Natural Goodness: The Best Curcumin Supplement
Contents
You may have read about curcumin and the many benefits it can have for your health, but the research is less settled than the hype.
Curcumin is a powerful active ingredient found in the spice turmeric, which is used in a lot of delicious Indian cooking recipes. The use of it in India dates back an incredible 4000 years!
Lab studies show curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but that doesn’t automatically mean health benefits in people.
The NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there isn’t enough evidence to conclude that turmeric or curcumin helps with any health condition. Early studies on knee osteoarthritis look promising but need higher-quality confirmation.
Curcumin is also poorly absorbed on its own. If you decide to try a supplement, here’s what to look for.
The Method
Taken as a daily supplement, curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, is popular for joint comfort and general wellness.
Researchers have studied it for arthritis, mood and brain health. So far, only the osteoarthritis research looks encouraging, and even that isn’t definitive. It has not been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or any other disease.
Many curcumin supplements include BioPerine, a branded extract of piperine from black pepper, because combining the two improves how much curcumin your body absorbs.
There’s a catch. NCCIH warns that liver damage has been reported in some people taking highly bioavailable curcumin products. Stop taking it and call your doctor if you notice fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Specifically
Doctor Danielle Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine
Doctor Danielle Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine is the cream of the crop when it comes to finding your turmeric curcumin supplement!
As the name suggests, it includes Bioperine so that your body can maximize absorption and make the best use of the ingredients.
This particular supplement comes to us from Dr Danielle.
The brand says the capsules are vegan and gluten-free.
Many reviewers mention joint comfort, but customer reviews aren’t evidence that it treats arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain or any other condition.
Pros And Cons
Curcumin comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, and plain turmeric is likely safe in recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months.
Don’t swap it for pain medicine your doctor prescribed. Some herbs and medicines interact, so ask your doctor or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
Turmeric supplements can cause nausea, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation in some people. NCCIH also says turmeric supplements may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Remember that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they’re sold.
In Summary
When searching for a curcumin or turmeric curcumin supplement, Dr. Danielle’s offering is our pick.
It’s nice to see a company cater to so many different dietary needs as well. They ensure that their powder and capsules are both vegan and gluten-free.
Oftentimes, it’s hard for customers with specific dietary needs to find vitamins or supplements that meet their parameters. Follow the dose on the label, and don’t expect it to cure anything.
Talk with your doctor before starting curcumin, especially if you’re pregnant, have liver problems or take medication. Supplements can have side effects, so stop and get advice if something feels off.
Sources
- Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH)
- Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
