Curcumin and absorption, how does it work?

Why is curcumin so good for you?

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years by people all over the world. This is thanks to the important phytonutrients called curcuminoids, which give turmeric its impressive and wide-ranging health benefits.

There are three phytonutrients in the curcuminoid family that are responsible for the herb's health benefits: diferuloylmethane (curcumin, the primary curcuminoid), demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Alongside these three chemicals, turmerone is a potent oil found in the root. More than 9,000 research studies have investigated turmeric and curcumin. This has yielded a wealth of valuable information. These studies show that curcuminoids interact with around 160 mechanisms in the body to support a wide range of processes. In summary, curcumin has the following effects on our bodies:

• Turmeric has a positive influence on the immune system*
• Turmeric contributes to normal joint function*
• Turmeric contributes to normal digestive function*
• Turmeric contributes to normal liver function*
• Turmeric contributes to the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels*
• Turmeric contributes to normal cholesterol levels*

* Health claim awaiting European authorisation.

Curcumin and absorption

Curcumin, the health-promoting phytonutrient in turmeric, really does seem to be a wonder remedy, but it also has a weakness: bioavailability.

There may well be more research into curcumin's absorption than into its health benefits. Many studies show that a relatively small percentage is actually absorbed by the body after consumption. Absorption of curcumin after oral intake is particularly low because it is not readily absorbed in our gastrointestinal tract and its distribution throughout our tissues is limited. This is mainly because curcumin is converted into inactive metabolites in the gut and liver. Much research has therefore focused on improving its bioavailability. The University of California (UCLA) made the breakthrough here.

Researchers there managed to improve the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation by providing curcumin in the form of SLCP (solid lipid curcumin particles). This unbound form of curcumin has around 65 times higher bioavailability. Sounds great, doesn't it? Unfortunately, not quite when we examine the patent and production process. During production, the curcumin is encased in a fatty particle made up of long-chain fats. Unfortunately, this process uses alcohol, pressure and chemicals. That is, of course, exactly what we do not want. The supplement also contains many unwanted additives, and the fatty particle used is made from soya. This SLCP form of curcumin therefore improves absorption, but also introduces harmful substances into the body. That is not really what you want.

These are the curcumin supplements we stand behind