5 Turmeric Supplements That Will Recharge Your Body

By: DTW Health Advisory Board

This website is owned and operated by Stingray Direct. Stingray Direct is the distributor of Stonehenge Health products and may receive compensation from companies featured when you purchase through the provided links.

what to avoid?

what to look for?

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One of the most popular supplements sold today is Turmeric Curcumin which has a history going back hundreds of years.1 Recently scientists have discovered Turmeric Curcumin’s remarkable ability to help support memory, joint mobility, heart, and immune health.2

The popularity has led to hundreds of Turmeric supplements flooding the marketplace. While these supplements all promise to deliver health benefits, the reality is that many fall short. Some of the most popular brands have been found to use ineffective levels or low-quality fillers.

With so many options it seems many of us might still be unclear about what to look for in a quality turmeric curcumin supplement. To help cut through the clutter, we have compiled months of research about turmeric and how it can benefit your overall health.

This short guide will help you know what to look for and what to avoid so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your turmeric curcumin supplement needs. We will also list out the top 5 turmeric supplements sold today we researched so you don’t have to.

Let’s take a moment to understand precisely how turmeric curcumin supplements work to improve your whole-body health and why it’s essential to add it to your daily routine.
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4 Things To AVOID

When Buying A Turmeric Supplement

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists turmeric curcumin as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Some issues have been reported with lower-quality Turmeric supplements or those that contain a lot of potentially harmful fillers and additives.

1. harmful contaminants

Yellow Food Coloring – In countries where turmeric is very popular, such as India, some manufacturers use the food colorant metanil yellow (acid yellow 36) to enhance the color of Turmeric. If consumed in high amounts, metanil yellow has been shown in animal studies to cause a wide range of health problems. While metanil yellow is banned in the US, it is vital to avoid any turmeric with food coloring.15

 

Lead – Turmeric is often grown throughout South Asia and Bangladesh, India is considered a major source for this beneficial spice. Since Turmeric is a plant grown in soil, there are some naturally occurring lead compounds found in soil that the plant will absorb as it grows.  However, a recent Stanford-led study indicated that some turmeric originating from Bangladesh was contaminated with a man-made lead-based chemical compound.16
 

Additional studies have revealed that turmeric was the cause of high levels of lead in the blood of children in Bangladesh.17, 18 Lead is a neurotoxin that in high levels can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys.19 Look for a turmeric curcumin supplement that has been third-party lab tested to ensure it is contaminant-free.

2. not backed by a doctor

Creating an effective turmeric curcumin supplement requires a solid understanding of which ingredients to use and at what level of potency. Avoid a brand that is not supported by a credible doctor.

3. insufficient return policy

A reputable turmeric curcumin supplement brand will demonstrate they have faith in their product by offering a 100% money-back guarantee policy. Some try to complicate their refund policies by placing limitations on what kind of returns they will take. Avoid any brand that does not have at minimum a no-questions-asked 90-day money-back guarantee.

4. relying on amazon reviews

Research showed that in March 2019, there were 1.8 million new unverified reviews, with an average of 99.6% of them being 5-star reviews.20  We suspect many of these reviews are from people paid to write them. We also suspect many of these fake reviews inflate the number and overall star rating of a product. When deciding on a supplement that can impact your health, don’t just rely on Amazon reviews as they don’t always show the true benefits of a product or if that customer actually purchased and used the product.

health benefits of turmeric curcumin

Most people are familiar with turmeric as a spice that has a bright yellow color and is often used to enhance the flavoring of many foods. The chemical component of turmeric, which delivers the key health benefits, is a polyphenol known as curcumin. Over 120 clinical trials have fueled turmeric’s meteoric rise as well as thousands of research papers focused on turmeric curcumin’s remarkable health benefits.

Joint Health

Due to its extraordinary healing properties, turmeric curcumin is an ideal dietary supplement for those suffering from joint discomfort and poor joint function. Many studies confirm that turmeric curcumin supplements can help ease lower back, knee, hand, and wrist joint discomfort.4 But unlike over-the-counter medications, curcumin has no known side effects.

Memory and Focus

A recent double-blind controlled study from UCLA showed that turmeric curcumin has substantial memory and focus benefits. Using a group of people between the ages of 51-84, researchers determined that participants who took curcumin consistently each day had significant memory, mood, and focus improvements.3

Heart Health

Turmeric curcumin makes a great addition to any heart-healthy diet. Curcumin promotes blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production while strengthening arterial walls to help avoid excessive plaque build-up.5 Turmeric assists with the breakdown of cholesterol, which may help support healthy cholesterol levels in the body.2

Digestive Health

Curcumin helps with digestion as it can stimulate your gallbladder to produce bile, which helps in breaking down food faster.6 Bile production also eases acute bloating and helps support digestive tract health.
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Top 3 Criteria For A Quality

Turmeric Supplement

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We spent months researching turmeric supplements. There are specific aspects that differentiate high-quality turmeric supplements from generic ones. Below are the three most essential criteria to consider before deciding on which turmeric brand is best for your needs.

#1 Potency

Experiencing the full effect of your turmeric supplement depends on the dosage. We discovered several brands skimp on amounts to save money. If you are looking for a turmeric supplement to provide support for joint, heart, and memory health, we’ve concluded that a formula containing at least 1,500 mg of Turmeric Curcumin standardized to 95% curcuminoids is ideal. A dosage at this level can be highly effective for promoting joint comfort, mobility, and flexibility and promoting overall good health.

#2 Ginger for Improved Effectiveness

Concentrated curcumin in supplements can cause some mild digestive discomfort such as gas, irregular bowel movements, and cramping as well as mild cases of upset stomach. However, a few high-quality brands have begun adding Ginger to their Turmeric Curcumin formulas and successfully have been able to ease potential digestive discomfort. A systematic review of six different randomized controlled studies demonstrated that Ginger has a strong ability to soothe an upset stomach, and other studies have shown its ability to promote gastrointestinal health. 7-9 Ginger is also a powerful supplement on its own, a study of 120 patients with known joint health concerns who were given Ginger saw notable signs of better joint comfort, flexibility, and mobility. 10 When taking Turmeric with Ginger, studies revealed the combination effectively eases joint discomfort, and upset stomach while also promoting healthy cardiovascular and immune function. 11-13 Be sure to look for a Turmeric Curcumin supplement that contains Ginger for digestive support and other health-promoting properties.

#3 BioPerine® for Absorption

Turmeric and curcumin are fat-soluble, which means they need the presence of either fat or pepper to be efficiently absorbed by the body. The highest quality supplements include BioPerine®, a black pepper derivative that research shows increases the body’s absorption rate by up to 2000%.14
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How We Evaluated Our Turmeric Recommendations

clean, natural, science-backed ingredients

We looked for natural, clean, and science-backed formulas without additives, capsule colorants, and dyes. 

potency

We noticed some brands don’t have the required dosage to substantiate listed claims and benefits. We looked for brands that included and listed ingredients at a potent dosage necessary to be clinically impactful.

ease

When choosing a supplement, we know it will become part of your everyday routine, so it needs to be easy, and enjoyable. We looked for an enjoyable taste, and a 60-day or more satisfaction guarantee.

added support for maximum benefits

We looked for a well-rounded formula that includes added ingredients for maximum efficacy and absorption.

2024 Turmeric Curcumin Buying Guide

Advertisement sponsored by Stingray Direct, the distributor of Stonehenge Health products.

Pros

1,650mg of Organic Turmeric Curcumin Complex with standardized to 95% curcuminoids

300 mg Organic Ginger Root Extract

15 mg of BioPerine®

Endorsed by a Doctor

Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten and Soy Free, No artificial ingredients or fillers

Verified 90-day 100% money-back return policy

Cons

Often out of stock due to high demand

why we approved

Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Turmeric Curcumin is our top choice. This formula contains a potent dose of 1,650 mg of Turmeric Curcumin with standardized to 95% curcuminoids.
 

We were impressed that this brand included 300 mg of Organic Ginger to aid in digestive comfort and 15 mg of BioPerine® to improve curcumin absorption.
 

We were able to verify that Stonehenge Health’s formula does not contain any synthetic fillers or artificial ingredients and is vegan and non-GMO. It is also one of just a few brands we found to be endorsed by a Doctor.
 

Stonehenge Health backs its products with a no-questions-asked, 90-day money-back guarantee. We also like that they offer customers discounts on bundles. Click on the link below to see their current specials.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

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youtheory turmeric

researched

Pros
Title

1,000 mg of Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex with standardized 95% curcuminoids

10 mg of BioPerine®

Vegetarian Capsules

Dairy, Soy, and Gluten-Free

Cons
Title

Dose is lower than an optimal amount of Turmeric

Does not contain Ginger

Consumer complaints of digestive discomfort

Return Policy Limited To Point of Purchase

Not endorsed by an MD

Youtheory Turmeric Extra Strength is a popular brand that provides 1,000 mg per serving of turmeric standardized to 95% curcumin using C3 Reduct®. This form of turmeric is said to enhance bioavailability, but there are not enough studies to make a precise determination. The product does contain 10 mg of BioPerine® to aid in the absorption. When comparing to the first recommended brand on our list, Youthery’s amount of turmeric and BioPerine® included falls a bit short. Also, there is no inclusion of Ginger in this Tumeric formula, which could account for some of Youthery’s user complaints related to digestive discomfort. We were unable to verify that Youtheory has any product guarantee or return policy on its website.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Youththeory is a registered trademark of JAMIESON HEALTH PRODUCTS USA LTD.

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doctor’s best curcumin

researched

Pros
Title

1,000 mg of Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex standardized to 95% curcuminoids

6 mg of BioPerine®

Non-GMO, Soy and Gluten-Free

Cons
Title

The dose is lower than the optimal amount of Turmeric

Does not contain Ginger

Not Vegetarian Safe

Return Policy Limited To Point of Purchase

Doctor’s Best provides 1,000 mg per serving of Turmeric standardized to 95% curcumin using C3 Complex. The product contains a lower than optimal amount of Turmeric. While the formula does include BioPerine® to aid absorption, it is just 6 mg per serving. Doctor’s Best also chose not to include Ginger in their formula. Doctor’s Best Turmeric is made with gelatin capsules making it not appropriate for vegetarians or other health-conscious consumers. The brand does not have a consumer return policy listed on its website. If you buy a Doctor’s Best product, your return options are limited to the retailer’s return policy, typically just 30 days.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Doctor’s Best is a registered trademark of Doctor's Best, Inc.

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qunol extra strength turmeric

researched

Pros
Title

1,000 mg of Bioenhanced Turmeric Complex

Endorsed by a Doctor

Dairy, Wheat, and Soy-Free

Cons
Title

Gelatin Softgels made from bovine (beef)

Does not include Ginger Root Extract

Does not contain BioPerine®

Limited 30-day return policy

Qunol’s Extra Strength Turmeric contains 1000 mg of Turmeric, which the brand claims to be bio-enhanced with water dispersion technology for superior absorption. While Qunol references a study conducted showing it to have superior absorption over BioPerine®, more independent studies need to be undertaken to support this claim further. This formula does not include any Ginger Root Extract to aid in digestion. Qunol uses gelatin soft gels made from bovine (beef), making it not appropriate for vegetarians or other health-conscious consumers who want to avoid animal products in their supplements.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Qunol is a registered trademark of Quten Research Institute, LLC

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garden of life turmeric gummy

researched

Pros
Title

254 mg of Certified Organic Turmeric Blend in Gummy Form

50 mg of Organic Fermented Ginger Root

Cons
Title

Contains 7 grams of sugar per serving

Limited 30-day Return Policy

Garden of Life Mykind Organics is capitalizing on the popularity of gummy vitamins with its turmeric supplement. While these gummies have garnered positive reviews for being tasty, they pack 7 grams of sugar per serving, which may not be appropriate for those watching their blood sugar levels or other health-conscious consumers. It is good to see certified organic turmeric in this formula, but the dosage offered per serving is very low at only 254 mg per serving. Similarly, we were pleased to see they included ginger, but at only 50 mg per serving, it is considerably less than the top-rated brand on our list. Garden of Life backs its product with a limited 30-day refund period.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Garden of Life is a registered trademark of SOCIÉTÉ DES PRODUITS NESTLÉ S.A

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Citations
  1. https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2019/february/columns/consumer-trends-trends-in-supplement-usage.
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233493
  3. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/curcumin-improves-memory-and-mood-new-ucla-study-says.
  4. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.3705.
  5. doi:10.18632/aging.101149.
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
  7. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.bja.a013442.
  8. doi:10.1007/s10620-005-2957-2.
  9. https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X11008762.
  10. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.12.007.
  11. https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X11008762.
  12. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2015.06.011.
  13. doi:10.1111/1756-185x.12054.
  14. https://www.bioperine.com/index.php/researchhighlight.
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12616621.
  16. https://news.stanford.edu/2019/09/24/lead-found-turmeric/.
  17. doi:10.1155/2014/730636.
  18. doi:10.2478/v10102-012-0009-2.
  19. https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water.
  20. https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/.