The issue is complicated by the fact that the curcumin in turmeric is not easily absorbed by the body, so you may get little or no benefit. We therefore don't recommend turmeric supplements. Turmeric supplements are safe for most people.
Brown says turmeric supplements are probably not a good idea. As wonderful as turmeric's nutritional benefits can be, more curcumin is not necessarily better, and too much can be risky. For instance, turmeric supplements may increase your risk of kidney stones, especially if this runs in your family.
Turmeric products that provide up to 8 grams of curcumin daily seem to be safe when used for up to 2 months, Also, taking up to 3 grams of turmeric daily seems to be safe when used for up to 3 months. Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects.
It is usually safer to eat the food rather than take the supplement. However, even in food form, turmeric might interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs, as has been seen with some drugs used to treat breast cancer, so always check with your doctor to see if you should avoid this spice.
Taking turmeric in large doses has potential risks: Mild side effects include upset stomach, acid reflux, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches. Consuming large doses of turmeric supplements can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation.
Don't take turmeric supplements if:
You're taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil , Motrin ), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol ). Turmeric may lessen the effects of these medications.
Turmeric should be taken with meals to help with absorption. It's also a good idea to divide it into two doses taken 8 to 12 hours apart. This will help increase absorption and keep levels steady in the body. Dividing the dose may also help reduce possible side effects.
“It's safe to take up to 8 grams per day, but my recommendation would be somewhere on the lighter side: 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day for the general population,” says Hopsecger. For optimal absorption, try taking with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, she adds.
The Science Behind Turmeric and Turmeric Extracts
Multiple studies have shown that taking higher doses of curcumin in supplement form — around 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day — had similar pain relief effects to taking a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Taking a turmeric supplement for four to eight weeks could help to improve the effects of inflammation such as ease the pain of stiff joints or help to improve our general health.
No interactions were found between turmeric and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
According to a study conducted at the Tufts University, curcumin can actually suppress fat tissue growth. Another way in which turmeric helps in losing weight by regulating sugar levels and further preventing insulin resistance. This results in excess fat that is not retained in the body.
Ginger and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that daily consumption of ginger can reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis patients. Turmeric, on the other hand, has been found to be as effective as common anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Turmeric supplements come in a number of different forms. Some are paired with other ingredients to enhance absorption and accessibility by the body. Three formulations that have been tested for superior absorption and used in products we recommend include Meriva, BCM-95, and Longvida®.
One animal study that looked at rheumatoid arthritis found that even though both turmeric and ginger reduced the incidence and severity of flare-ups, turmeric had significantly more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power than ginger.
When Is the Best Time to Take Turmeric? You can take turmeric any time of day. However, it's a good idea to take turmeric on an empty stomach to minimize competition with other nutrients. You may want to take it before a small meal to increase bioavailability.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 400 to 600 milligrams (mg) of turmeric capsules, three times per day, or half to three grams of the root powder per day for inflammation relief.
It is a basic component of curry powder, giving the powder its bright yellow color, and is found in curries, as well as other meat and vegetable dishes, such as dal, a red-lentil curry, and mulligatawny soup.
The recommended daily dose for turmeric powder is about 3 grams per day, which is equivalent to a teaspoon. So why not consume it every day to take advantage of all its beneficial properties?
Unfortunately, turmeric doesn't offer a quick fix, so you'll need to take it daily to notice results. If you were wondering how long it takes turmeric to work, this can vary from person to person. However, you should usually expect to start noticing improvements in around 4-8 weeks when taken daily.
Turmeric and curcumin have been associated with a low rate of transient serum enzyme elevations during therapy and while having a long history of safety, turmeric products have recently been implicated in over a dozen instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
The studies found that curcumin decreased pain significantly compared to placebo and that it was comparable to ibuprofen and diclofenac in decreasing pain and stiffness.