Turmeric Curcumin. Is it safe? Tips to help decide (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to take turmeric for good results? ›

The bottom line

If your healthcare provider approves turmeric for you, look for a supplement that's USP-verified. Also look for a supplement that is formulated for better absorption. Take turmeric twice a day with fatty food and black pepper for best results.

One of the risks is that large doses can be bad for your kidneys. That's because too much curcumin can significantly increase the levels of urinary oxalate in your body, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation.

However, it's important to talk to your health care provider before taking any dietary supplements. The Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) value of curcumin has been determined by the European Food Safety Authority to be 0-3 mg per kilogram of body weight, or roughly 0-1.4 mg per pound.

People who should not take turmeric include those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, and arrhythmia. Pregnant women and those who are going to undergo surgery should not use turmeric.

Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses.

It improves liver function

The antioxidant effect of turmeric appears to be so powerful that it may stop your liver from being damaged by toxins. This could be good news for people who take strong drugs for diabetes or other health conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.

“The consumption of supplemental doses of turmeric can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, thereby increasing risk of kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.” Other issues of turmeric are related to the additives as well as the source of turmeric.

Turmeric may reduce the fat deposit in the body. It could help reduce body fat and body weight as per animal studies. You can mix some turmeric in a glass of warm water and take it every morning to reduce belly fat.

Turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. These characteristics may provide glow and luster to the skin. Turmeric may also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow. You may want to try a turmeric face mask at home to see if the spice has any positive effects on your skin.

What's the difference between turmeric and turmeric curcumin? ›

Turmeric is a plant and it's the roots of the plant that are used to make the spice that is used in cooking and herbal drinks. Curcumin is the naturally occurring compound within the plant's roots that give it it's bright yellow colour and is known as a carotenoid compound. It is also a very strong antioxidant.

Studies show that turmeric could be beneficial in doses ranging from 500–2,000 milligrams (mg) per day. However, the recommended dosage can vary depending on the specific condition you're trying to treat.

According to a review of small studies, taking curcumin/turmeric supplements can lower blood sugar and triglycerides. Even though these results were not from large studies, given turmeric's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it does seem possible that it could have a positive effect on heart health.

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.

Combining the spice with black pepper may help increase your body's ability to absorb turmeric's beneficial compounds. A substance in black pepper called piperine, when combined with curcumin, has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%.

Turmeric supplements can be taken at any time of day, but they're best taken at mealtime or with food to aid absorption. Turmeric is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation, but certain populations should exercise caution.

Research suggests 500–2,000 mg of turmeric per day may have potential benefits, particularly in extract form. The exact dose may depend on the medical condition you're trying to treat, though official dosing recommendations are unavailable.