The best turmeric supplements come from brands such as Pure Encapsulations, Persona, and more. Here, we look at the best turmeric supplements for inflammation and other health concerns.

The table below compares each of the turmeric supplements in this article.

FormTurmeric dosageServings per container
Pure Encapsulations
around $49		capsule 500 mg60 servings
Persona
$0.37 per day		capsule500 mgno information available
Swanson
around $24		capsule700 mg (curcumin)from 120 servings
BioSchwartz
around $19		capsule1,500 mg30 servings

We chose turmeric supplements that meet the following criteria:

  • Ingredients: Products list all ingredients clearly, with manufacturing processes outlined.
  • Safety: Products contain ingredients deemed safe for ingestion.
  • Reputation: Products are from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.

Curcumin has a low absorption rateTrusted Source into the bloodstream. Turmeric and curcumin tablet supplements often include ingredients that can significantly increase absorption rates.

A turmeric supplement should include a high concentration of curcumin plus an ingredient to help enhance its absorption by the body.

A 2019 research paperTrusted Source suggests that taking curcumin with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, can help the body absorb more curcumin. For this reason, curcumin supplements may contain piperine or BioPerine to improve absorption. BioPerine is a patented extract of piperine.

LecithinTrusted Source and liposomeTrusted Source formulas may also increase absorption.

The supplement will have a higher, more concentrated curcumin content if it contains turmeric extract rather than powdered turmeric.

It is also important to choose products from reputable brands. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source does not regulate supplements in the same way as pharmaceuticals. However, many companies have sought independent approval to ensure their product is reputable. Choosing supplements with third-party certifications or approval may help people avoid using low quality products.

Finally, always consider the dosage when purchasing supplements. Curcumin and turmeric supplements are available in different dosages. Some supplements contain a higher dose of curcumin per capsule than others.

Dosage recommendations vary depending on the condition a person wishes to treat, but supplements typically contain 500 to 1,000 mg per serving.

Before starting a new supplement, people should speak with a doctor, particularly if they are currently taking medications for other health reasons.

What our expert said about the benefits of turmeric

“Turmeric has the strongest evidence supporting its use for managing osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, and certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis.

It may also be helpful for improving mental health and protecting against cancer, but more research is needed.”

— Amy Richter, MS, RD

Turmeric, or more specifically, the curcumin it contains, may offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits.

For example, studiesTrusted Source show that supplementation with curcumin might reduce inflammation-related pain due to medical conditions, such as arthritis. Curcumin has powerful antioxidant propertiesTrusted Source and may help protect against cellular damage that may otherwise lead to disease.

A 2021 reviewTrusted Source of studies found that supplementing with turmeric or curcumin extract may help reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis compared to taking a placebo.

However, before taking turmeric supplements, people should consider their health needs and risks.

According to a 2019 reviewTrusted Source, people taking warfarin or other anticoagulantsTrusted Source (blood thinners) should not consume large doses of turmeric, including turmeric supplements. Turmeric may have blood-thinning properties that will exacerbate the effect of medication.

The authors write that there is a lack of clinical data on how turmeric affects blood clotting or bleeding. No data suggests that turmeric can interact with antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

However, turmeric may put a person at increased riskTrusted Source of bleeding because it can interfere with how blood clots form.

Although there are no research studies on the effect of turmeric on people who are pregnant, people generally report that the effects of turmeric and curcumin supplements during pregnancy are limited. However, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with a doctor about potential adverse effects before taking turmeric supplements.

Research considers turmeric safe in recommended amounts. However, older studiesTrusted Source have shown reports of side effects from dosages between 500 to 12,000 mg, including:

  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • rash
  • yellow stool

If a person experiences side effects of turmeric that do not go away, or they have concerns about the effects of supplements on any medications, they should contact a doctor.

However, studies suggestTrusted Source that most people tolerate turmeric supplements well and that these products are unlikely to cause adverse health outcomes.

Turmeric supplements may not be suitable for people with certain underlying medical conditions, including:

  • Kidney stones: Turmeric has a relatively highTrusted Source oxalate content, which can causeTrusted Source kidney stones. People predisposed to kidney stones could talk with a doctor before taking turmeric supplements.
  • Diabetes: Studies show that turmeric or curcumin may reduceTrusted Source blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. People with diabetes can talk with a healthcare professional before taking these supplements.

Turmeric may also not be suitable for people who are taking certain medications, due to the potential for herb-drug interactions. Examples of such medications include:

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also states that turmeric may not be suitable for people who are taking certain medications, due to the potential for herb-drug interactions. Examples of such medications include:

In general, people could speak with a doctor before adding turmeric or any other supplement to their diet.

Turmeric is a plant belonging to the ginger family. People use its roots in spices and teas. Curcumin is the most active compound of turmeric roots and gives them their bright yellow color.

A 2020 reviewTrusted Source notes that curcumin has very low bioavailability because it is almost insoluble in water. Only small amounts reach the bloodstream when a person takes curcumin orally. It is also less effective as a health supplement because curcumin changes quickly to inactive metabolites. The gastrointestinal tract also cannot absorb curcumin well in its free form.

As a result, scientists have developed formulas that use micelles, liposomes, microgels, and more to increase the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin.

Turmeric also contains very small amounts of nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains many other antioxidants. However, as the majority of people will not consume more than a teaspoon of turmeric at a time, the amount of these nutrients people will consume through turmeric will be negligible.

For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is little scientific evidence to support turmeric’s health benefits. However, many manufacturers of dietary supplements promote turmeric as being good for health conditions, including:

  • respiratory infections

In our round-up, the best rated turmeric supplement is the Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 With Bioperine supplement.

Turmeric contains antioxidants, which may benefit certain aspects of a person’s health, such as cardiovascular health. However, there is a need for more research. Many brands also claim turmeric supplements can help inflammation.

A person can include turmeric in their diet in various forms, including as a spice when cooking and as an ingredient in smoothies or drinks. To get an exact dosage of turmeric each day, turmeric supplements can help.

Early research suggests turmeric can help with inflammation and offer valuable antioxidants. However, more work needs to be done to confirm the benefits and risks of turmeric supplements.

Anyone considering turmeric supplements should discuss it with a doctor as they are not safe for certain groups of people, such as those who are pregnant or taking blood thinners.