Curcumin and absorption, how does that work?

Why is Curcumin so healthy?

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years by peoples all over the world. This is due to the important phytonutrients Curcuminoids that 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. In addition to these three chemicals, turmerone is a potent oil found in the root. Over 9,000 research studies have examined turmeric and curcumin, yielding a wealth of valuable information. These studies show that the curcuminoids interact with approximately 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 effect on the immune system*
• Turmeric contributes to the normal functioning of the joints*
• 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 pending European approval.

Curcumin and absorption

Curcumin, the healthy phytonutrient in Turmeric, seems like a true miracle cure, but it also has a weakness: bioavailability.

Curcumin is perhaps more researched on its absorbability than on its health benefits. Many studies show that a relatively small percentage is actually absorbed by the body after consumption. In particular, absorption of curcumin after oral intake is low because it is not easily absorbed in our gastrointestinal tract and there is limited distribution in our tissues. This is mainly because the curcumin is converted into inactive metabolites in the intestine and liver. Therefore, much research has been devoted to improving its bioavailability. The University of California (UCLA) had the breakthrough in this.

There they managed to improve the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation by offering curcumin in the form of SLCP (solid lipid curcumin particles). This unbound form of curcumin has about 65 times higher bioavailability. Great, right? Unfortunately not entirely when we examine the patent and production process. During production, the Curcumin is packaged in a fatty particle consisting of long-chain fats. Unfortunately, alcohol, pressure and chemicals are used to achieve this. Of course, that is exactly what we do not want. In addition, the supplement contains many unwanted additives and the fatty particle that is used is made from soy. This SLCP form of Curcumin therefore improves absorption, but at the same time introduces bad substances into the body. You do not really want that.

These are curcumin supplements we stand behind