The better-absorbed one
Enhanced-absorption curcumin (phytosome, micellar, or similar)
Made so your body absorbs curcumin (turmeric's active part) much better. Used in many studies.
Good for: Achy joints
What variations of turmeric exist?
A golden root whose active compounds, curcuminoids, support a healthy inflammatory response. Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, so the form matters. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The better-absorbed one
Enhanced-absorption curcumin (phytosome, micellar, or similar)
Made so your body absorbs curcumin (turmeric's active part) much better. Used in many studies.
Good for: Achy joints
The black pepper one
Extract standardized to 95% curcuminoids, with black pepper (piperine)
Black pepper helps you absorb it, but it also changes how some medicines are absorbed.
Usually skip
- The kitchen spice (Plain turmeric root powder)Only about 3% curcumin, so capsules give you very little.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Enhanced-absorption curcumin' on the label (the better-absorbed one)
Watch out for
- Turmeric root powder with no curcumin percentage
- No form or standardization listed for the curcumin
Check with your provider first if…
- You take a blood thinner or a drug that keeps platelets from clumping, or you're having surgery soon
- You have gallstones or a blocked bile duct
- You have liver problems. Rare liver injury has been reported with high-absorption products.
- You take diabetes medicine (it may lower blood sugar further)
- You're pregnant (cooking amounts are fine; supplements aren't well studied)
In Dr. Lesher's store
One product in Dr. Lesher's dispensary has turmeric. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Nutritional Fundamentals for Health
GI Repair SAP
100 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.