Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
FACT CHECKEDCurcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, the yellow spice that has become very popular for its health-giving properties. As well as being a powerful inflammatory, it may be able to help prevent Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and arthritis. Curcumin also heats the body, inducing thermogenesis to speed up the metabolism and burn more calories.
In this article, we highlight the 9 best curcumin supplements on the market, separated by category, to make it easy to find the right supplement for you. We'll also dig into the science-backed benefits of supplementing with curcumin, learn the differences between turmeric and curcumin supplements, and provide a buyer's guide to help you make sense of the market.
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Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin is provided as a soft gel capsule that is easier to swallow than standard capsules. Each soft gel contains 500mg of curcumin and 5mg of Bioperine to increase its absorption. With 95% curcuminoids (the active ingredient in the compound), this product gives you the highest concentration of any soft gel on the market.
Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin is formulated from organic virgin coconut oil. Apart from the other benefits of coconut oil, it may also increase the bioavailability of curcumin.
The product has no preservatives or additives, and it is allergen-free. The flip-top cap of the container allows for easy access and sealing.
There are 120 soft gels in each container of Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin. A serving size is one soft gel, so you get a full four months' supply with each purchase.
All Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin is 3rd party tested. You can go on their website and check the testing history of the product you are interested in buying. Because the soft gel capsule uses kosher gelatin, it is not suitable for vegans.
Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex Liquid Softgels contain 500 milligrams of curcuminoids, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound derived from curcumin...
Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin is one of the most potent curcumin supplements on the market right now. You get 1,950mg of turmeric curcumin with 95% curcuminoids. There's also 15mg of black pepper extract (which is more than double what you'd find in most curcumin supplements). This is added to increase the absorption of the curcumin. Because curcumin does not absorb very well into the human body, this is a key feature.
Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin promises to support the immune system, help relieve muscular soreness, support joint, and heart health, and fight against free radical damage. The turmeric content is broken down into 1,800mg turmeric curcumin and 150mg turmeric 95% curcuminoids. This product has plenty of positive user reviews testifying to its ability to do all it claims.
Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin is a very affordable supplement with a cost of less than 15 cents per capsule. The veggie capsules in this supplement make the product suitable for vegans.
Nature's Nutrition premium Turmeric Curcumin has been shown to support joint health. Our Turmeric supplement features high-potency 95% standardized curcuminoids with...
Mary Ruth's Turmeric & DHA comes in liposomal turmeric form with omega-3 DHA. It is formulated to support overall health and wellness in a more bioavailable and easy-to-take liquid form.
The liposomal form is an advanced delivery system designed for greater bioavailability and absorption. Liposomes are little spherical structures with an interior chamber for storing and delivering chemicals into the body and a protective outer covering. Their structure allows the nutrients, vitamins, or bioactive chemicals they contain to be absorbed by the gut more effectively.
The omega-3 (DHA) in this formula supports cognitive maintenance while increasing your intake of this important fatty acid. The supplement also includes ginger oil to support joint health.
Try This Unique Blend of Potent Ingredients in Liposomal Form for Easier Absorption. Our liposomal turmeric with omega-3 DHA is formulated to support...
Turmeric and ginger have been used together in Ayurvedic medicine for many centuries. The combination improves immune health, fights oxidative stress, improves heart health, and boosts joint mobility.
In both conventional and alternative medicine, ginger has a long history of use. It has been used to promote healthy digestion, lessen motion sickness, and treat the flu and the common cold. Ginger's inherent oils—gingerol being the most significant—give it its distinct aroma and flavor.
Many of ginger's therapeutic benefits are due to gingerol, the main biologically active ingredient in ginger. According to studies, gingerol has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For example, it could lessen oxidative stress brought on by the body having too many free radicals.
Horbäach Turmeric & Ginger Gummies provide this mixture in a delicious and convenient gummy format. The natural peach flavor makes for a very tasty way to get your supplement.
Each serving of Horbaack Turmeric & Ginger Gummies contains 450mg of turmeric and 75mg of ginger. There are no artificial sweeteners in these gummies, and they are non-GMO and gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
Turmeric & Ginger have been paired together in Ayurvedic traditions for centuries. These herbs are well- known for their abundant botanical properties creating...
BulkSupplements Powdered Curcumin Extract is a pure, unadulterated form of curcumin powder that comes in bulk powder form. You won't find additives, fillers, or sweeteners in this product, just turmeric extract, which is standardized to contain ≥95% curcuminoids.
This bulk turmeric root powder supplement is available in a range of sizes from 250g to 5kg. The 25g pack provides you with 25 servings at 1,000mg per serving. This blend of turmeric root extract contains about 95% curcuminoids, which consist of curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin.
BulkSupplements Powdered Curcumin Extract is also available in capsule form. The powdered form represents very good value for money. However, it can be tricky to measure a consistent powdered supplement dosage each day. There is also no black pepper added to this form of turmeric powder to boost absorption.
Turmeric root extract has been used in Chinese and Indian alternative medicine for thousands of years for its many health benefits. It is loaded...
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme is a concentrated liquid turmeric extract offered in capsule form. Gaia claims that compared to powdered turmeric extracts, this type of turmeric is easier to stomach and better absorbed by your body. There is some research to confirm this claim.
Each Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength capsule has 482mg of standardized turmeric extract, which contains 36mg of curcuminoids. Black pepper (7mg) is also used to help with absorption.
The turmeric in Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme is presented as a proprietary blend consisting of organic turmeric root extract and turmeric root supercritical CO2 extract. As it is a proprietary blend, we do not get a breakdown of the individual dosages.
There are 120 capsules in each container of Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme.
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Joint Health helps reduce occasional inflammation due to normal daily wear and tear. Turmeric’s active compounds, curcuminoids, help reduce...
Transparent Labs Joint Support combines several of the most clinically researched substances to promote healthy joint integrity, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress. The joint support supplement from Transparent Labs contains clinical doses of:
We’ve taken the initiative to create one of the industry’s most comprehensive joint supplements, made exclusively with five of the best clinically-studied ingredients for...
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro combines curcumin with a number of research-backed ingredients designed to improve acetylcholine levels and boost cerebral vascular blood flow. This memory and support formula includes Acetyl-L-Carnitine (commonly referred to as ALCAR) to help transform stored body fat into energy and increase central nervous cell activity.
ALCAR is a smart medication or anti-aging nootropic that enhances brain function. It can enhance your mood, memory, and learning because of the acetyl group on it, which enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter your brain and nerves.
ALCAR can provide a boost in the gym and help you burn fat and develop muscle. It delivers fuel (in the form of fatty acids) to your muscle mitochondria, boosting energy synthesis and potentially extending endurance. ALCAR also encourages fat burning when you exercise by boosting your metabolism.¹
This product is free of wheat, eggs, tree nuts & peanuts, gluten, artificial colors, flavors & sweeteners, coatings and shellacs, GMOs, and unnecessary binders, fillers & preservatives.
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro includes a number of extra ingredients to increase cognitive functioning. These include sunflower lecithin, lemon balm, bacopa extract, trans-resveratrol, lutein, and ginkgo Biloba extract.
Every container of Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro provides you with 90 capsules. A recommended daily serving of 3 capsules gives you a one-month supply.
Our supplements are made with only premium ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and guided by our nutritional experts, then carefully...
Garden of Life Maximum Strength Turmeric combines a 630mg blend of turmeric with 50mg of organic fermented ginger root, 7mg of organic black pepper fruit extract, and a probiotic blend of Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
The turmeric blend in this product consists of organic turmeric root extract standardized to 95% curcuminoids and organic fermented turmeric root. This blend yields 500mg of curcuminoids per capsule.
The combination of black pepper and probiotics enhance the absorption and bioavailability of the turmeric blend. The probiotics also promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
All of the ingredients in Garden of Life Maximum Strength Turmeric are entirely organic. This supplement is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, NSF Certified Gluten Free, Certified Vegan & Kosher.
urmeric is a member of the ginger family and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Loaded with beneficial compounds...
There are many claimed benefits associated with curcumin supplementation. However, some of them are not backed by research or require more studies for solid confirmation. Here are the most attested benefits of curcumin supplementation.
Every minute of the day, millions of individuals experience agony and discomfort due to inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are frequently used to treat them, but doing so comes with a number of health hazards.
Curcumin is the obvious choice for people looking for an efficient inflammation fighter because it has been demonstrated to be absolutely devoid of adverse effects.
The yellow-orange hue of the spice turmeric is a result of curcumin. An article published in Clinical Interventions in Aging in 2014 claimed that curcumin could have similar anti-inflammatory effects to those of pharmaceutical drugs.²
Both cutaneous and oral irritation can be treated with curcumin. A region of swelling can be treated with a compress and turmeric powder. It stops inflammation in cells, tissues, and muscles when taken orally as a powder or capsule. It can even relieve sprains, joint inflammation, and delayed onset muscular soreness when used topically.
Around the world, millions of individuals suffer from arthritic joint discomfort. Sufferers may discover safe and natural relief with the aid of curcumin. In a 2014 trial that was reported in Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1,500mg of turmeric was given daily to individuals with knee osteoporosis. Ibuprofen 800mg was provided daily to a placebo group. Compared to the ibuprofen group, the turmeric group significantly outperformed them in terms of anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities.³
While simultaneously treating the underlying source of inflammation, turmeric aids in reducing the signs and symptoms of arthritis. The phytochemicals also purge the blood of pollutants at the same time. Additionally, curcumin will help your liver work better, removing the impurities that can make your arthritis flare up.
Curcumin is one of the best supplements you can take to boost your cognitive ability. It is now known that the brain's neurons can divide and multiply. A key facilitator of this process is a growth hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Curcumin has the ability to increase BDNF levels. In doing so, it is thought to help stave off such conditions as Alzheimer's and depression, which are linked to low levels of BDNF. The ability of curcumin to impact neuron multiplication is also believed to give it the power to improve memory and overall cognitive ability. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
There are 44 million persons with Alzheimer's disease in the world. It weakens the brain by consuming brain tissue and seriously impairing the neurological system. Recent scientific studies have shown some fascinating findings suggesting that all-natural phytochemicals (chemicals found in plants), including curcumin, can relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease with fewer side effects and better outcomes than traditional treatments.
The blood-brain barrier is what separates the brain fluid that travels through the nervous system from the blood that circulates throughout the body. Potentially harmful chemicals are prevented from interfering with brain function via the blood-brain barrier. Traditional medicinal interventions cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, but the remarkable phytochemical curcumin found in turmeric can.
This makes it possible for curcumin to reach the parts of the brain where it is most needed to combat the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Once inside the brain, curcumin eliminates the damaging protein buildup that has been linked to neurological decline brought on by Alzheimer's disease.⁴
In a 2007 study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, scientists investigated how curcumin affected inflammation and skeletal mass recovery after running downhill on a treadmill. They found that curcumin may quicken mice's muscle recovery.⁵
More study is required to confirm the results and determine whether they apply to humans.
The more energy an athlete has, the better he'll be able to perform. Our bodies convert fats and carbs into adenosine triphosphate, which is used as fuel (ATP). The body will be able to produce more energy the better it is at this breakdown process. Thermogenic foods such as curcumin can raise the body's temperature, necessitating additional energy to return to normal conditions. Due to the increased metabolic workload caused by this, more calories are burned.⁶
You can increase your energy output in two different ways by consuming curcumin:
From a mild feeling of queasiness to severe cramps, stomach discomfort can vary. Curcumin in turmeric can be used to relieve minor pain, whereas medical intervention is necessary for severe pain. This is due to the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-parasitic properties of the spice. Your stomach pain can be relieved by these substances naturally and without any negative side effects.
Additionally, turmeric has proven to be a successful remedy for diarrhea. This is because it contains a range of vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals that aid in fluid balance, reduce dehydration, and enhance digestion.
Mixing a spoonful of grated turmeric with 8 ounces of water is a successful remedy for minor stomach aches.⁷
In order to burn stored body fat, the body needs to speed up metabolism, regulate blood sugar levels, curb fat-storing hormones like cortisol, and improve communication between the brain and digestive system. All of these effects of curcumin have been demonstrated. As a result, when you consume this super spice, your capacity to burn fat will be increased.
Mice were fed a high-carb diet in a Tufts University study to help them acquire weight. A supplement containing curcumin was given to half the animals. In the end, this group was 10% lighter than the control group. The study's principal investigator, Mohsen Meydani, stated that "the mice were benefiting from a speedier metabolism because they were given turmeric supplements."⁸
You can read more about its role in fat burning in our article: Should You Take Turmeric For Weight Loss?
Curcumin has proven to be beneficial in helping to relieve many of the factors that contribute to heart disease. It has the ability to strengthen the endothelium, which is the material that lines your blood vessels. The stronger the endothelium, the less likely you are to have high blood pressure and the lower your susceptibility to blood clotting.⁹
Curcumin supplementation is considered to be safe for most people, with very few adverse side effects being reported. A small number of people may experience slight stomach discomfort, gas, or bloating when they first take the supplement.
Curcumin should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women or those who have an iron deficiency.
Curcumin is one of those supplements that may appear generic, with one brand being no different from another. Yet that is not the case. Some brands are better than others, and unless you follow some guidelines, you're not going to know the difference. Here are four key buying considerations when shopping for a curcumin supplement.
Of course, curcumin is the key ingredient to look for. What form it comes in will fall under personal preference. Whether you want a liquid turmeric aqueous extract, proprietary blend, or gummies will heavily influence which product would be right for you. Make sure that the product is free of any fillers, colors, or sweeteners.
Because curcumin is not absorbed very well by the body, we recommend looking for a supplement that includes a compound designed to boost the absorption rate. A good option here is BioPerine® or black pepper extract.
How much turmeric to take will depend on personal preference, but a range from 500mg to 2000mg is safe to take daily.
We recommend using supplement brands that make use of 3rd party testing in order to test the potency and purity of the product. This gives you confidence that you are getting a pure, unadulterated supplement that is dosed as listed and contains no impurities.
The price of the nine curcumin supplements on this page range from about 25 cents per dose to a little under a dollar per serving. The average cost is around thirty cents per serving.
By checking verified user reviews of the curcumin supplement you are considering purchasing, you will be able to get an insight into the effectiveness of the supplement. You'll also be able to check on any possible side effects associated with the product.
A curcumin supplement will help your body to combat the free radical cell damage caused by oxidative stress. It may also be able to improve brain health, increase the metabolism for increased fat burning, reduce muscle soreness and increase energy production.
Curcumin is in a class of compounds called curcuminoids. As well as being a powerful antioxidant, curcumin is also an effective anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin provides the color of turmeric. It has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and to improve eye health, especially in those with degenerative eye disorders.
There is no consensus on whether you should take turmeric or curcumin supplements. Curcumin is an extract of turmeric spice. There is some research that turmeric may offer some benefits that you do not get from curcumin alone. For example, it has been shown to be more effective at reducing the growth of tumor cells.¹⁰
However, in another study, it was determined that curcumin was better than turmeric at reducing diabetes markers than turmeric.¹¹
Whether you decide to buy one of the best turmeric supplements or curcumin supplements, you will see some benefits regardless of choice.
If you are taking any kind of blood thinning medication, you should not take curcumin. Diabetics and people who have an immune deficiency should seek advice from their doctor before supplementing with curcumin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take curcumin.
Yes, taking turmeric supplements every day shouldn't be an issue. In studies, it has been taken daily for as long as three months without any side effects. If you take it within the recommended dosage of between 500 and 2000mg per day, you will be able to take the supplement daily for up to three months.
There are no definitive studies on the best time of day to take a turmeric supplement. However, most people tend to take this supplement with food at breakfast or lunchtime.
Curcumin is an extract of the spice turmeric that has been shown to provide a number of health benefits. These include antioxidant support, improving cognition function, energy production, muscle and joint support recovery, and speeding up the metabolism.
Turmeric and curcumin dietary supplements are a great addition to almost anyone's supplementation regimen, especially those suffering from inflammation issues.
While there are dozens of curcumin and turmeric supplements on the market right now, our pick for the best curcumin supplement is Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin. This brand contains 95% curcuminoids, comes in easy-to-swallow soft gels, and is 3rd party tested for purity.
More Best Supplement Rundowns
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