Turmeric is obtained from the rhizomes (roots and shoots) of the Curcuma longa plant, which belongs to the ginger family of plants. The Vedic people in India have used turmeric for over 4000 years for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits. As a spice, it is used in many recipes, and the popularity of turmeric in a supplement form has been growing recently.
The large number of supplements on the market makes it difficult to select the best one. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top five turmeric supplements on the market of 2024.
Best turmeric supplements: a shortlist
- Natural Stacks — best liquid turmeric supplement
- Vitaliv — best turmeric supplement with a high concentration
- Oweli — best turmeric supplement with black pepper supplement
- Bulletproof — best turmeric gummies
- VitalityPRO — best overall turmeric supplement
Comparison of the best turmeric supplements
Brand | Product name | Serving size | Cost per serving | Beneficial ingredients |
Natural Stacks | Turmeric curcumin with coconut oil | 2 softgels | $0.99 | Curcumin liquid extract, organic coconut oil |
Vitaliv | Turmeric X39 | 1-2 capsules | $1.63 | Curcugen® curcumin extract |
Oweli | Turmeric | 2 capsules | $0.90 | Organic turmeric, turmeric 95% curcuminoids, BioPerine |
Bulletproof | Turmeric gummies | 2 gummies | $0.83 | Turmeric root extract (95% curcuminoids), ginger root extract |
VitalityPRO | Longvida® curcumin | 1–2 capsules | $0.49–$0.98 | Longvida® optimized curcumin |
5 best brands of turmeric supplements: an overview
Turmeric is a natural spice used in many traditional Indian and Asian dishes and has been used for centuries in the Vedic culture for its potential health benefits. With turmeric supplements available in multiple forms and combinations, we have used the above criteria to find the five best turmeric supplement brands.
1. Natural Stacks — best liquid turmeric supplement
Natural Stacks manufactures their Turmeric Curcumin with coconut oil supplement using dissolved curcumin within fat molecules placed in softgel capsules to help increase the absorption of curcumin. This product includes coconut oil which provides an additional fat that can assist in the absorption of curcumin.
The Natural Stacks supplement undergoes third-party testing to ensure the purity of the ingredients to produce vegan and paleo-diet-friendly supplements. The ingredients used are also gluten-free and non-GMO.
The manufacturer recommends taking two softgels every morning. The cost of a 30-day supply is $29.95 and is available with bulk and subscribe and save discounts.
2. Vitaliv — best turmeric supplement with a high concentration
Vitaliv introduces Turmeric X39, a next-generation turmeric supplement designed for joint pain relief and enhanced mobility.
The formula is based on the clinically studied ingredient Curcugen® — a highly concentrated curcumin extract boasting a 98.5% turmeric base and a high 50% curcuminoids concentration.
According to the brand, Turmeric X39 is 39 times more potent than regular turmeric supplements, and may deliver faster absorption and health benefits without causing stomach issues.
Each bottle comes with a 30-day supply and the manufacturer’s recommended dosage of 1-2 capsules a day.
According to the website, the product ingredients are sourced from a GMP-certified facility.
Vitaliv Turmeric X39 starts from $49.00 for a single bottle. Customers can also enjoy free shipping on larger orders and a 180-day money-back guarantee.
3. Oweli — best turmeric with black pepper supplement
Oweli uses BioPerine, black pepper extract, with scientific evidence showing it increases the absorption of curcumin. The capsules include an extract containing 95% curcuminoids, which is preferred to maximize the availability of curcumin.
Oweli uses third-party testing to confirm its turmeric supplement's ingredient quantities, purity, and lack of contaminants. Each manufacturing facility is FDA-registered and compliant with current good manufacturing practices.
The manufacturer recommends taking two capsules with 8 ounces of water daily with the supplement. This results in a 30-day supply costing $26.99. Each order is provided with a 100-day money-back guarantee, showing their confidence customers will be satisfied with their product.
4. Bulletproof — best turmeric gummies
Bulletproof is one of the best turmeric and ginger supplements which uses a combination of two ingredients, 95% curcuminoid extract and ginger extract, that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. These gummies may be favorable for people who have trouble swallowing pills but prefer standardized dosing without measuring requirements.
This product does not undergo third-party testing and does not mention if its facilities are compliant with current good manufacturing practices.
A 30-day supply of these gummies costs $24.95, with a recommended dosage of two gummies daily. It is available in a peach ginger flavor and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. VitalityPRO — best overall turmeric supplement
VitalityPRO produces a Longvida® optimized curcumin supplement that uses solid lipid curcumin particle (SLCP) technology to help increase the absorption of curcumin.
One study has shown that SLCP curcumin in this product can help reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis.
This supplement is produced in 100% biodegradable packaging and is a non-GMO, vegan-friendly product. Manufactured without any artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
This product undergoes third-party testing to ensure its purity and lack of harmful substances. VitalityPRO is manufactured in facilities that follow current good manufacturing practices.
The manufacturer of VitalityPRO recommends one to two capsules per day with each bottle providing a 45 to 90-day supply. The capsules provide a measured dosage form without any guesswork regarding the dose received.
A bottle costs $44, which translates to approximately $15–30 for a 30-day supply, depending on dosage.
How we compiled this list of the best turmeric supplements
Evaluating individual supplements can be difficult, and the FDA does not regulate these. That is why we are transparent in the reasons for our recommendations. We aim to select high-quality products based on the below criteria.
Third-party testing | Evidence-based ingredients | Types of turmeric | Reputable manufacturer |
Ensures purity and confirms contents of products | Ingredients that have scientific evidence supporting their use | Products available in different forms (i.e., powders, capsules) | Companies compliant with good manufacturing practices |
- Third-party testing. We prioritized supplements that have undergone independent lab testing to ensure the product is free of any harmful substances and to confirm the correct dosages.
- Evidence-based ingredients. Selecting products with ingredients with scientific evidence supporting their use is important to identify supplements that may potentially provide health benefits to users.
- Types of turmeric. Identifying supplements available in a wide variety of forms (i.e., powders, capsules, gummies) allows us to provide a list that can accommodate a variety of budgets and health conditions.
- Reputable manufacturer. We prioritize supplements produced using current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and have certifications such as NSP and USP, indicating they have been formulated to the highest quality.
Understanding the benefits of turmeric
One of the active components of turmeric is known as curcumin, which gives turmeric its yellow color. Curcumin has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The turmeric spice contains approximately 3% of curcumin making it harder to consume larger dosages of curcumin. However, the best turmeric supplements will contain curcumin extract, which contains 95% curcumin.
The use of curcumin can have potential benefits in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant properties may help support weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Curcumin has been shown to have effects on the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis (cell death), which may be beneficial in certain cancers. However, these effects are observed in research studies of specific populations with varied amounts and forms of curcumin while curcumin supplements on the market are not intended to treat or prevent disease.
What is the difference between turmeric and curcumin?
Curcumin is the active component in turmeric, whereas turmeric is the overall spice that contains different curcuminoids, in which curcumin is one of three commonly found in the spice.
Curcumin is a turmeric component and is often used in many of the best turmeric supplements. Manufacturers isolate curcumin extract from turmeric, allowing them to provide concentrated dosages of this component in the supplement.
A great way to add curcumin to the diet is by using turmeric spice in foods or using certain supplements that isolate curcumin extract. Curcumin provides turmeric with potential health benefits and is thought to have, among others, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
The different types of turmeric supplements
Turmeric supplements are available in teas, powders, capsules, tablets, and extracts, providing an extensive selection to choose from to obtain the potential health benefits of curcumin. Selecting supplements that contain turmeric extracts with 95% curcumin increases its absorption potential.
The human body poorly absorbs Curcumin. Many of the best-rated curcumin supplements combine it with fat (liposomal forms) to increase the body's absorption ability. Other supplements combine curcumin extract with black pepper to help increase the absorption.
For those with difficulty swallowing pills, turmeric powder is an excellent option to add curcumin to the diet, allowing it to be easily mixed with milk or in foods.
Let's give you the answer to the question, “what is the best turmeric supplement?”
Turmeric capsules
The best turmeric pills/capsules are USP-certified and often are combined with powerful ingredients such as black pepper to increase their absorption.
Using capsules provides consistent forms of turmeric and curcumin intake, making it easier to know how much you are getting and helping obtain the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin.
Capsule forms may also provide beneficial effects by supporting the immune system, reducing stress, and improving one's mood.
Turmeric powder
The best turmeric powder supplements are third-party tested and contain an extract containing 95% curcuminoids, providing dosages of curcumin in small serving sizes (0.5 to 1.5 teaspoonfuls). All the best turmeric powder supplements can be mixed with foods such as soups, rice, and vegetables or even made into tea. This may help support your joints, improve sleep and mood, and support one's immune system.
Turmeric lotions
Turmeric powder can also be formulated into a lotion to use on the body and face to boost your regular skincare routine. The application of turmeric lotions or creams to the face may help reduce blemishes and improve dark spots. Skin tone irregularities such as redness, blotchiness, and unevenness may also be improved using turmeric lotion.
Lotions and creams used topically have minimal absorption through the skin and thus are associated with fewer side effects and interactions.
Best turmeric and curcumin supplements for health
When identifying the best turmeric and curcumin supplement for you, it is essential to consider why you wish to take it.
For instance, turmeric and ginger supplements or turmeric and Boswellia supplements may be the best option if you are looking for the best turmeric supplement for joint pain and improving joint health.
The best turmeric and Boswellia supplements combine the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin with those of ginger and Boswellia, which may improve their ability to help with inflammatory joint pain.
Curcumin supplement for arthritis
Choosing the best curcumin supplement for arthritis with high-quality curcumin extracts containing up to 95% curcumin may be better to help manage pain associated with this condition.
This is likely secondary to the strong anti-inflammatory properties associated with curcumin. Selecting brands that increase the amount of curcumin absorbed may increase the ability of the supplement to help manage the pain of stiff joints. Brands providing 500 to 1,500 mg of turmeric daily have been used in studies to improve pain associated with arthritis.
Curcumin supplement for inflammation
Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory substance that has been shown to reduce inflammation. Inflammation plays an important role in many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. Selecting the best curcumin supplement for inflammation can reduce the amount of inflammation within the body, but is not intended to treat or prevent any diseases. Please consult your healthcare provider for a personalized approach before using any supplements
Alternatively, adding the best turmeric powder for inflammation to smoothies, teas, or soups can be a delicious way to help reduce inflammation and spice up your diet.
Turmeric supplement with black pepper
BioPerine is a black pepper extract commonly used with turmeric or curcumin supplements. Piperine is a compound in black pepper extract that has been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin.
Combining these products enhances the effects of curcumin by providing higher amounts in the bloodstream. Using supplements utilizing black pepper extract will improve the amount of curcumin that can be absorbed and maximize the potential benefits of your supplement.
Turmeric supplement for joint pain
Joint pain is unavoidable as we age and can be due to an underlying inflammatory disorder. Turmeric and curcumin supplements are popular options to help relieve joint pain and reduce inflammation. Curcumin may reduce inflammation to some extent in people with joint pain, however, it is important to discuss the best joint pain management routine with your doctor.
The proper use of turmeric and curcumin supplements may improve joint pain through the use of natural ingredients.
Turmeric supplement for weight loss
A limited amount of research has shown curcumin supplements to positively reduce one's body mass index and body weight. Some scientific studies have shown that curcumin reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels and improves insulin resistance. Using the best organic turmeric supplement may help reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with obesity. However, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify appropriate dosing recommendations before establishing the best turmeric supplement for weight loss.
The importance of choosing the best curcumin supplement
The FDA does not regulate supplements, resulting in some products not meeting the purity standards seen with prescription drugs. However, selecting products that have undergone third-party testing and are either USP or NSF-certified can help identify high-quality products.
Brands allowing independent laboratories to evaluate their products are essential to ensure the purity and potency of the supplement. This helps to reduce the risks associated with contaminants and provides an added assurance customers are getting what they paid for. In addition, picking USP or NSF-certified products ensures the product has undergone strict testing and evaluation before reaching the shelf.
Who may not benefit from turmeric supplements
Despite the numerous health benefits of turmeric, there are people who should avoid tumeric
- Those on blood thinners or with a higher risk of bleeding should not use turmeric. Turmeric thins the blood and increases the risk of bleeding.
- Patients with an increased risk of kidney stones or a history of kidney stones should not use turmeric due to its high oxalate content.
- Patients on prescription medications to treat diabetes, depression, and infections should avoid turmeric unless advised by their doctor.
- Pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant should avoid taking turmeric supplements.
Who should take a turmeric supplement?
The health benefits of turmeric have been widely studied and have been shown to have many potential health benefits. These patients may benefit from the use of turmeric supplements.
- Individuals with chronic joint pain or swelling may benefit form the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.
- People with elevated cholesterol in the blood.
- Individuals with symptoms of depression or anxiety may benefit from the mood-boosting properties of turmeric.
- Those with itchy skin may benefit from turmeric lotions or creams.
- Those with dark spots and skin irregularities may benefit from turmeric cream or lotion.
- People with runny and itchy noses associated with certain allergies may benefit from using turmeric supplements.
Before starting any turmeric or curcumin supplement, it is important to discuss with your doctor to prevent any adverse effects or drug interactions and ensure the safe use of the product.
Exploring more beneficial supplements
Top-rated NMN supplements for healthy aging and longevity.
Review the top resveratrol supplements, a powerful antioxidant.
Better understand the top CBD oils for pain and pain relief.
Identify the best CBD products for arthritis in this top 5 review.
Find a topical cream in this review of the best CBD topical preparations for knee pain.
FAQ
Are turmeric supplements suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
Yes. Turmeric is a plant belonging to the ginger family. It is obtained from the Curcuma longa plant's root native to India and Southwest Asia, and is commonly used as a spice. Many turmeric supplements are vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
How long does it take to see results from turmeric supplements?
Unfortunately, turmeric does not provide immediate effects and requires levels of curcumin to build up in the blood for it to work. It can take up to 4 to 8 weeks to see results from a turmeric supplement.
Can I take turmeric supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The dosages typically found in turmeric supplements should not be used in women who are or are trying to get pregnant. Regarding breastfeeding, there is insufficient evidence of its safety, and it should be avoided unless your doctor recommends it.
Can turmeric supplements aid in weight loss?
Oxidative stress and inflammation have a role in the development of obesity. Turmeric is considered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful for weight loss. However, the overall effects of turmeric supplements on weight loss still require further research.
7 resources
- International Journal of Research and Review. Curcumin: A Review for Health Benefits.
- American Journal of Plant Sciences. The Golden Spice Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Its Feasible Benefits in Prospering Human Health—A Review.
- Journal of Medicinal Plant Studies. Turmeric: A Review of its' Effects on Human Health.
- Foods. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health.
- Current Rheumatology Reports. Efficacy and Safety of Turmeric Extracts for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
- Journal of Inflammation Research. Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Capsule Longvida Optimized Curcumin (Solid Lipid Curcumin Particles) in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Clinical Study.
- BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Your email will not be published. All fields are required.