Why Is Curcumin So Difficult to Absorb?
Why you can trust Nutri Advanced Every article on our site is researched thoroughly by our team of highly qualified nutritionists. Find out more about our editorial process.
Turmeric has been used medicinally for more than 4000 years, going back to ancient times in India. It is an amazing herb that is a “cure-all” throughout Asia, and its popularity has spread world-wide. The bright yellow colour of turmeric comes mainly from its constituents known as curcuminoids, of which curcumin is the most active. As more scientific studies have been done, we are continuing to discover more about the incredibly powerful effect that curcumin has, as it acts on multiple pathways of the body at the same time.
We also know that turmeric, and especially its active constituent curcumin, are poorly absorbed by the body. The reason for this is that curcumin dissolves in fat, rather than in water, and as the digestive system is a rather watery environment, most of it just ends up being excreted by the body. We also know that the small amount that is absorbed is then rapidly metabolised (broken down). These factors result in low bioavailability, which means that very little curcumin is available for the body to use.
When cooking with turmeric, dissolving it in oils such as coconut and ghee may help to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. But if you want to truly benefit from curcumin’s health-supporting properties, it is advisable to take a high quality supplement which can ensure good absorption and good bioavailability. Many manufacturers are working hard to address the issue of poor absorption/poor bioavailability, and often special technology is applied in order to increase the amount of curcumin that can be used by the body.
Other options include adding a black pepper extract to a curcumin formula. Black pepper contains a constituent called piperine, which acts in the liver and helps to slow the breakdown of curcumin, leaving more available for the body to use. This has been confirmed in several studies, which have shown that the bioavailability of curcumin is significantly higher when combined with piperine.
If you would like to know more about curcumin, please read our other article which is an in-depth look the many potential health benefits of curcumin called “Curcumin – The Story Behind the Latest Health Wonder”.
This website and its content is copyright of Nutri Advanced ©. All rights reserved. See our terms & conditions for more detail.
Nutri Advanced has a thorough research process and for any references included, each source is scrutinised beforehand. We aim to use the highest value source where possible, referencing peer-reviewed journals and official guidelines in the first instance before alternatives. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate at time of publication on our editorial policy.
Most Popular Articles
-
5 Best Vitamin C Supplements Picked By Our Experts
Learn more about the different types of vitamin C, the different benefits you get from different types, and what you get for spending more on a good supplement. -
7 Surprising Ways To Support Your Magnesium
If you are displaying signs of a magnesium deficiency, here are 7 ways to boost your magnesium levels that are easy to incorporate into your daily life. -
Top 5 Vitamins For Energy And Tiredness Picked By Our Experts
The 5 best and most important vitamins for energy & tiredness including B vitamin food sources & best supplement forms for energy. -
Benefits of Myo-Inositol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
In this research review article, we take a closer look at a lesser-known natural compound called myo-inositol that has been found to have significant potential to improve many of the prevalent features of PCOS. -
Top 10 Reasons to Give Your Kids Omega-3
Read the top 10 reasons that kids should have plenty of Omega-3- an essential fatty acid- including for depression, brain function, sleep & reading/maths skills.