSF, certified gluten-free, certified vegan, certified kosher
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
A comparison of the best turmeric supplement picks
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
ProductPriceDosage and potencyAdditional active ingredientsThird-party testedThorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules$32• 2 capsules daily• 1,000 mg Meriva—yesSource Naturals Turmeric with Meriva Capsules$10.49• 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily• 500 mg Meriva—noNOW Foods Curcumin Phytosome$33.99• 1 capsules 1 to 4 times daily• 500 mg to 2,000 mg Meriva—yesDoctor’s Best High Absorption Curcumin,$78.99• 2 capsules daily• 1,000 mg curcumin extractblack pepper extractyesGaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Capsules$51.99• 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily• 482 mg turmeric extract, 36 mg curcuminoidsblack pepper extractnoSports Research Turmeric Curcumin Softgels$20.97• 1 softgel 1 to 3 times daily• 500 mg curcumin extract, 5 mg BioPerine black pepper extractyesNordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies$25.46• 2 gummies daily• 200 mg curcumin extract—yesGarden of Life Extra Strength Turmeric$32.99• 1 tablet per day• 553 mg turmeric extract, 100 mg curcuminoids• fermented ginger root• black pepper extract• probiotic blendyesHow we chose the best turmeric supplement
Why Trust Healthline1320+vitamins, minerals, and supplements evaluated95+vitamins, minerals, and supplements personally tested40+vitamin, mineral, and supplement brands personally testedHow we evaluate vitamins, minerals, and supplementsOur Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the brands on this page, we considered all the vitamin brands that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
Every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to CGMPs established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
Additional factors we considered included:
- Effectiveness: We prioritized turmeric supplements that are formulated for better absorption.
- Ingredients: We looked for supplements that are free of unnecessary ingredients like fillers and artificial sweeteners and colors.
- Dietitian recommended: All the products listed below were handpicked by a registered dietitian.
- Price: We included products to suit a range of budgets.
What to look for in a turmeric supplement
When shopping for a turmeric supplement, it’s important to consider:
Brand reputation and quality testing
The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements in the same way as pharmaceuticals, so it’s important to choose a supplement made by a reputable company.
Look for products that are manufactured in CGMP-compliant facilities and tested for purity and potency, ideally by a third-party organization such as NSF International, U.S. Pharmacopeia, and Underwriters Laboratories.
Third-party testing goes beyond the basic requirements set forth by the FDA and helps increase product transparency to consumers, ensuring that the supplement contains what it claims to on the label.
Dose
The optimal dose of turmeric varies depending on the condition you wish to treat, so it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional to discuss an appropriate dose for you. In general, a turmeric supplement may contain 500 mg to 1,000 mg per serving.
Complementary ingredients
Many supplement companies use patented ingredients intended to improve turmeric absorption.
For example, piperine, an alkaloid component of black pepper, is often included as an active ingredient in the form of BioPerine to help enhance the body’s ability to absorb turmeric.
Fat can also help with absorption, which is why you may see products that contain extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil.
Type of supplement
There are many different turmeric supplement forms to choose from, including capsules, tablets, gummies, and liquids.
Some people may prefer the ease and convenience of capsules and tablets. Meanwhile, gummies or liquids might be a better option if you have difficulty swallowing medications.
Be sure to consider which form you prefer when looking for the best turmeric supplement to fit your needs.
Useful supplement shopping guides
Check out these two articles to help you make supplement shopping a breeze:
- How to choose high quality vitamins and supplements
- How to read supplement labels like a pro
Who shouldn’t use turmeric?
While turmeric is considered generally safe for healthy adults, some people should limit or avoid supplemental doses of turmeric.
It’s especially important to consult a healthcare professional before adding a turmeric supplement to avoid potential drug-herb interactions if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs).
This is because turmeric has an antiplatelet effect and can slow blood clot formation. This can potentially increase the risk of bleeding by increasing the effects of blood-thinning drugs.
Additionally, some side effects have reported with higher doses of turmeric, such as over 8 grams (g). Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and skin rashes. Turmeric supplements are not recommended during pregnancy.
It’s best to clear any new supplements with a healthcare professional before taking them, this is especially true if you are taking any medications. As well, if you choose to take a turmeric supplement, keep it at a dosage of under 2 g per day, which is the typical amount found in studies.
Some effects of additional types of prescription drugs can be altered if you take curcumin, including:
- cardiovascular medications (like warfarin)
- antibiotics
- antidepressant agents (like sertraline)
- chemotherapeutic drugs
- antihistamines
- diabetic medications
- antacids
Frequently asked questions about turmeric supplements
Can you take turmeric pills every day?
While it’s likely safe for most people to take turmeric pills every day, there isn’t enough research to confirm the safety of long-term supplementation.
There’s no conclusive evidence on daily supplement use. But the the joint FAO/World Health Organization Committee has stated that curcuminoid doses of 0 mg to 3 mg per kilogram (0 mg to 1.3 mg per pound) of body weight per day are acceptable.
While it’s likely safe for most people to take turmeric pills every day, there isn’t enough research to confirm the safety of long-term supplementation.
There’s no conclusive evidence on daily supplement use. But the the joint FAO/World Health Organization Committee has stated that curcuminoid doses of 0 mg to 3 mg per kilogram (0 mg to 1.3 mg per pound) of body weight per day are acceptable.
How long does it take for turmeric pills to work?
Every body is different and may respond differently to supplementation. However, studies from 2020 and 2021 have shown beneficial effects after at least several weeks of regular use.
Still, more research is needed, as current evidence is limited and inconclusive.
Every body is different and may respond differently to supplementation. However, studies from 2020 and 2021 have shown beneficial effects after at least several weeks of regular use.
Still, more research is needed, as current evidence is limited and inconclusive.
What is the most effective turmeric supplement?
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules is our pick as the best overall because it contains a formulation of turmeric that has been suggested to be significantly more effective than other forms.
It’s also third-party tested and manufactured by a company known for producing high quality supplements.
However, BioSchwartz Turmeric Curcumin Capsules is one of the best rated because it’s relatively affordable, is formulated with piperine for enhanced bioavailability, and can be divided into two or three doses throughout the day for optimal absorption.
Furthermore, the product is third-party tested and manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility.
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules is our pick as the best overall because it contains a formulation of turmeric that has been suggested to be significantly more effective than other forms.
It’s also third-party tested and manufactured by a company known for producing high quality supplements.
However, BioSchwartz Turmeric Curcumin Capsules is one of the best rated because it’s relatively affordable, is formulated with piperine for enhanced bioavailability, and can be divided into two or three doses throughout the day for optimal absorption.
Furthermore, the product is third-party tested and manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility.
Is it worth taking turmeric supplements instead of anti-inflammatories?
Several studies show that curcumin can significantly reduce inflammation and may be beneficial for many inflammatory conditions, including:
- psoriasis
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- arthritis
It’s also naturally derived and associated with few adverse effects, compared with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, turmeric supplements shouldn’t be used in place of prescription medications or other treatments for medical conditions. It’s also important to talk with a doctor before adding turmeric supplements to your routine, especially if you’re taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions.
Several studies show that curcumin can significantly reduce inflammation and may be beneficial for many inflammatory conditions, including:
- psoriasis
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- arthritis
It’s also naturally derived and associated with few adverse effects, compared with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, turmeric supplements shouldn’t be used in place of prescription medications or other treatments for medical conditions. It’s also important to talk with a doctor before adding turmeric supplements to your routine, especially if you’re taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions.
Should turmeric supplements have black pepper?
Pairing turmeric with black pepper can significantly boost the absorption of curcumin, which is why both ingredients are often included in many turmeric supplements.
However, turmeric can also be beneficial on its own, and black pepper isn’t the only ingredient that can increase its absorption. In fact, because it’s fat-soluble, combining curcumin with high fat ingredients like olive oil or coconut oil can also be a good option to optimize absorption.
Pairing turmeric with black pepper can significantly boost the absorption of curcumin, which is why both ingredients are often included in many turmeric supplements.
However, turmeric can also be beneficial on its own, and black pepper isn’t the only ingredient that can increase its absorption. In fact, because it’s fat-soluble, combining curcumin with high fat ingredients like olive oil or coconut oil can also be a good option to optimize absorption.
What's better? Turmeric or turmeric with curcumin?
The short answer is that generally speaking, a turmeric supplement with curcumin, or curcumin on its own are the most studied to fight inflammation. (i.e., Not as much research on turmeric by itself being most effective for inflammation.)
Curcumin is the inflammation-fighting compound within turmeric the spice, but both work effectively against inflammation.
You can read more in our article Turmeric vs Curcumin: Which Should You Take?
The short answer is that generally speaking, a turmeric supplement with curcumin, or curcumin on its own are the most studied to fight inflammation. (i.e., Not as much research on turmeric by itself being most effective for inflammation.)
Curcumin is the inflammation-fighting compound within turmeric the spice, but both work effectively against inflammation.
You can read more in our article Turmeric vs Curcumin: Which Should You Take?
The bottom line
Turmeric is an herb that contains beneficial compounds called curcuminoids, the most prevalent of which is curcumin.
These compounds may:
- reduce inflammation
- help regulate blood sugar levels
- improve cholesterol levels
The best turmeric supplements contain patented turmeric extract formulations and ingredients that increase the absorption of curcuminoids.
Just remember to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your wellness routine.
Resources
Tabanelli R, et al. (2021). Improving curcumin bioavailability: current strategies and future perspectives. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8540263/