Best Turmeric Supplement (2024): 10 Golden Options to Brighten Your Health

If you’ve ever cooked with turmeric on its own or mixed into curry powder, you might agree with me on a couple of things: One of those is that turmeric is uniquely delicious (IMO) and another is that it stains easily (I learned this the hard way—twice).

But even if you’ve never cooked with turmeric, you may have already heard about the remarkable benefits it may provide—fighting inflammation, easing joint pain, and so much more—similar to ashwaghanda. This is mostly thanks to its main compound, curcumin, which also provides turmeric’s yellow color. 

However, according to a 2022 review¹, turmeric contains about 3-8% curcumin depending on the growing season. This means that reaching beneficial levels of curcumin by solely using turmeric in cooking could be tough (and quite messy). 

While this isn’t to say you still can’t enjoy cooking with turmeric, you may fancy a turmeric supplement to gain its benefits (and avoid painting your kitchen yellow). Fortunately, GGR’s expert testing team rounded up the best turmeric supplement options so you can enjoy the culinary and supplementary worlds of the “golden spice².”

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Best Turmeric Supplement

• Best Turmeric Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex
• Best Turmeric Drink: KOS A Whole Latte Gold
• Best Budget Turmeric Supplement: Nature Made Turmeric 500
• Best Organic Turmeric Supplement: Garden of Life mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric
• Best Turmeric Supplement for Athletes: Momentous Turmeric Ultra
• Best Gummy Turmeric Supplement: Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies
• Best High-Dose Turmeric Supplement: BioSchwartz Premium Ultra Pure Turmeric Curcumin
• Best Softgel Turmeric Supplement: Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 complex
• Best Subscription Turmeric Supplement: Care/of Turmeric

Turmeric Supplement Terminology

Before diving into our top picks, let’s first explore what turmeric is and the various terms attached to it. Understanding basic turmeric terminology helps guide what to look for in a turmeric supplement (details below) and its potential benefits (these exciting details are also below). 

From the top, turmeric is a spice derived from the Curcuma longa plant. The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) primarily contain a mixture of curcuminoids, the major components of turmeric that provide its rich orange-yellow color and health benefits. Curcumin³ is the main active compound, and the curcuminoids demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin are in turmeric in lesser amounts. 

The roots and rhizomes are really where most of the magic happens, as they are dried and used as a vibrant spice or packaged into a dietary supplement.

Turmeric Supplements

Turmeric supplements mostly come in capsule form, but may also be formulated into tablets, softgels, and powders. These supplements may also be referred to as curcumin, concentrates of turmeric, curcuminoids, and essentially pure (95%) curcuminoids—standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids.³ 

Because turmeric is poorly absorbed on its own, it’s often paired with various compounds—especially black pepper extract (thanks to its compound known as piperine)—to enhance absorption. Turmeric is also fat-soluble, so some supplements are formulated or encapsulated with lipids (fats) to increase their bioavailability or recommended to be taken with a meal, especially with dietary fat to aid absorption. 

So now that we better understand turmeric terminology and what you might find in a turmeric supplement, it’s time to share our top picks!

Best Turmeric Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex

Good for: Anyone searching for a reputable, high-quality turmeric supplement

Best Overall

Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Antioxidant and joint support supplement
• Each serving provides 500 mg of curcumin C3 complex and 5 mg of BioPerine
• Transparent labs claims this supplement impacts immune function, detoxification, metabolism, stress response, neuroplasticity, joint integrity, and digestion
• Claimed to provide 200 times greater bioavailability than generic formulas
• BioPerine black pepper fruit extract claimed to enhance absorption and reduce liver metabolism of bioactive curcuminoids
• No added sweeteners, colors, or preservatives

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean ingredient list
• Reportedly works well
• Comparably affordable
• Added BioPerine helps with absorption

Cons

• Several reviewers were disappointed that a 90-day supply was no longer an option

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex is a clean product containing 500 milligrams of curcumin C3 complex and 5 milligrams of BioPerine per serving formulated to improve vital biological processes.

Committed to transparency and providing science-backed formulations, Transparent Labs provides some of the most high-quality supplements in the industry. Its turmeric curcumin supplement, containing a clinically-studied herbal extract, is no different.

Transparent Labs turmeric supplement provides 500 milligrams of Curcumin C3® Complex, a patented turmeric extract with three curcuminoids: 95% bioactive curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin. The turmeric supplement is touted to support joint health, metabolism, cardiovascular function, and immunity, among other benefits. 

Whereas curcuminoid absorption is limited, Transparent Labs tells us that curcumin complex provides superior absorption and upward of 200 times greater bioavailability than generic curcumin/turmeric extract formulas. Adding BioPerine—a patented black pepper extract⁴—also enhances absorption thanks to its piperine content.

The turmeric supplement is free of artificial ingredients, third-party tested, and manufactured in FDA-inspected and USP and GMP-certified facilities. You can even view its Certificate of Analysis (COA), aligning perfectly with the brand’s commitment to transparency. 

Amanda Capritto, GGR expert tester and senior staff writer, tried this turmeric and had no issues with the capsule size or texture. She also reported no side effects from taking it.

Best Turmeric Drink: KOS A Whole Latte Gold

Good for: Anyone looking for a uniquely formulated, low-sugar golden milk latte

Best Drink

KOS A Whole Latte Gold

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based turmeric drink
• 28 servings per container
• KOS Golden Mylk Blend containing organic turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, lemon balm, and black pepper extract
• KOS Organic Mushroom Blend containing organic red reishi mushroom, Lion’s Mane mushroom, and cordyceps mushroom
• Supplement claims to promote restful sleep and boost immune function
• Gingerbread Chai-flavored

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tastes great
• Plant-based
• Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
• 60-day guarantee
• Third-party certified

Cons

• Expensive compared to other turmeric supplements
• Scoop was buried in container

Bottom Line

Not your typical turmeric supplement, KOS A Whole Latte Gold powder provides a unique blend of turmeric and other spices and ingredients to promote restful sleep as well as to boost immune function. This plant-based supplement is free from dairy, soy, and gluten products. Additionally, it has been third-party certified. If you need a creative way to get some turmeric in your diet, this is a great-tasting option.

While part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, “golden milk⁸” recently became a trendy drink of choice across the world. Combining turmeric, black pepper, milk, and other spices, the non-caffeinated herbal drink may promote relaxation, fight inflammation, and support immunity—and KOS A Whole Latte Gold’s unique formula may kick those benefits up a notch.

KOS A Whole Latte Gold supplies 1.4 grams of its non-dairy “Golden Mylk Blend” that combines organic turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, lemon balm, and black pepper extract. The Golden Mylk Blend is combined with 300 milligrams of KOS Organic Mushrooms Blend—containing organic red reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps mushroom—that act as adaptogens⁹ and nootropics¹⁰ to combat mental exhaustion and enhance attention.

Here’s the thing: Because these are blends, it’s hard to say how much of each ingredient you’re getting and if the dose is effective. However, the Gingerbread Chai-flavored formula can be a healthful, low-sugar solution to ease back on caffeine while potentially easing stress and inflammation.

GGR head of content, Kate Meier, loved the chai vibes of this drink, but Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor, was less impressed with what he called “earthy tones” from the turmeric and ginger. They said it’s best mixed with some kind of milk and warn that it can be hard to mix. “We stirred this in a mug with a spoon instead of putting it in a shaker cup because that felt like the right way to do it…We def should have put it in a shaker cup,” they said. 

KOS A Whole Latte Gold is certified USDA Organic, 100% plant-based, and soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. It’s also manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facility and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Best Budget Turmeric Supplement: Nature Made Turmeric 500

Good for: Keeping money in your pocket without leaving turmeric’s benefits on the table 

Best Budget

Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Turmeric curcumin capsule 
• USP-tested and verified ingredients 
• #1 pharmacist recommended herbal supplement brand

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Serving size of 1 capsule
• Affordable at less than $0.20 per serving
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• USP-verified ingredients

Cons

• Vague benefits
• Can’t take if pregnant or nursing
• May interact poorly with blood thinning medications; ask your doctor

Bottom Line

Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin capsules are an affordable option if you’re looking to add antioxidants to your diet.

Searching for a turmeric supplement that’s gentle on the wallet? Nature Made Turmeric 500 is a cost-effective supplement without sacrificing quality. 

Each capsule contains 500 milligrams of a turmeric blend, specifically 450 milligrams of turmeric root powder and 50 milligrams of standardized root extract (with 47.5 milligrams of total curcuminoids. If you’re looking for a higher dose, Nature Made also provides a 1,000-milligram option that’s still budget-friendly, costing less than $0.40 per serving. 

It’s also important to note that Nature Made Turmeric 500 does not contain black pepper extract like other turmeric supplements. 

Nature Made prides itself on being the first vitamin brand to earn United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verification on many of its products, including its turmeric supplement. It’s also free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and gluten.

GGR staff writer Lauren Strong was our expert tester for this product. She said that they have a strong turmeric smell that she quite liked, though some people might not. She also noticed benefits to her digestion on days that she took these supplements.

Best Organic Turmeric Supplement: Garden of Life mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric

Good for: Those who prioritize organic products 

Best Organic

Garden of Life mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• 100 mg of organic cucumin from turmeric root
• Intended to reduce inflammation
• Fermented to improve absorption
• Contains 50 mg of ginger root, 7 mg of organic black pepper fruit extract, and 4 mg of probiotics to support digestion
• Derived from real whole foods 
• Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, NSF Certified Gluten Free, Vegan.org Certified Vegan

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No aftertaste
• Added probiotics
• Organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free
• Clean ingredients

Cons

• Large pills
• May cause stomach issues for some

Bottom Line

The Garden of Life mykind Organic Extra Strength Turmeric provides 100 milligrams of curcumin derived from organic whole turmeric root which may provide you with relief from internal inflammation.

For anyone searching for a certified organic turmeric supplement, Garden of Life mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric might be your fit. The potent turmeric supplement is also one of the most unique formulations on our list, so let’s peek into its ingredients.

Let’s first cover the turmeric content: One tablet of Garden of Life mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric provides 553 milligrams of organic turmeric blend, which yields a total of 100 milligrams of curcuminoids. Seven milligrams of black pepper extract is also added to enhance turmeric’s absorption.

Moving on to the unique ingredients, the turmeric supplement contains 50 milligrams of fermented organic ginger root. Belonging to the same family of roots as turmeric, ginger¹¹ may also offer anti-inflammatory properties while protecting from chronic diseases like hypertension and coronary heart disease.

And that’s not all… To enhance digestion, the turmeric supplement provides Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, two of the most used and studied probiotic species. While the best probiotic should target your unique health needs and goals, these live “good” bacteria help support a healthy gut, manage gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, bolster the immune system, and much more. 

In addition to being Certified USDA Organic, Garden of Life’s turmeric supplement is a Certified B Corp, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free. All Garden of Life products are also manufactured in an FDA-certified facility. 

Our tester Lauren said that these pills have very little smell or taste. She did mention that the pills are quite large, but the good news is you only have to take one of them!

Best Turmeric Supplement for Athletes: Momentous Turmeric Ultra

Good for: Competitive athletes and anyone else desiring a dually third-party tested turmeric product

Best for Athletes

Momentous Turmeric Ultra

GGR Score: 4.0

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Product Highlights

• NSF-certified
• Formulated to naturally reduce inflammation
• Provides 1,000 mg of turmeric in the form of curcuma longa rhizome extract
• According to Momentous, their Meriva curcumin phytosome formula provides up to 29 times greater absorption than regular curcumin

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High levels of curcumin
• Reportedly fast absorbing
• Naturally reduces inflammation

Cons

• Relatively expensive

Bottom Line

Momentous’ Turmeric Ultra provides 1,000 milligrams of turmeric in the form of curcuma longa rhizome extract formulated to reduce internal inflammation.

If you’re a competitive athlete, or simply searching for a reputable third-party tested product, Momentous Turmeric Ultra is a great option for you. Momentous products are designed by performance experts and formulated to be “game changing performance tools,” so let’s see what it’s all about.

Momentous Turmeric Ultra provides 1,000 milligrams of Meriva, a proprietary curcumin extract that’s claimed to provide up to 29 times greater absorption than ordinary curcumin. Research¹²  supports Meriva as highly tolerable, safe, and effective for improving aging adults’ strength and physical performance according to a 2016 study.¹³

A recent 2021 meta-analysis¹⁴ reveals supplementing with curcumin can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage while improving recovery and performance. The researchers conclude that turmeric supplementation appears to be safe and beneficial for sports and physical exercise.

To really seal the deal, Momentous Turmeric Ultra is NSF Certified for Sport AND Informed-Sport Certified—dual sports certifications are pretty rare, and we’re here for it! These certs tell consumers that this turmeric supplement is independently third-party tested for purity and free of banned substances. 

Best Gummy Turmeric Supplement: Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies

Good for: Chewing on turmeric without the pungent, earthy flavor 

Best Gummy

Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Gelatin-free, certified vegan gummies containing 200 mg of Longvida Optimized Curcumin
• Longvida Optimized Curcumin is claimed to be 285 times better absorbed than other forms
• Formulated to reduce internal inflammation
• Utilizes a patented Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle (SLCP) to maximize bioavailability
• Mango flavored and sweetened with xylitol
• No added sugar, artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reportedly effective
• Quick absorption
• Dairy and gluten free

Cons

• Flavor is not for everyone

Bottom Line

Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies provide 200 milligrams of Longvida Optimized Curcumin in a no sugar-added, mango-flavored product.

While known for having some of the best fish oil supplements in the industry, Nordic Naturals also offers high-quality turmeric gummies. And just like their fish oils, Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies are expertly formulated with unmatched quality but let’s sea for ourselves. 

Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies contain 200 milligrams of Longvida, a patented form of turmeric, which is claimed to be 285 times better absorbed than other forms of curcumin thanks to patented Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle (SLCP) technology—or simply lipid-coated curcumin. Research¹⁵ suggests that even lower 80-milligram doses can impart potentially health-promoting effects in healthy middle-aged adults.

Unlike other supplemental gummies on the market, Nordic Naturals’ Mango-flavored turmeric gummies contain zero sugars. It’s also important to note that while the gummies are sweetened with 3 grams of xylitol, and tolerance is individual, a 2016 review¹⁶ shows 15 grams of xylitol per day is considered safe and beneficial for protecting against dental caries. 

The gummies are also free of GMOs, gluten, dairy, and artificially-derived colors and flavors. They’re made in the U.S. and the brand says they are third-party tested for purity and potency.

GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto wasn’t super impressed with the texture or taste of these gummies. “Just OK in terms of taste,” she says. “The mango flavor isn’t strong; barely detectable actually. Kind of just tastes like turmeric but sweet.”

Best Turmeric Supplement for Joint Pain: Clinical Effects TC Relief

Good for: Anyone looking to remedy joint pain naturally

Best for Joint Pain

Clinical Effects TC Relief

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Turmeric supplement
• Per dose, provides 600 mg of turmeric root and 50 mg of turmeric standardized to 95% curcuminoids
• Recommended dose is 1,300 milligrams per day
• Supports joint health with its anti-inflammatory properties

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Potential natural relief for joint pain
• Contains BioPerine black pepper extract to help with absorption

Cons

• Only one month's worth of capsules per bottle
• Potent smell

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a natural way to manage joint pain, Clinical Effects TC Relief turmeric supplement could be an option. It provides 1,300 milligrams of turmeric per recommended daily dose, which is what research suggests is the effective amount to help mitigate inflammation. Downsides are that the bottle is small, only providing 30 days' worth of capsules, and the capsules are very pungent.

One in four U.S. adults is diagnosed with arthritis—an umbrella term referring to joint inflammation, joint pain, or joint disease—and the CDC expects the numbers to increase. Because turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, supplementing with it could ease symptoms—and Clinical Effects TC Relief might help!

Enhanced for joint support and comfort, TC (Turmeric Curcumin) Relief provides 600 milligrams of organic turmeric root and 50 milligrams of potent turmeric standardized to 95% curcuminoids. It’s formulated for maximum absorption with BioPerine black pepper extract.

In a 2016 randomized controlled trial¹⁷, researchers found that curcumin and ibuprofen significantly improved pain, inflammation, and mobility scores—and that curcumin caused fewer gastrointestinal complaints than ibuprofen. A 2021 systematic review¹⁸ also shows turmeric improves knee pain and functions similarly to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.

To manage joint pain, the effective supplemental dose range is about 1,000-1,500 milligrams daily. Clinical Effects TC Relief follows suit, as they recommend taking the 650-milligram-dosed capsule twice each day for a grand total of 1,300 milligrams of turmeric. 

While there’s no clear evidence on whether or not the turmeric capsules are third-party tested, the Clinical Effects website tells us all ingredients are “tested, scientifically backed, and handpicked to achieve the best results!”  All products are also developed and manufactured in a U.S.-based, FDA-registered facility. 

Kate Meier, GGR head of content, said these capsules smell noticeably of the spice but the taste of them is very mild. She also noted that while the bottle recommends taking one capsule twice a day, the serving size says one capsule, meaning the bottle will only have half as many servings as listed if you take it twice a day.

Best High-Dose Turmeric Supplement: BioSchwartz Premium Ultra Pure Turmeric Curcumic

Good for: Those curious about or recommended to a high-dose turmeric product 

Best High-Dose

Bio Schwartz Premium Ultra Pure Turmeric Curcumin

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• 3 capsules provides 1,350 mg of Turmeric in form of curcuma longa root, 150 mg of turmeric extract, and 10 mg of BioPerine (pepper extract) claimed to improve bioavailability
• The turmeric extract contains 95% curcuminoids
• Recommended serving size is 3 capsules taken 1–2 times daily
• Non-GMO, no added fillers, free of soy, milk, egg, wheat, gluten, peanuts, sweeteners, sugar, and shellfish

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Many reviews praising its efficacy
• 3rd-party certified
• No added fillers
• Non-GMO

Cons

• May cause stomach irritation for some
• Recommended dosage requires you to take 3–6 pills a day

Bottom Line

BioSchwartz Turmeric Capsules provide 1,350 milligrams of turmeric in form of the curcuma longa root, 150 milligrams of turmeric extract, and 10 milligrams of BioPerine (pepper extract), which is formulated to promote anti-inflammatory activity.

BioSchwartz Premium Ultra Pure Turmeric Curcumin is a high-dose turmeric supplement formulated to support joint and heart health. Each three-capsule serving provides a robust 1,350 milligrams of turmeric root and 150 milligrams of turmeric extract that’s standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids.

GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly says these pills had no turmeric smell or taste. He also noted that the three-pill serving might be a bit much for some people, but he didn’t have trouble with them. Overall, he really liked these. “This is my go-to turmeric supplement after heavy lifting days,” he said. “I noticed vast improvements on the second and third days of taking. This is one of the few supplements I’ve put on my personal shopping list.”

Whereas most turmeric products provide 5 milligrams of BioPerine per serving, BioSchwartz Premium Ultra Pure Turmeric Curcumin supplies 10 milligrams of BioPerine to enhance absorption. There’s no hard and fast rule on how much piperine to take, but research⁷ supports adding 5 milligrams of piperine to each 500-milligram dose. Sabinsa, the producer of BioPerine, also suggests a daily dose of 5 milligrams of BioPerine three times per day.

The potent BioSchwartz turmeric supplement is free of GMOs, binders, fillers, preservatives, and common allergens—like gluten, soy, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, and shellfish. Each batch is also manufactured in U.S.-based, GMP-compliant facilities and third-party tested for purity and potency.

Best Softgel Turmeric Supplement: Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex

Good for: Anyone who prefers taking a softgel

Best Softgel

Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Each capsule contains 500 mg of pure turmeric curcumin with 95%curcuminoids (about 475 mg)
• Formulated with extra-virgin organic coconut oil and BioPerine (black pepper) for optimal absorption
• Intended to reduce inflammation and associated pains
• 90-day money guarantee
• Gluten-free, non-GMO verified, cGMP-certified
• Made without preservatives, fillers, artificial colorings, soy, or stearates

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High dosage of pure turmeric curcumin
• Added organic coconut and BioPerine (black pepper) for better absorption
• Relatively affordable
• Effectively reduces inflammation for many users
• 90-day guarantee

Cons

• Large capsules are hard for some people to swallow
• May cause stomach issues

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a budget-friendly turmeric supplement, Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex provides 500 milligrams of pure turmeric curcumin per serving with added BioPerine and organic coconut to maximize absorption.

Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 complex provides 500 milligrams of Curcumin C3 Complex and BioPerine like Transparent Labs. While the turmeric and black pepper extract formulas are comparable, there are some differences to point out. 

First, softgels might be easier to swallow than capsules because they’re more flexible. Sports Research also touts its turmeric supplement for being formulated with organic virgin oil, a type of dietary fat that may enhance absorption even more, which is reiterated by 2019 research.¹⁹

Sports Research also prides itself on the research and quality of its products. Each softgel is non-GMO tested, gluten-free, third-party tested, and cGMP-compliant. 

Our tester Lauren reports that these pills are large but not difficult to swallow and they have little to no smell or taste. They are also very brightly colored!

Best Subscription Turmeric Supplement: Care/of Turmeric

Good for: Staying on top of your supplement regimen with ease

Best Subscription

Care/of Turmeric

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• No added fillers, certified C.L.E.A.N, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Based on a quiz, Care/of creates a personalized vitamin regimen specific to each person’s responses
• Care/of uses a scientific advisory board of health care professionals to formulate each vitamin
• 1 liquid capsule provides 250 mg of turmeric aqueous extract (curcuma longa), rhizome, and 100 mg of turmeric supercritical extract (curcuma longa) rhizome
• Sustainably farmed in India, Vietnam, Peru, and other countries
• Uses a dual extraction process

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Care/of provides direct link to research
• Personalized vitamin service based on individual answers on a quiz
• Transparent ingredients
• Fast absorbing
• Each pill is sent in an individual package
• No unnecessary fillers, certified C.L.E.A.N, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free

Cons

• Subscription based
• Comparably expensive

Bottom Line

If you are seeking a personalized monthly subscription of turmeric and other supplements, Care/of Turmeric may be for you.

Struggle staying consistent with your supplement regimen? Let Care/of help by delivering turmeric directly to your door each month while incentivizing your consistency through their free app! 

Each Care/of Turmeric capsule provides 250 milligrams of turmeric aqueous extract (AQE) and 100 milligrams of turmeric supercritical extract (SCE). Research²⁰ suggests that aqueous turmeric extracts of turmeric exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, along with promoting wound healing, antidepressant effect, and anticancer effects.

Care/of namely takes care of its consumers by ensuring all of its products are third-party tested. They’re also Certified C.L.E.A.N.—an acronym for Conscious, Live, Ethical, Active, and Nourishing—and free of unnecessary fillers, gluten, dairy, and GMOs. 

While Care/of takes care with the quality of their ingredients, we would like to see a bit more care put into their packaging. Tester Anthony noted, “One reason I didn’t like this supplement was its packaging, specifically that each pill is individually wrapped. That’s so wasteful and takes up more space than a traditional vitamin bottle shape.”

Other Turmeric Supplements We Tested

Curious about other great products on the market? Other turmeric supplements we researched and would recommend include:

• Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules: Our tester liked these just fine, they just didn’t beat out any of the other ones on this list for a certain category.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Turmeric Supplements

Want to know our golden rules when picking and testing the best turmeric supplements? Our team of dietitians and nutrition experts looked for:

• Formulation quality and effectiveness: A supplement is only as good as its formulation, so we’re always searching for products formulated with high-quality ingredients in clinically-effective doses—and our top turmeric supplement picks follow suit. Because turmeric is not well-absorbed, we prioritized products with ingredients to help enhance absorption, like black pepper. 
• Turmeric dose: Since there’s no definitive dose for turmeric, and dosage can vary based on the intended use, we enlisted products that contain various amounts of turmeric to suit various needs. 
• Additional ingredients: If ingredients are added to the turmeric formula, you bet we decipher their rhyme and reason. We prioritize products with complementary ingredients—like black pepper extract and coconut oil—and shy away from unnecessary fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. 
• Third-party testing: Finding products that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and undergo third-party testing is always at the top of our priority list.
• Cost: Because everyone’s budget varies, and we believe everyone should have access to supplements and products to optimize their health, you’ll always find various price options on our roundups no matter what we review. 
• Consumer satisfaction: We want to guide our readers to companies with their best interests in mind, so we always review their core values, return policies, and customer reviews on the companies’ websites and third-party seller sites like Amazon. 

Benefits of Turmeric Supplements

As one of the most studied herbs, the medicinal properties of turmeric and curcumin over the centuries have had many proposed benefits. Some of the most explored and notable include: 

• Lowering inflammation in the body thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Reducing the risk of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease²¹, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer 
• Improving important health metrics, such as blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Bolstering or “spicing up” the immune system²² even at low doses
• Enhancing sports performance and recovery by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, pain, and muscle damage¹⁴
• Managing various conditions like digestive disorders, allergies, and respiratory infections 
• Augmenting joint health, including easing osteoarthritis joint pain, function, and mobility similarly to NSAIDs
• Protecting and managing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and major depression
• Supporting gut health, although research²⁴ on this up-and-coming topic is limited

Dosing and Interactions 

There’s currently no standard dosing recommendation for turmeric, as dosage often varies based on the formulation and its intended use. (To better grasp these ranges, this resource²⁴ summarizes how dosing varies from one condition to the next in ongoing clinical trials—like taking 2 to 4 grams for 16 weeks for rheumatoid arthritis and 2 grams per day for 2 months for ulcerative colitis.)

As a general rule of thumb, turmeric supplements provide about 200 to 1,000 milligrams per serving depending on if they contain root powders, extracts, and other patented solutions. Turmeric is also commonly dosed at 500 milligrams two to four times a day. 

Beyond dosing, it’s important to note that while turmeric is considered safe, the herbal supplement should be used cautiously. This is especially true for anyone managing a health condition and taking a prescription, as turmeric and black pepper may interact with certain medications like anticoagulants and anti-diabetes drugs.

Overall, starting low and slow overall is best to help negate any potential risks and side effects of turmeric. We also recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before you use turmeric (or any supplement) for your utmost safety. 

Third-Party Testing

While the FDA establishes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) regulations that we recommend looking out for, they do not tightly regulate dietary supplements. That said, we always prioritize companies who voluntarily have their products third-party tested to verify purity and safety. Reputable, third-party testing stamps to look out for include:

• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
• NSF Certified for Sport
• Informed-Sport Certified
• US Pharmacopeia (USP) Verification 

Products can also be certified to help consumers make well-informed decisions related to specific dietary restrictions and preferences, like being certified gluten-free or USDA organic. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Turmeric Supplements 

Now that you’re excited to start your turmeric journey, consider the following tips to ensure the best product for you:

• Intended use: Since turmeric dose recommendations vary based on its intended use, consider whether there’s a specific use for taking it—like for general health or to manage a health condition—and find a product to match. 

• Dietary restrictions and preferences: Choose a supplement that factors your dietary restrictions and preferences, like being vegan or gluten-free. Also factor in any prescriptions you might be taking, as turmeric could interfere with its effectiveness and cause adverse risks. 
• Supplement form: Do you prefer capsules, softgels, gummies, or powders to mix and sip? Go for an option that matches your preference so you’ll be more encouraged to take it consistently. 
• Budget: Consider how much you’re willing to spend on turmeric and other supplements, especially for long-term use as advised. 
• Third-party testing: Go for supplements that are third-party tested by reputable organizations—like USP and NSF—and manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities as often as possible. 

FAQs About Turmeric Supplements

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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Sydney Lappe, R.D.

Sydney Lappe is a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of nutrition editing and writing experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed undergrad work in psychology. While fitness wasn’t in Sydney’s routine growing up, it quickly became a large part of her daily life while studying the facets of health and nutrition. Also managing chronic pain, she has come to fully realize movement is a special gift to never take for granted and hopes to inspire others to invest in their physical, mental, and emotional wellness while they can. Including her passion for all things health, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being active in various capacities, drinking bottomless cups of coffee, eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal, and letting her creativity roam through writing and graphic design.

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