In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat Is Turmeric and Is It Good for You?What Are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?The Bottom LineChoosing a Turmeric SupplementOur Search for the Best Turmeric SupplementsWe Also ConsideredOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
What Is Turmeric and Is It Good for You?
What Are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
The Bottom Line
Choosing a Turmeric Supplement
Our Search for the Best Turmeric Supplements
We Also Considered
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Dera Burreson
EatingWell / Dera Burreson
If you’re curious as to whether you should add this supplement to your daily routine, keep reading! We sifted through the many turmeric supplements available, spoke to two dietitians about their recommendations (and asked them how to identify a high-quality turmeric supplement) to bring you this list of the best turmeric supplements to buy.
How We Decide Which Supplements to Recommend
Turmeric is a flowering plant from the ginger family. Its root (or rhizome) is used as a culinary spice, giving a yellow color and earthy taste to dishes. It’s a key ingredient in curry powder, saysTim DiLeo, M.S., RDN, CSSD, a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching.
Turmeric is generally considered safe for most people, and the research on turmeric supplements is promising. Before it became a popular supplement in the Western world, turmeric was used in Eastern Asian medical systems to treat issues with the skin, joints, upper respiratory tract and digestive system.
Turmeric supplements contain a significantly higher concentration of bioavailable compounds known as curcuminoids that are responsible for thespice’s health benefits. Studies have shown that turmeric supplements are linked with lessening inflammation and improving arthritis, cholesterol and athletic-associated muscle soreness, saysLena Bakovic, M.S., RDN, CNSC, a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. Turmeric supplements may also help with digestive disorders, depression and more.
Our Top PicksBest Overall:Thorne Research Curcumin Phytosome at Amazon$57Jump to ReviewAlso Great:MegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength at Amazon$38Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Nature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewBest for Inflammation:Terry Naturally CuraMed at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Gummy:Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Liquid:SALEMaryRuth Organics Liposomal Turmeric & DHA at Amazon$30$25Jump to Review
Best Overall:Thorne Research Curcumin Phytosome at Amazon$57Jump to ReviewAlso Great:MegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength at Amazon$38Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Nature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewBest for Inflammation:Terry Naturally CuraMed at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest Gummy:Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Liquid:SALEMaryRuth Organics Liposomal Turmeric & DHA at Amazon$30$25Jump to Review
Best Overall:Thorne Research Curcumin Phytosome at Amazon$57Jump to Review
Best Overall:Thorne Research Curcumin Phytosome at Amazon$57
Best Overall:
Also Great:MegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength at Amazon$38Jump to Review
Also Great:MegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength at Amazon$38
Also Great:
Best Budget:Nature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper at Amazon$26Jump to Review
Best Budget:Nature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper at Amazon$26
Best Budget:
Best for Inflammation:Terry Naturally CuraMed at Amazon$32Jump to Review
Best for Inflammation:Terry Naturally CuraMed at Amazon$32
Best for Inflammation:
Best Gummy:Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies at Amazon$30Jump to Review
Best Gummy:Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies at Amazon$30
Best Gummy:
Best Liquid:SALEMaryRuth Organics Liposomal Turmeric & DHA at Amazon$30$25Jump to Review
Best Liquid:SALEMaryRuth Organics Liposomal Turmeric & DHA at Amazon$30$25
Best Liquid:
SALE
Best OverallThorne Research Curcumin PhytosomePHOTO: Amazon$57 at Amazon$32 at IHerbView on Thorne.com
Best OverallThorne Research Curcumin Phytosome
Best Overall
Thorne Research Curcumin Phytosome
PHOTO: Amazon
$57 at Amazon$32 at IHerbView on Thorne.com
Form:Capsule |Type:Curcumin phytosome |Amount per serving:1,000 mg |Independently Verified:Yes |In-house tested:Yes
What we like:It contains a highly absorbable form of turmeric and is independently verified.
What to know:It’s on the pricier side of this list.
Research shows that this type of curcumin is linked to helping relieve joint pain in people with osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.It was also shown to help prevent blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating in people without diabetes.What’s more, the curcumin in Thorne’s supplement was shown to help prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) when taken in two 1,000-milligram doses (2,000 milligrams per day) in a 2022 trial.
One serving of this supplement consists of two capsules with 500 milligrams of curcumin phytosome each. Phytosome is a form of fat that helps boosts absorption of curcumin.
PHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera Burreson
Also GreatMegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra StrengthPHOTO: Amazon$38$36 at AmazonView on Swansonvitamins.comView on Nhc.comForm:Tablets |Type:Turmeric root extract and turmeric root |Amount per serving:700 mg (475 mg curcuminoids) |Independently Verified:No |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:This supplement contains black pepper to maximize absorption, plus anti-inflammatory vitamin C.What to know:It’s not independently verified. That said, MegaFood rigorously tests its supplements in-house for pesticide and herbicide contamination.MegaFood’s extra-strength turmeric supplement is a solid option to add to your anti-inflammatory routine. It’s made up of a turmeric blend with 475 milligrams of curcuminoids and includes black pepper extract, which helps increase the bioavailability of the curcumin. It also contains 133 percent of your Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C. Research shows that people with active inflammation often have low levels of vitamin C, so this supplement may be a good way to up your levels. Vitamin C may also help ease osteoarthritis-associated pain.MegaFood is a Certified B Corporation, and this supplement is tested in-house for herbicides and pesticides, is gluten-free, vegan, kosher and free from the nine most common allergens. The serving size is two tablets, and MegaFood says you can take them with or without a meal.PHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera Burreson
Also GreatMegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra StrengthPHOTO: Amazon$38$36 at AmazonView on Swansonvitamins.comView on Nhc.com
Also GreatMegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength
Also Great
MegaFood Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength
$38$36 at AmazonView on Swansonvitamins.comView on Nhc.com
Form:Tablets |Type:Turmeric root extract and turmeric root |Amount per serving:700 mg (475 mg curcuminoids) |Independently Verified:No |In-house tested:Yes
What we like:This supplement contains black pepper to maximize absorption, plus anti-inflammatory vitamin C.
What to know:It’s not independently verified. That said, MegaFood rigorously tests its supplements in-house for pesticide and herbicide contamination.
MegaFood’s extra-strength turmeric supplement is a solid option to add to your anti-inflammatory routine. It’s made up of a turmeric blend with 475 milligrams of curcuminoids and includes black pepper extract, which helps increase the bioavailability of the curcumin. It also contains 133 percent of your Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C. Research shows that people with active inflammation often have low levels of vitamin C, so this supplement may be a good way to up your levels. Vitamin C may also help ease osteoarthritis-associated pain.
MegaFood is a Certified B Corporation, and this supplement is tested in-house for herbicides and pesticides, is gluten-free, vegan, kosher and free from the nine most common allergens. The serving size is two tablets, and MegaFood says you can take them with or without a meal.
Best BudgetNature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black PepperPHOTO: Amazon$26$24 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Naturemade.comForm:Capsule |Type:Turmeric root extract |Amount per serving:1,000 mg |Independently Verified:Yes |In-house tested:UnknownWhat we like:USP-verified, affordable and contains black pepper to optimize absorption.What to know:The recommended dose is two capsules with water and a meal.Nature Made is widely available in many pharmacies and drugstores, and this top-rated turmeric supplement is also quite affordable. Each serving comes out to about 73 cents, which is more budget-friendly than other turmeric supplements on our list.Nature Made’s Extra Strength Turmeric supplement contains 950 milligrams of curcuminoids from turmeric root extract plus black pepper fruit extract to help with the curcumin’s absorption. We also love that this pick is USP-verified, which means it’s been tested and verified to contain the ingredients listed on the label in the stated amounts and is free of potentially harmful levels of heavy metals, pesticides, microbes and dioxins, furans and PCBs, which are believed to be cancerous. Plus, this vegetarian-friendly supplement is free of gluten, artificial flavors and preservatives. Nature Made recommends taking these with water and a meal.PHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera Burreson
Best BudgetNature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black PepperPHOTO: Amazon$26$24 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Naturemade.com
Best BudgetNature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper
Best Budget
Nature Made Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper
$26$24 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Naturemade.com
Form:Capsule |Type:Turmeric root extract |Amount per serving:1,000 mg |Independently Verified:Yes |In-house tested:Unknown
What we like:USP-verified, affordable and contains black pepper to optimize absorption.
What to know:The recommended dose is two capsules with water and a meal.
Nature Made is widely available in many pharmacies and drugstores, and this top-rated turmeric supplement is also quite affordable. Each serving comes out to about 73 cents, which is more budget-friendly than other turmeric supplements on our list.
Nature Made’s Extra Strength Turmeric supplement contains 950 milligrams of curcuminoids from turmeric root extract plus black pepper fruit extract to help with the curcumin’s absorption. We also love that this pick is USP-verified, which means it’s been tested and verified to contain the ingredients listed on the label in the stated amounts and is free of potentially harmful levels of heavy metals, pesticides, microbes and dioxins, furans and PCBs, which are believed to be cancerous. Plus, this vegetarian-friendly supplement is free of gluten, artificial flavors and preservatives. Nature Made recommends taking these with water and a meal.
Best for InflammationTerry Naturally CuraMedPHOTO: Amazon$32 at AmazonView on VitacostView on Terrynaturallyvitamins.comForm:Softgel |Type:Curcumin rhizome extract (BCM-95®) |Amount per serving:750 mg |Independently Verified:No |In-house tested:UnknownWhat we like:Contains a highly bioavailable form of curcumin that’s better absorbed than turmeric with black pepper.What to know:It’s not independently verified.Turmeric is well-studied for its role inquelling inflammation, and curcumin from supplements is more bioavailable than from food alone, DiLeo says. Terry Naturally CuraMed Curcumin Complex contains a form of curcumin called BCM-95® that one study shows absorbed about six times better than if you were to take a turmeric and black pepper combo.High bioavailability means you might see better anti-inflammatory effects since your body can better absorb the active compounds. Turmeric is shown to reduce the inflammatory response and may help in the treatment of conditions rooted in inflammation like IBD, arthritis, psoriasis, depression, atherosclerosis and others, potentially improving symptoms.The brand recommends taking one softgel up to two times a day. Each softgel contains 750 milligrams of turmeric with 500 milligrams of curcuminoids. Terry Naturally CuraMed Curcumin Complex is free of gluten, dairy, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.PHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera Burreson
Best for InflammationTerry Naturally CuraMedPHOTO: Amazon$32 at AmazonView on VitacostView on Terrynaturallyvitamins.com
Best for InflammationTerry Naturally CuraMed
Best for Inflammation
Terry Naturally CuraMed
$32 at AmazonView on VitacostView on Terrynaturallyvitamins.com
Form:Softgel |Type:Curcumin rhizome extract (BCM-95®) |Amount per serving:750 mg |Independently Verified:No |In-house tested:Unknown
What we like:Contains a highly bioavailable form of curcumin that’s better absorbed than turmeric with black pepper.
What to know:It’s not independently verified.
Turmeric is well-studied for its role inquelling inflammation, and curcumin from supplements is more bioavailable than from food alone, DiLeo says. Terry Naturally CuraMed Curcumin Complex contains a form of curcumin called BCM-95® that one study shows absorbed about six times better than if you were to take a turmeric and black pepper combo.High bioavailability means you might see better anti-inflammatory effects since your body can better absorb the active compounds. Turmeric is shown to reduce the inflammatory response and may help in the treatment of conditions rooted in inflammation like IBD, arthritis, psoriasis, depression, atherosclerosis and others, potentially improving symptoms.
The brand recommends taking one softgel up to two times a day. Each softgel contains 750 milligrams of turmeric with 500 milligrams of curcuminoids. Terry Naturally CuraMed Curcumin Complex is free of gluten, dairy, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Best GummyNordic Naturals Turmeric GummiesPHOTO: Amazon$30$26 at Amazon$26 at IHerbForm:Gummy |Type:Longavida curcumin extract |Amount per serving:200 mg |Independently Verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:It doesn’t contain any sugar and is formulated with a highly absorbable form of turmeric.What to know:Sweetened with xylitol, you may find these too sweet.Gummies can be a treat to take, and they’re especially great for people who don’t love swallowing pills. Bakovic is a fan of the Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies because they’re independently verified, sugar-free and taste delicious (they’re mango-flavored). “The serving size of two gummies contains 200 milligrams of Longavida® curcumin extract, which is a readily absorbable form of turmeric,” Bakovic says. People with knee osteoarthritis who took 160 milligrams of Longavida curcumin for three months noticed improved symptoms and less pain in a 2019 study.Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies are tested in-house and are also independently verified, so you can feel confident in their safety and effectiveness. They are also vegan and gelatin-free. Unlike other gummy supplements which can often be high in sugar, these are sugar-free and instead sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that’s good for your teeth. Just note that xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so make sure to keep these out of reach for pets.PHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera BurresonPHOTO: EatingWell / Dera Burreson
Best GummyNordic Naturals Turmeric GummiesPHOTO: Amazon$30$26 at Amazon$26 at IHerb
Best GummyNordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies
Best Gummy
Nordic Naturals Turmeric Gummies
$30$26 at Amazon$26 at IHerb
Form:Gummy |Type:Longavida curcumin extract |Amount per serving:200 mg |Independently Verified:Yes |In-house tested:Yes
What we like:It doesn’t contain any sugar and is formulated with a highly absorbable form of turmeric.
What to know:Sweetened with xylitol, you may find these too sweet.
Gummies can be a treat to take, and they’re especially great for people who don’t love swallowing pills. Bakovic is a fan of the Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies because they’re independently verified, sugar-free and taste delicious (they’re mango-flavored). “The serving size of two gummies contains 200 milligrams of Longavida® curcumin extract, which is a readily absorbable form of turmeric,” Bakovic says. People with knee osteoarthritis who took 160 milligrams of Longavida curcumin for three months noticed improved symptoms and less pain in a 2019 study.
Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies are tested in-house and are also independently verified, so you can feel confident in their safety and effectiveness. They are also vegan and gelatin-free. Unlike other gummy supplements which can often be high in sugar, these are sugar-free and instead sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that’s good for your teeth. Just note that xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so make sure to keep these out of reach for pets.
Best LiquidMaryRuth Organics Liposomal Turmeric & DHAPHOTO: Amazon$30$25 at Amazon$25 at Walmart
Best LiquidMaryRuth Organics Liposomal Turmeric & DHA
Best Liquid
MaryRuth Organics Liposomal Turmeric & DHA
$30$25 at Amazon$25 at Walmart
Form:Liquid |Type:Turmeric rhizome extract |Amount per serving:520 mg |Independently Verified:Yes |In-house tested:No
What we like:It has high bioavailability and contains added nutrients and ingredients that may help with inflammation.
What to know:Each tablespoon serving has 80 calories and 5 grams of fat.
“This liquid blend of ingredients may be helpful with issues such as mood and inflammation, as well as overall health and wellness,” Bakovic says. Each serving is one tablespoon and delivers 520 milligrams of turmeric rhizome extract. The turmeric used has a smaller particle size and is paired with a source of fat for maximum absorption. It also provides 45 percent DV for vitamin E, an antioxidant nutrient with anti-inflammatory benefits, and 210 milligrams of the omega-3 fat DHA, which is key for brain health.
The Bottom Line: The Best Turmeric Supplement
Read the Ingredient List
Supplement manufacturers also often add other ingredients to help with bioavailability. “Some beneficial ingredients to look for in your turmeric supplement include black pepper and healthy fats, which both help to enhance the absorption of turmeric,” Bakovic says. “Another beneficial ingredient isginger rootbecause, like turmeric, it has anti-inflammatory properties.”
Choose a Form You Like
Turmeric supplements most commonly come as capsules, but you can also find them in liquid, gummy or powder form. Gummies and liquids are often flavored and may be easier to take if you have trouble swallowing pills. Powders are versatile because you can mix them into a drink (like golden milk), but they don’t have great portability.
Check for independent verification
The FDA doesn’t approve supplements before they go to market (the opposite of what they do with medications), making it important to seek out supplements that are independently verified. Many organizations, including USP, NSF and Informed Sport, conduct independent lab tests to assess purity, quality, safety and potency. Most of the turmeric supplements on our list are independently verified.
Common Questions
When is the best time to take a turmeric supplement?
The best time to take a turmeric supplement is with a meal. Turmeric is fat-soluble, which means your body can better absorb it when it’s taken along with a fat. So aim to take your turmeric supplement with a meal or snack that contains fats (such as oils, eggs, avocado, nuts or seeds) to help boost absorption, DiLeo says.
“The presence of food can also reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects,” he says.
What is curcumin and how does it work?
Curcumin is one of many bioactive compounds found in turmeric (which are collectively known as curcuminoids), DiLeo says. It’s responsible for the plant’s yellow color and many of its health benefits. However, curcumin doesn’t absorb well in the body, so it’s important to pair it with piperine (from black pepper) or fat (such as oil or butter) to increase its bioavailability.
What are the different types of turmeric supplements available?
Different turmeric supplements contain curcumin from different sources. According to DiLeo, these are the most common types of curcumin sources you’ll find in supplements:
What are the potential side effects of turmeric supplements?
Populations who should avoid turmeric supplements include pregnant and breastfeeding women (there isn’t enough research to say it’s safe). People with bleeding disorders should probably skip turmeric supplements (curcumin appears to mirror blood thinners), as well as people with kidney stones (especially if this runs in the family) and those with iron deficiency, Bakovic says. “Turmeric may limit iron absorption, which is especially important to consider for people who have iron deficiency,” she says. “Turmeric is also high in urinary oxalate, which in high doses and when combined with calcium, can produce kidney stones.”
Most human studies have done research using doses of up to 2,000 milligrams of turmeric per day, which seem to be safe and effective for most people. “Dosages beyond this may produce symptoms of nausea and/or diarrhea as the most common side effect,” Bakovic says.
Can I take turmeric supplements with other medications?
Turmeric is known to interact with several classes of common medications, including certain diabetes medications, drugs that reduce stomach acid and blood thinners, Bakovic says. Turmeric can compound the effects of blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin), raising the risk of bleeding, Bakovic says.
Always tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking or planning to take, especially if you’re on medication. Never start a new supplement without getting the green light from your doctor first.
April Benshosan has been reporting on nutrition, health, and expert-recommended products from the start of her journalism career. She regularly contributes to EatingWell and has authored many of our articles with supplement recommendations. For this particular roundup, she interviewed two registered dietitians with Top Nutrition Coaching—Lena Bakovic, M.S., RDN, CNSC, andTim DiLeo, M.S., RDN, CSSD—for their top turmeric supplement picks, as well as what to look for in a quality supplement.
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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Turmeric.
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Gupte PA, Giramkar SA, Harke SM, et al.Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Capsule Longvida® Optimized Curcumin (Solid lipid curcumin particles) in knee osteoarthritis: a pilot clinical study.J Inflamm Res. 2019;12:145-152. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S205390
