Should You Use A Curcumin Supplement?

Curcumin is one of the most exciting natural compounds being studied by medical cliniticians and scientists today. Extracted from the powder of the turmeric spice, it has been shown to be helpful with a number of human diseases.

Some of the illnesses it is known to fight and prevent include cancer, bowel disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and even AIDS. It’s also known to help regulate cholesterol and may even be helpful for diabetics.

On top of all this disease fighting power, it is also extremely safe and has no side effects even in large doses.

With all the wonderful news about curcumin, health supplement manufacturers have been jumping on the bandwagon by bringing curcumin supplements to the marketplace and heavily marketing them. These supplements usually consist of capsules or tablets that contain this extract of turmeric.

The Problem With Curcumin Supplements

Often these capsules or tablets will contain about 500 mg of curcumin. However, some recent lab testing has shown that often it is not pure natural curcumin. Some supplement manufacturers have been adding a synthetic form of the extract which is not known to be as effective.

There is another significant problem with taking these curcumin supplements as directed on the label. Many manufacturers advise to take one capsure or table three times a day with water. Sounds good at first, doesn’t it? Well, it may not be that easy to get enough of this wonder compound into your bloodstream where it will do any good.

The problem is bioavailability. When scientiific studies using curcumin are done on patients, the daily doses given can be up to 8 grams of this powder. The reason for this is because it has been difficult to find ways that will increase the bioavailability of this substance. Curcumin is not generally water soluble and is therefore absorbed in only small quantities relative to how much is consumed when it is taken with water.

So if this is the way that you are taking curcumin, you could be wasting your money.

The Possible Solution To The Problem

There are two possible solutions to the problem of curcumin’s bioavailability. One study recently indicated that when it is taken with phospholipids.

Another study published recently in a peer reviewed medical journal found that boiling it in water for a period of time and then drinking the resulting mixture dramatically increased the absorption into the human body.

With this in mind, you might want to learn more about the best known ways to take curcumin.

It could help you ensure that you are getting value for the money you are spending on the supplement.