The Golden Spice Dossier: Unravelling Turmeric and Piperine
Turmeric is the golden spice that’s been stealing the supplement spotlight and dazzling health enthusiasts for centuries. But let’s dig a little deeper into the science, shall we? Nearly all positive clinical research on turmeric has been conducted without black pepper, also known as piperine. And guess what? Independent studies reveal that after several days of going solo, there’s little difference in turmeric's absorption compared to a piperine-enhanced counterpart.
What’s This Piperine Business, Anyway?
Let’s get spicy! Piperine is the extract from black peppercorns that gives this humble spice its kick. This seasoning does something quite fascinating: it inhibits an enzyme that typically breaks down curcumins in your gut and liver. This means that while piperine doesn’t actually support the absorption of curcumins, it does help them stick around longer in your bloodstream. What black pepper does increase the absorption of is medicines and has an effect on flushing medicines through the body far too quickly, which can be dangerous for some individuals[1]. This rapid pace can be risky for some people, especially those on long-term medication. So, we decided to steer clear of adding a turmeric and black pepper combo to our lineup. But what about sprinkling culinary black pepper on culinary turmeric? Well, the good news is that we consume black pepper in such tiny amounts that it’s not usually a concern. However, hit that 5mg extract mark, and it's like waving a big red flag - time to hit the brakes!
What Should You Keep in Mind?
Now, to unleash turmeric’s potential, those compounds need to make it past your gut and into your bloodstream. Here’s the kicker: turmeric is fat-soluble. That’s right! To enhance absorption, pair it with a meal containing fats. Alternatively, take your turmeric tablet with a fish oil supplement for additional health benefits. Your body will thank you for the extra oomph!
The Turmeric Lowdown
Turmeric, scientifically known as curcuma longa, hails from the vibrant landscapes of India and Southeast Asia, belonging to the illustrious ginger family. Its brilliant orange hue isn’t just for show; it’s packed with curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its status as a wellness superstar. Fun fact: powdered turmeric contains a mere 3% of curcuminoids, so, in every 100mg of turmeric powder there is just 3mg is curcuminoids. Opting for a concentrated root extract source, like a quality turmeric supplement gives you more bang for your buck!
What’s Turmeric Good For?
Besides its culinary charm, turmeric has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic Medicine for ages, and it’s now strutting its stuff as a popular food supplement. You’ll often find it suggested for joint health and digestive wellbeing.
How to Maximise Your Absorption Game
Enter our star player: Curcusorb+! This isn’t just any turmeric supplement; it features CurcuWIN Ultra+, a groundbreaking form of curcumin that’s 144 times more bioavailable than your standard 95% turmeric extract. Using advanced formulation techniques, we’ve made these curcuminoids more soluble and, thus, easier for your body to absorb.
But wait, there’s more! We’ve enhanced CurcuWIN Ultra+ with the dynamic duo of vitamins C and D. Vitamin D3 supports normal muscle function, while vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and maintaining cartilage health. Talk about a joint health heavyweight!
Based on a treasure trove of compelling studies, our Curcusorb+ formula is the crème de la crème for absorption, leaving other combination products in the dust, including those with black pepper!
We offer a range of turmeric supplements to cater to every need. Here’s a quick rundown to help you navigate the options:
- Turmeric 10,000mg Fast Release – Perfect for long-term maintenance.
- Turmeric 20,000mg High Strength – Tailored for those aged 50 and up or for short-term use.
- Curcusorb+ – The enhanced absorption champion.
- Curcumem™ – Your go-to for cognitive support.
Browse the complete lineup of turmeric products for more information.
Still on the fence? Fear not! For personalised advice on selecting the right turmeric supplement, reach out to our Nutrition Advice Team.
References:
Bhardwaj, R.K., Glaeser, H., Becquemont, L., Klotz, U., Gupta, S.K. and Fromm, M.F. (2002). Piperine, a Major Constituent of Black Pepper, Inhibits Human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 302(2), pp.645–650. doi:https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.102.034728.
