Turmeric is known for its fame in Asian cuisine, but over recent years its popularity has grown into something much greater.
In 2019 the UK imported 8,800 tonnes of turmeric from India, which all entered a market that sees 59% of British consumers taking supplements.1
This growth in recognition has led us to think that not only do we need to provide you with all the information and health benefits of turmeric supplements, but also a list of what the best ones are!
So, read on and we’ll hit you with some turmeric knowledge.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice that derives from the turmeric plant, a close relative of ginger which both makes up part of the Zingiberaceae family.
On a culinary level, you’ll recognise it as the yellow-coloured spice that you find in the curries and another Asian cuisine.
It’s been used for thousands of years to flavour and colour curry powders, tea, mustards, butter and cheeses, amongst others.
However, in this instance, we are concentrating on its use in supplements where the root of turmeric is also traditionally and widely used for its health benefits.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a yellow-coloured chemical compound known to give turmeric its colour.
Curcumin makes up a wider range of compounds called curcuminoids.
But there is a bit of a caveat.
The curcumin content of turmeric is not actually that high.
In fact, it’s only around 3% by weight,2 which means you’d need to consume around 1 gram per day which would be very difficult to achieve just by eating turmeric in food alone.
If you want to experience the full effects, you’re probably best looking for a supplement that contains high levels of curcumin.
Fortunately, we can point you in the right direction.
What does turmeric do in the body?
India has boasted the benefits of turmeric for thousands of years.
Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian approach to holistic medicine has long since praised the health and wellbeing benefits of turmeric, and now it appears that Western studies are now catching on.
10 Best turmeric supplements
Read on for our top 10 best turmeric supplements.
Nature’s Garden turmeric capsules contain a great dose (400mg) of high-quality turmeric with curcumin.
Curcumin is the main curcuminoid and has been identified as its most important active ingredient and makes up between 2-6% of each capsule.
For the best results, take one turmeric capsule twice a day with meals, if you’re feeling adventurous you can open the capsule and make a tea with it – whatever works best for you!
Ingredients
Turmeric Powder, Capsule Shell (Gelatine), Anti-Caking Agents (Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate).
Free from
No Artificial Colours, Flavours or Sweeteners. No Preservatives. No added Sugar or Salt. No Starch, No Corn, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soya, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish, No Porcine.
Two capsules contain
| Turmeric | 800mg |
Holland & Barrett high strength 600mg contains curcumin and black pepper to help support your digestion.
With an impressive 1,200mg of turmeric powder, these capsules really pack a punch.
They also contain black pepper, which promotes its absorption and helps to unleash the many health benefits of turmeric.
They’re also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Directions
Simply take one capsule twice daily, preferably with meals.
Ingredients
Organic Turmeric Powder, Capsule Shell (Hydroxpropyl Methylcellulose), Organic Black Pepper Powder.
Two capsules contain
| Organic turmeric | 1200mg |
| Organic black pepper | 10mg |
Turmeric Vitality Organic Turmeric Capsules are an easy and effective way to ensure you get your daily dose of curcumin in a convenient capsule, with added organic ginger and black pepper.
The addition of proportionate organic black pepper to assist its absorption and ginger to aid digestion – so the curcumin can get to your joints and get to work that little bit quicker.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Directions
For best results, take 2-4 capsules daily with food or as directed by a qualified health professional.
Ingredients
Organic turmeric, organic ginger, vegetable capsule (Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose), organic black pepper.
Two capsules contain
| Organic turmeric | 1300mg |
| Organic ginger | 100mg |
| Organic black pepper | 20mg |
A slightly different take on ways to get your daily dose of turmeric.
Turmeric Vitality Bio-fermented liquid is a delicious and powerful combination of herbs, berries and bacteria cultures, including papaya extract which contains naturally occurring digestive enzymes.
This works as the bacteria cultures consume the naturally occurring fruit sugars to create a 99% sugar-free liquid with no artificial preservatives or additives.
Directions
Suggested use: Drink 1 serving (15ml) one to two times per day before a meal. Up to 45ml can be taken daily.
Drink straight or diluted with water, fruit or vegetable juice. Consume within 90 days after opening.
Ingredients
Papaya fruit and leaf extract, Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper, Forest berry flavouring, Maqui berry, Elderberry, Curcumin extract, Vegetable glycerol, Lactobacillus acidophilus L.casei, L.plantarum, Bifidobacterium.l, L bulgaricus, L.fermentum, Bifidobacterium.b, S.cerevisiae
Per 15mg
| Papaya fruit & leaf extract | 5400mg |
| Turmeric | 1000mg |
| Ginger | 330mg |
| Black pepper | 250mg |
| Forest berry blend | - |
| Maqui, Elderberry | 90mg |
| Curcumin (95% curcuminoids) | 20mg |
Bioglan Active Curcumin boasts to use a superior curcumin turmeric concentrate that is standardised to 600mg curcuminoids.
It contains much more of the key, active component which is proven to work wonders on your joints.
In addition, this unique formulation contains key nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin D and copper to maintain healthy bones, healthy connective tissue and supports the immune system.
Directions
Take 1 tablet daily with a cold drink. Not to be taken with a hot drink.
Ingredients
Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa), Bulking agents (Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate), Anti-Caking Agents (Magnesium Stearate, Silica), Glazing Agents (Hypromellose, Glycerine, Hydroxypropylcellulose), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Bioperine® Black Pepper Extract (Piper Nigrum), Croscarmellose Sodium, Colour ( Yellow Iron Oxide), Copper Gluconate, Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).
Per tablet
| Turmeric Extract | 632mg |
| (Standardised to 95% Curcuminoids) | 600mg |
| Vitamin C | 12mg |
| Copper | 150ug |
| Vitamin D | 0.75ug |
If you’re into your tropical flavours, then this is right up your street.
This high strength turmeric formula is a powerful combination of herbs, berries and bacteria cultures & papaya extract containing naturally occurring digestive enzymes.
Each serving provides 1000mg Turmeric enriched with curcumin extract for increased strength.
It’s a great, innovative way to enjoy your daily turmeric.
Directions
Suggested use: Drink 1 serving (15ml) one to two times per day before a meal. Up to 45ml can be taken daily. Drink straight or diluted with water, fruit or vegetable juice.
Do not exceed recommended amount. Consume within 90 days after opening.
Ingredients
Papaya fruit and leaf extract, Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper, Pineapple, Passionfruit flavouring, Curcumin extract, Vegetable glycerol, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L.plantarum, Bifidobacterium.l L bulgaricus, L.casei, L.fermentum, Bifidobacterium.b, S.cerevisiae
Per 15mg
| Papaya fruit & leaf extract | 5400mg |
| Turmeric | 1000mg |
| Ginger | 330mg |
| Black pepper | 250mg |
| Pineapple & passionfruit | 225mg |
| Curcumin (95% curcuminoids) | 20mg |
Each Naturopathica+ Turmeric capsule contains 5mg of concentrated, full spectrum CBD per capsule.
So, if you’re currently using a CBD supplement or looking to introduce one then this could be the perfect combination for you.
Obviously, with this, you get the added curcumin like other supplements, as well as a vitamin C lift which can contribute to the function of your bones and cartilage.
If you’re over 18 then these Naturopathica CBD Plus capsules make it easy to get a daily dose of CBD Plus and turmeric supplement all in one capsule per day.
Directions
Take 1 capsule per day with water
Ingredients
Curcumin Powder, Bulking Agent (Microcrystalline Cellulose), Capsule Shell (Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose), Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), Anti-Caking Agents (Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide), Cannabidiol (CBD)
Per cap
| of which: Turmeric | 12.5mg |
| Curcumin | 250mg |
| Vitamin C | 12mg |
| Cannabidol (CBD) | 5mg |
Directions
Take one capsule daily, preferably with a meal. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Ingredients
Turmeric Root Powder, Capsule Shell (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), Apple Cider Vinegar Powder, Manuka Honey Powder, Black Pepper Extract, Vitamin D2 (as Ergocalciferol), Anti-Caking Agent (Magnesium Stearate), Natural Flavouring (Malic Acid). +Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Turmeric helps to maintain joint health.
Per capsule
| Vitamin D | 15ug |
| Apple Cider Vinegar Powder | 70mg |
| Black pepper extract | 10mg |
| (Piper nigrum) | Equivalent to 250-300mg black pepper) |
| Manuka honey powder | 35mg |
| Turmeric powder | 500mg |
Bioglan Superfoods Organic Turmeric Capsules are rich in Vitamin D which contribute to the maintenance of normal bones, muscle function and the immune system.
This coupled with curcumin is a great mixture to look after those joints.
Directions
Take 2 capsules per day with water and feel the benefits of Bioglan Superfoods Organic Turmeric for yourself.
Ingredients
Organic Turmeric Powder, Capsule Shell (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol).
Per two capsules
| Organic turmeric powder | 1000mg |
| Vitamin D | 5ug |
BetterYou Turmeric Oral Spray is formulated and designed to deliver a greater uptake of three active curcuminoids.
The idea is that because you take this orally it’s meant to have better absorption.
So, if you struggle with taking tablets or capsules, then this could be the perfect supplement.
Directions
Press the pump 3 times to get the liquid flowing. Shake well before every use.
Carefully spray into your mouth or on the inside of your cheek. Replace the cap after use.
Ingredients
Water, xylitol, turmeric root (standardised to 95% curcuminoids, y-cyclodextrin), acacia gum, citric acid, preservative: potassium sorbate, orange oil, xanthan gum.
Per 100ml serving
| Cyclocurmin (Turmeric) | 8500mg |
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Last updated: 8 December 2021
