Should I be taking turmeric supplements? (2024)

FAQs

Are turmeric supplements worth taking? ›

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.

When taken by mouth: Turmeric is likely safe when used short-term. 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.

This makes oral supplements the best choice for most people looking to maximize the benefits of turmeric. Most of these supplements contain turmeric extract. The extract contains much more curcumin than turmeric powder.

When taken by mouth or applied to the skin, turmeric — and the curcumin it contains — appears to be generally safe when limited to less than 8 grams a day. That said, different amounts often are recommended depending on the health condition being addressed, and higher doses have been used for limited periods of time.

It thins your blood

Turmeric's purifying properties may also make you bleed more easily. It's not clear why this happens. Other suggested benefits of turmeric, such as lowered cholesterol and lowered blood pressure, probably have something to do with the way turmeric functions in your blood.

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.

Studies have found that turmeric has more health benefits when you take it with: Black pepper: Peperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, increases how much turmeric you absorb by up to 2,000 percent. Healthy fats: Turmeric is fat soluble. That means it dissolves in fat and not water.

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.

It can still provide some health benefits and add flavour to your dishes. However, as mentioned, the quality and potency of store-bought Turmeric powder can vary, and it may contain lower levels of Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric that provides many of its health benefits.

Turmeric in food is considered safe. However, taking large amounts of turmeric and curcumin in supplement form for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers. People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric.

Who Cannot take turmeric? ›

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.

In ancient times in the Far East, turmeric was used to treat inflammatory conditions of various organs, for liver and digestive tract problems, and on wound healing.

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.

We recommend Gaia Herbs Turmeric supplements, as they contain 495 milligrams of turmeric per three gummy serving, with 95 milligrams of curcuminoids. Another plus for these gummies is that they contain pectin rather than gelatin. This makes them suitable if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

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.

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.