Discover Curcumin Capsules & Other Formats
Updated Mar. 21st, 2024 | Read Time: 4 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- The History of Turmeric
- Curcumin Benefits
- What About Turmeric?
- Curcumin Supplement FAQs
- Reader Comments (8)
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant found in the spice turmeric. It has been used for thousands of years in India, where it's known as "the golden powder." Curcumin has been shown to have many health benefits and while supplements containing curcumin are available at most health food stores, there are several different curcumin supplements including capsules, powders and more!
The History of Turmeric
Turmeric's use dates back to 4000 years ago in India. There, it was used as a culinary spice and was also included in religious ceremonies. Historians believe that turmeric reached China in 700 AD.
The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (meritorious earth), referring to the colour of ground turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment. Turmeric is also known as Indian saffron (although its flavour is more akin to ginger) because it is similar to saffron in its main ingredient, curcumin.
Fun fact: In Sanskrit, turmeric has 53 different names, from vishagni (the killer of poison) to ratrimanika (as beautiful as moonlight) and jayanti (one that wins over diseases).
Curcumin Benefits
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant found in turmeric and has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. Nowadays, curcumin is offered in many supplement options ranging from capsules to topical creams.
Curcumin has been shown to help reduce inflammation, support joint health, provide neuroprotective and mood benefits, and support a healthy heart and liver. The antioxidants found in curcumin can also prevent damage from free radicals that occur naturally as we age by neutralizing them before they can cause harm to your body's cells.
Curcumin Supplement Options: Capsules and Liquids
If you're considering taking curcumin as a supplement, here's what you need to know about choosing the best format.
In Canada, Curcumin supplements are available in many options, including capsules and powders.
- Capsules: Curcumin capsules are the most common form of curcumin because they are so convenient. They're easy to take and convenient for travelling, as they don't require water or any other liquids to be taken with them.
- Liquids: Liquid curcumin is also easier to mix with other things, like juice or smoothies, making it easier for people with digestive issues.
Forms of Curcumin
Curcumin supplements are available in various forms, including conventional turmeric extract and standardized curcuminoid extract with piperine for enhanced absorption. There are also some patented forms of curcumin supplements available for enhanced absorption, which are made in Canada:
- Theracurmin is a patented turmeric complex using colloidal dispersion technology for enhanced bioavailability.
- Meriva 500-SF is a sustained-release capsule that enhances absorption and retention.
Using Piperine to Enhance Absorption
There may be a plethora of curcumin supplement options available to you, but we recommend choosing one that is enhanced with piperine. Black pepper extract has been shown to enhance the absorption of curcumin. It works by slowing the metabolic pathways that metabolize substances and is also used to enhance the bioavailability of some conventional drugs. Bioperine is one form of black pepper that has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.
Curcumin Capsule Potencies
There are different types of curcumin supplements available in Canada, so there's a format that can meet almost anyones needs. Whether you prefer curcumin capsules or liquids, there's a potency that can support your needs. The recommended daily dose is 500 to 1000 mg, but you should choose a curcumin supplement option that states that the turmeric extract has been standardized to 95% curcuminoids.
Curcumin Capsule Cautions
Curcumin is a safe and effective supplement for many people, but it's not recommended for everyone.
- Curcumin should not be taken if you have gallstones or bile duct obstructions.
- Do not take curcumin while pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor advises you otherwise.
- If you are diabetic, check with your health care provider before taking curcumin supplements because they may interfere with blood sugar control medications such as insulin and sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide).
What About Turmeric?
We discussed all the curcumin supplement options, now let's take a look at turmeric. Turmeric is a potent spice to have in your kitchen! When cooking with turmeric, there are a few things to keep in mind to enhance its bioavailability:
- Fat: Turmeric is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which is best absorbed with a fat source. Therefore, the best way to use turmeric is alongside a source of fat.
- Black pepper: Piperine, the active ingredient that gives black pepper its "bite," has been shown to improve the bioavailability of turmeric. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance its flavour and absorption when cooking with turmeric.
In conclusion, there are many options for curcumin supplements in Canada. It is a very powerful compound that is beneficial for many different conditions. When shopping for a curcumin supplement, it is a good idea to visit a good health food store and speak with an educator who can guide you to the right supplement for you.
Curcumin Capsule & Supplement FAQs
Are curcumin supplements safe?
Curcumin supplements are safe and well-tolerated.
Why does curcumin have low bioavailability?
The bioavailability of curcumin is low because it is poorly absorbed and rapidly metabolized in the digestive tract.
How does curcumin work in the body?
Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. When consumed, it can help reduce oxidative stress levels in the body and fight against inflammation.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
Curcumin supplements are starting to really intrigue me with their note on having certain health benefits such as having antioxidants and also having anti inflammatory properties to it as well. If you take the supplement version how much black pepper is needed if at all? This is very interesting to me and a supplement I am becoming more curious about buying and trying out for the short term! I also appreciate the contraindications listed to know when not to take it but also great to always check in prior to new supplements too.
Hello O,
It's great to hear that you're getting intrigued by curcumin supplements and their potential health benefits. Black pepper is often used in curcumin supplements to enhance its absorption. The recommended amount of black pepper can vary depending on the supplement, so it's always a good idea to check the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Being cautious and checking for contraindications before trying out any new supplement is also smart, safety first, right? If you decide to give curcumin a go, we hope it brings you the desired results and if you'd like to learn about the power of antioxidants, check out this article: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/antioxidants/
Excellent article-solid, research-backed and pointed!! The mention of both black pepper and fat is great. Also, the mention of formats such as Theracurmin was good to include. Finally, the mention that cucumin supplements may interfere with blood sugar control medications like insulin and sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide) was great to include because patients with conditions such as diabetes seeking a healthier lifestyle could find themselves at risk of such complications. Thank you for this great, short, and sweet aritcle. Good takeaways and easy to understand:)
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for your positive feedback on the article. We greatly appreciate your kind words and are glad that you found the content to be well-researched and informative. It is our goal to provide readers with valuable information backed by solid research.
We understand the importance of including relevant details, such as the mention of black pepper, fat, and formulations like Theracurmin. Additionally, we recognize the significance of highlighting potential risks or interactions with medications, as in the case of curcumin supplements and blood sugar control medications.
Your appreciation for our concise yet comprehensive approach encourages us to continue delivering articles that are both informative and easy to understand. Since you've been enjoying our articles, perhaps you'll like our healthy recipes too, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Very similar to the curcumin supplements ariticle but some differences! I like the mention that standardization is valueable. I'm also like to mention that certification (such as GMP-eg good manufacturing practice, in the US, which was established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order minimize the risks production of supplements and other pharmaceuticals) is something else to look for. I was curious here why dietary tumeric wasn't mentioned and would be interested to hear why you do not mention it; would it be harmful or difficult to get an effective dose of curcumin fom diet?
Hello Rachel,
We're glad you are enjoying our articles on curcumin. Standardization is indeed valuable in the manufacturing of supplements. Certification programs like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) play a crucial role in ensuring quality, safety, and consistency in the production process.
Regarding the mention of dietary turmeric, it's important to note that turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is known for its potential health benefits. In supplement form, curcumin is extracted from the root. While curcumin has shown promise in several studies, it's worth mentioning that its bioavailability is relatively low when consumed through diet alone as turmeric.
To enhance the absorption and increase the effectiveness of curcumin, it is often recommended to take it with black pepper or with a supplement that contains Piperine (a compound found in black pepper). This helps improve its bioavailability and ensures better absorption by the body. You can learn more about this cofactor in this article, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/black-pepper/
Stay healthy & well
I like advising my mother about Turmeric for her osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. She suffers from both and also struggling with Alzheimer's. She eats the Turmeric but refuses to supplement with it as it leaves horrible stains everywhere it goes. But it's worth it, even for the stains. It works well with msm, bromelain, devil’s claw, boswelia. I often mix these together. Curcumin has been shown to help reduce inflammation, support joint health, provide neuroprotective and mood benefits, and support a healthy heart and liver. I can confirm that.
Hello Kaveh,
We hope your mother enjoys this nutrient. Turmeric is actually scientifically proven to help with joint health and inflammation. Discover these findings and information here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/research/curcumin-and-joints/