Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a root from the ginger family, known as a yellow spice. Its main active compounds are curcuminoids, the best known being curcumin. This category is part of Antioxidants and brings together turmeric powder, standardised extracts and combination formulas in capsules and tablets.
Curcumin from ordinary turmeric is poorly absorbed, so products differ mostly in how many curcuminoids they contain and how absorption is addressed.
Which form of turmeric to choose?
| Form |
What it contains |
Examples in our range |
| Turmeric powder |
Ground root for cooking, drinks and “golden milk” |
Turmeric powder Donvas 100 g |
| Standardised extract |
High, clearly stated curcuminoid content per capsule |
NOW Curcumin, 7Nutrition Curcumin C3 Complex, Biovital Curcuma Forte, Curcumin Turmeric Extract 500 mg |
| Curcumin with pepper and ginger |
Extract with piperine (from black pepper) and/or ginger |
Kurkuma Premium Plus, OstroVit Turmeric + Black Pepper + Ginger, Kurkuma Max |
| Enhanced-absorption formulas |
Special curcumin forms (e.g. micellar NovaSOL®) or complex formulas |
Curcumawell, Solgar Curcumin, Calivita Curcuma Pro, Biostile BMT Kurkumin |
How to choose turmeric capsules
- Check the amount of curcuminoids per daily dose, not just the total extract weight
- Curcumin is fat-soluble – take it with a meal
- Piperine improves curcumin absorption but may also affect the absorption of some medicines
- Do not combine several curcumin products at the same time
Cautions and when to ask a doctor
- if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines
- if you have gallstones or bile duct disease
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding (turmeric as a spice in food is fine)
- before a planned surgery
- stop use and see a doctor if you notice dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes
Pharmacist’s advice
Turmeric as a spice and curcumin capsules are not the same: a teaspoon of powder contains a small amount of curcuminoids, while a capsule of standardised extract is far more concentrated. Choose capsules by composition and dose, and keep the powder for the kitchen.
If you take regular medication, check possible interactions with a pharmacist before starting curcumin capsules.
Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy
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See also
Frequently asked questions
Which is better – turmeric or curcumin?
Curcumin is the key compound in turmeric. A curcumin extract is concentrated and precisely dosed, while the powder is a food and spice.
Why is turmeric combined with black pepper?
Piperine from black pepper improves curcumin absorption, which is why many products contain both.
When is the best time to take turmeric?
With a meal that contains some fat, at the dose stated by the manufacturer.
Can turmeric be taken with blood thinners?
Not without a doctor’s advice, because curcumin in higher doses may enhance their effect.
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