Turmeric has the potential to be the ultimate superfood. It has been used as a culinary spice in India and Asia for thousands of years, and it is revered for its medicinal benefits. It is a root vegetable rich in polyphenol curcumin, which is the active component responsible for its bright yellow colour. It is from the same family as ginger and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is one disadvantage that home chefs should be aware of: it may discolour almost everything they come into touch with.
The HomeAccesooris Institute Nutrition Lab’s team of licensed dietitians examined dozens of turmeric supplements, preferring those that have been tested by a trustworthy third party such as USP and NSF. These measures are intended to help ensure that there are no dangerous ingredients in the products and that what is in the bottle matches what is on the label.
Our top picks:
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BEST TURMERIC SUPPLEMENT WITH ESSENTIAL OIL
Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract
In our Nutrition Lab, we have tested every form of supplement, from the best multivitamins for women to the best magnesium supplements and the best Vitamin D supplements. Nutrition experts guide our supplement articles, but the final decision is a personal one between you and your healthcare professional. Because the FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold, it is critical to conduct research before incorporating them into your program.
“For healthy individuals, adding turmeric spice daily will help optimize overall health and may prevent health issues associated with inflammation,” says Greene Health founder and registered dietitian Sydney Greene, MS, RDN. “The majority of the research on turmeric’s role in common health challenges employs high doses of the active compound, curcumin.” As a result, Greene claims that when utilizing smaller quantities at home, “when it comes to turmeric, adding it to your cooking repertoire might not be enough to notice a significant difference in a given health issue.” This is where supplements can help you improve your diet by increasing your regular amount of curcumin.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the finest turmeric supplements, including if you should take one and what to look for. If you’re looking for more supplements to help you reach your health and wellness goals, check out our top selections for the best protein powders, pre-workout supplements, and joint supplements.
1
PROS
- USP certified
- Budget friendly
CONS
- Does not contain black pepper
specifications
Form
Capsule
Dose
1 capsule
Serving
Available in 60 or 120 servings
Strength
500 mg turmeric
Price per Dose
$0.17
Don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget; this Nature Made product has a combination of turmeric root powder and turmeric root extract in capsule form. There are no artificial flavours, preservatives, or colours in it. It is third-party certified for quality, purity, safety, and efficacy by USP, a scientific charity with the most widely accepted supplement standards.
This supplement is available in 500-milligram capsules or an extra-strength form that has 1000 milligrams. Unlike many turmeric supplements, this one does not contain black pepper extract, this one does not contain black pepper extract, which can be used to increase absorbency but may interact with certain medications.
2
PROS
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Sustained release formula
CONS
- Multiple doses recommended
specifications
Form
Capsules
Dose
1-2 capsules two times daily
Serving
60
Strength
500mg, 1000mg Mervia curcumin
Price per Dose
$0.53
According to Thorne, Curcumin Phytosome may have “29 times better absorption than regular curcumin.” This supplement is NSF Certified for Sport, which means it has been tested to ensure that what is on the label is in the container and that there are no hazardous amounts of pollutants or illegal chemicals present. Because it is a prolonged release composition, you will get the advantages over a longer period. It also contains the unique turmeric extract brand Mervia for improved absorption.
This supplement comes in a big pill size, and the manufacturer recommends taking many doses throughout the day. It is available in two strengths and is intended to give anti-inflammatory support for joints, muscles, and the gastrointestinal tract.
3
BEST TURMERIC SUPPLEMENT WITH BLACK PEPPER
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength
NOW 34% OFF
PROS
- Third-party tested
- Herbs can be traced from farm to shelf
CONS
- Multiple dosages may be needed
specifications
Form
Liquid phyto-caps
Dose
1 capsule 1-2 times daily
Serving
60 or 120 servings per container
Strength
482 mg turmeric
Price per dose
$0.38 - $0.76
Gaia Herbs’ offices are located on a farm in North Carolina, close to many of the herbs they produce and use in supplements, making it easier for the company to have a farm-to-table approach. Turmeric Supreme, one of their best-selling product lines, is made utilizing an ISO-certified curcuminoid testing procedure. This testing, according to the business, assures the highest level of precision of these beneficial active components per serving. For improved absorption, this supplement contains 482 milligrams of turmeric and seven milligrams of black pepper extract. This supplement should be taken one to two times per day.
Meet Your Herbs, a powerful traceability platform offered by Gaia Herbs, allows customers to enter the product ID found on the box and track their supplement from farm to shelf. Consumers may also understand how the herbs were produced, extracted, harvested, and tested through this program; the results of testing the product undergoes to certify its purity and efficacy are available online. Gaia Herbs meet strong social and environmental standards as a recognized B corporation.
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PROS
- Third-party approved
- Contains a high amount of turmeric relative to the others
CONS
- Multiple doses recommended
specifications
Form
Capsule
Dose
1 capsule, 1-2 times per day
Servings
60-120 per container
Strength
665 mg turmeric root extract
Price per Dose
$0.25 - $0.49
This NOW herbal supplement is derived from turmeric root extract and contains 665 milligrams of turmeric root extract per serving. NOW is a family-owned business that puts all of its products through rigorous in-house testing. It is good manufacturing products (GMP) certified. It is also third-party evaluated by Underwriter Laboratories (UL), one of the oldest safety certification companies, which certifies labelling correctness for purity and potency.
This supplement is recommended to be used once or twice daily. NOW sells turmeric supplements in a variety of formats, including one that has the patented version of turmeric Mervia, which is directed toward joint health; another that contains the trademarked version Longvida, one that contains the patented version Longvida for brain health; softgels; and a liquid turmeric extract that can be added to warm water.
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BEST ORGANIC TURMERIC SUPPLEMENT
Garden of Life Mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric
NOW 13% OFF
PROS
- ConsumerLab.com approved
- USDA certified organic
CONS
- Contains probiotics, which some people may not want
specifications
Form
Tablet
Dose
1 tablet
Serving
Available in 60 or 120 servings
Strength
553 mg turmeric blend
Price per Dose
$0.30
Garden of Life’s USDA-certified Mykind Organics ingredients are farm-sourced, non-GMO project-verified, and free of harsh chemicals, fillers, and binders. ConsumerLab.com has also approved this Extra Strength Turmeric for label correctness, and it is free of harmful amounts of lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
Fermented turmeric root and fermented ginger root are combined in this product. It also has black pepper to help with absorption and a probiotic blend of Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may have anti-inflammatory properties and improve good digestion. Garden of Life is a B corporation committed to social and environmental standards. The supplement is also NSF gluten-free certified.
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PROS
- NSF sport certified
- Informed sport certified
CONS
- Capsules can be difficult for some to swallow
specifications
Form
Capsules
Dose
2 capsules
Servings
30 per container
Strength
1,000 mg turmeric
Price per dose
$1.16
Momentous Turmeric Ultra supplement is our top option for athletes due to its extensive testing. It is a certified sport, and Informed-Sport certified free for over 250 banned substances, and each batch of supplements is tested. The supplements are twice tested, according to Jeff Byers, CEO of Momentous and former NFL athlete, because different sports leagues have distinct preferences.
Turmeric Ultra contains Meriva curcumin for improved absorption rather than black pepper or black pepper extract piperine since black pepper, according to Byers, may interact with certain drugs. Meriva is a patented turmeric extract engineered for improved absorption, and Momentous claims it may deliver up to 29 times better absorption than non-patented curcumin equivalents. Clinical studies suggest that Meriva curcumin may aid in the treatment and management of osteoarthritis. This supplement is available in pill form, which some reviewers find to be too large to ingest.
7
BEST GUMMY TURMERIC SUPPLEMENT
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies
NOW 15% OFF
PROS
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
CONS
- Lower amount of turmeric per serving than others
specifications
Form
Gummy
Dose
2 gummies
Servings
30 per container
Strength
200 mg Longvida curcumin
Price per Dose
$0.85
This is the complement for you if you dislike taking pills. Nordic Naturals curcumin gummies contain Longvida, a proprietary type of turmeric that is intended to boost bioavailability, which means better absorption into the bloodstream. Gummy vitamins are frequently filled with additional sweeteners, but this mango-flavored version includes no sugar, making it an excellent choice for individuals on a low-carb diet or diabetics. Because it includes the sugar alcohol xylitol, those with digestive difficulties should avoid it.
It includes 200 milligrams of curcumin per serving, which is less than some of the other choices on our list. It is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This option is non-GMO and vegan.
8
BEST TURMERIC SUPPLEMENT WITH ESSENTIAL OIL
Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract
NOW 15% OFF
PROS
- ConsumerLab.com approved
- Non-GMO
CONS
- Contains a lower amount of turmeric than other picks
specifications
Form
Capsule
Dose
1 capsule
Serving
60
Strength
400 mg BCM-95 Bio-Curcumin extract
Price per Dose
$0.41
ConsumerLab.com has approved Life Extension’s Super Bio-Curcumin, which passes its tests for purity, potency, and labeling accuracy. This selection contains BCM-95 Bio-Curcumin extract for improved absorption. According to the business, BCM-95 is up to seven times more absorbable than normal curcumin and stays in your system longer. Each capsule contains 400 milligrams of BCM-95 turmeric complex as well as turmeric root essential oils.
This product is non-GMO and comes in a variety of strengths. Life Extension also supplies turmeric coupled with black cumin oil for improved immune health, and turmeric paired with ginger to supplement turmeric’s health advantages.
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PROS
- ConsumerLab.com approved
- Easy to swallow softgels
CONS
- Multiple doses recommended
specifications
Form
Softgels
Dose
2 softgels
Serving
30
Strength
1000 mg NovaSOL curcumin
Price per Dose
$0.87
A1 Vitality is a top pick authorized option of ConsumerLab.com because it contains the bioavailable-enhanced curcumin NovaSOL, which is designed to strengthen joints and boost heart health. A1 Vitality claims that pills containing NovaSOL are up to 185 times more bioavailable than curcumin extract. According to the firm, this supplement is “27 times more effective than standard turmeric tablets.”
For safety and quality, A1 Vitality is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. The supplement contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and the soft gels are easy to swallow; however, two doses are required daily.
How we chose the best turmeric supplements
While there are many turmeric supplements available, we analyzed several at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Nutrition Lab and made our selections based on the following criteria:
✔️ Third-party tested: We emphasize companies that undergo third-party testing by credible institutions, such as USP and NSF, to verify quality standards and that what is on the product label is, in fact, what consumers are getting. We looked at marketing claims, ingredient lists, and product quality, and we emphasized companies that test for heavy metals, pesticide and herbicide contamination, and other issues. We also recognized businesses with stringent internal quality control standards.
✔️Types of turmeric: We sought turmeric in many forms that may accommodate a variety of symptoms and budgets. We considered dosage and supplement forms, such as capsules, tablets, or gummies. We also sought turmeric, which was expressly designed to help with inflammation, joint and immunological support, and so on.
✔️Ingredients: We focused on businesses that utilize higher-quality ingredients and are free of artificial preservatives, flavors, sweeteners, synthetic coloring agents, and fillers.
What to look for when shopping for the best turmeric supplements
There are several various forms of turmeric pills available, each with a distinct strength. Here are a few things to bear in mind if you decide to take a turmeric supplement:
✔️ Form: Turmeric supplements come in a variety of formats, including capsules, pills, gummies, and oils. If you don’t enjoy taking capsules, you have plenty of other options. Take note of the serving size, as certain supplements necessitate numerous doses throughout the day.
✔️ Bioavailability: Turmeric and curcumin are not easily absorbed. They may, for example, be better absorbed when combined with black pepper or black pepper extract, which is also known as piperine or bioperine. They are also better absorbed when combined with fat, so take your supplement with a meal. “Lecithin and piperine are chemical compounds that may help with turmeric absorption in the body and increase the bioavailability of curcumin,” says registered dietitian Abigail Calderon, MS, RD, CDN. Lecithin can be present in foods such as eggs, vegetable oils, butter, yogurt, and other lactose-containing products. “Black pepper contains the chemical piperine, and piperine increases the absorption of curcumin in the body to almost double the amount than if you took turmeric by itself,” Calderon adds. There are also various turmeric-containing products with increased bioavailability, such as Mervia, Longvida, and NovaSOL.
✔️ Dosage: The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), states that “turmeric and conventionally formulated curcumin products are probably safe when taken orally or applied to the skin in the recommended amounts.” Different dosages may be recommended for different health concerns; the final decision is up to you and your healthcare professional.
✔️ Price: Turmeric supplements may be rather expensive, so we’ve included a selection of options to suit all budgets. Higher prices, like most things, are not always a reliable indicator of quality.
What are the benefits of turmeric supplements
Turmeric and curcumin have a well-deserved reputation as superfoods because they are connected with numerous health advantages. Still, like with any supplement, more research is required before a firm conclusion can be reached. Among the alleged advantages are:
✔️ May help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Greene believes that turmeric alone will not help reduce the symptoms of IBD or ulcerative colitis (UC). However, she adds that a randomized clinical control trial found that combining supplementary curcumin with a common UC treatment was more effective than the medication alone in helping individuals with mild to moderate UC achieve remission. According to Calderon, who has IBD and treats patients with IBD, ” studies show that turmeric may be beneficial for cases of mild IBD when used in conjunction with medication due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.” Curcumin contains “certain natural properties that may improve intestinal barrier, as well as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties that may play a role in regulating the gut microbiome,” she adds. As a result, it may play a role in the therapy of IBD.
✔️ May help with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory qualities may help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with both forms of arthritis. “When compared to ibuprofen, studies showed that taking about 1,000 milligrams of curcumin per day could be just as helpful in decreasing arthritis symptoms,” Greene says. “Because these studies were conducted on small groups of people, it is difficult to say definitively that turmeric will help more than traditional treatments, but it may be worthwhile to try.”
✔️ May help with digestive issues. A 2022 randomized clinical control trial found that consuming 500 milligrams of curcumin four times per day was just as beneficial as the medicine Omeprazole at alleviating recurring symptoms such as gas, bloating, and nausea.
✔️ May help with insulin resistance and diabetes. Curcumin may be useful as an anti-diabetic medication, decreasing insulin resistance and lowering blood glucose levels, according to new research. A recent study found that taking 1500 milligrams of curcumin daily lowered fasting blood glucose and weight in type 2 diabetic patients. However, if you have diabetes and are on diabetes medicine, it may raise your risk of low blood sugar and should be discussed with your doctor.
What is the difference between turmeric and curcumin
Turmeric and curcumin are frequently used interchangeably. Turmeric is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family, and its underground stem, also known as its rhizome, is used as a culinary spice. This is the origin of the spice used in cooking and juicing.
Curcumin, on the other hand, is derived from the turmeric plant and is the active element in turmeric, which is responsible for many of its health advantages. Curcumin has been extensively researched for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as many other health advantages, including improving glucose control. Curcumin has the potential to be unstable, resulting in decreased bioavailability, which means that less of a medicinal component reaches the bloodstream. There are currently various patented turmeric compounds that claim improved bioavailability, which we have included in our story.
Are there serious side effects of turmeric?
Turmeric used as a spice in cuisine is generally considered safe, but you should always contact your healthcare professional before taking it as a supplement. “Cooking with more turmeric than normal or adding turmeric as a condiment to meals is safe; you may just leave the meal with a bright yellow tongue,” Greene explains. “There are no common serious side effects in general.” However, it may produce mild gastrointestinal irritation in certain people, such as reflux, nausea, or upset stomach.”
Turmeric, as mentioned previously in the article, may lower blood sugar levels, which means that if you have diabetes, it may produce low blood sugar levels and should be discussed with your doctor. Furthermore, it has natural blood thinning characteristics and may mix with other medications you are taking. As usual, consult with your healthcare professional before incorporating supplements into your diet.
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HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
