Many variables can effect the absorption rates of just about any available supplement, especially curcumin. Dosage size, delivery method and timing of administration, are just some of the variables known to have a tremendous impact on absorption. Unfortunately, curcumin is effected by these variables more than most other nutrients because of its rapid metabolism. This makes curcumin absorption an extreme balancing act that can be thrown off by the smallest of variables. In fact, even your sex can determine the amount of curcumin absorption you may expect.
Men Vs Women.
Believe it or not, Women can expect to absorb 30 to 40% more curcumin than men. Of course, this is due to even more variables in addition to the ones I have mentioned above. Complex variables like hepatic drug efflux transporter (MDR1), sulfotransferases, and bio-transformation enzymes can be the cause for absorption differences in Men and Women. However, more simple variables like body weight, blood volume, and body fat can also be the root cause of this variation. Either way, these added variables just further complicate an already deep and complex absorption issue.
Curcumin Type.
While novel formulations of curcumin like Micelles (liquid dispersed) and Micronisate (micronized powder) can produce a 30 -40% increase in absorption for women, the same is not true for regular curcumin powder. Curcumin in its natural form performs more erratic between individuals and therefore is more difficult to compare between men and women. Formulations that combat curcumins rapid metabolism are more consistent and for that reason are able to be compared with ease.
Bottom Line.
Curcumins Achilles heel is absorption without a doubt. Researchers are working around the clock to circumvent and overcome this major hurdle. Progress is slow but none the less moving forward. With Novel curcumin formulations and science uncovering more information than ever, we have some of the best curcumin options at our finger tips. Taking into consideration simple variables like curcumin formulation, dosage size, and even your sex can increase your chances in getting the most health benefits out of your curcumin supplement.
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6 Comments
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Hello,
Is there a best time during the day to take the curcumin supplement? Does taking it with water or a specific fluid drink help with the absorption or digestion of the curcumin supplement? Are there any supplements that can be taken with this to aid in the digestion of the curcumin supplement? Great article.
Thank you for your information.
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Author
Hi Christopher,
Not much research has been done on what time of the day is superior for curcumin supplementation for now. However, various formulations do exist for increasing the absorption of curcumin.
Some of them are but not limited to, liposomal, micelles, Phytosome (Meriva), Solid lipid technology (SLCP Longvida)), micronized and nanoparticles, turmeric oil mixture (BCM-95), and piperine or bioperine (extracted from black pepper). All these methods or formulations utilize different mechanisms to increase the bodies absorption of orally administered curcumin. I briefly touch on some of these formulations in my curcumin review article.
Because some of these formulations use completely different mechanisms to improve absorption, no single strategy will work across the board to amplify absorption rates even more than they already are. Best to follow the directions stated on the bottle for optimal results.
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What Do you think of Artesunate and Ivermectin?
Thank you
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Author
Sarah,
I haven’t deeply researched either to provide a proper assessment. However, Artesunate did show some promise in a colorectal pilot study. It also showed some activity in a phase 1 study with refractory solid tumors that provided some disease control. Unfortunately, no responses were observed, only stable disease for 3 patients (19%).
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Hello there
thanks for this great site. I have been recently diagnosed with lymphoma.I am wondering if you have any information about curcumin’s ability to promote glutathione and how that might affect chemo agents that block glutathione like ie believe cyclophosfamide?
However, there are abundant fairly well conducted studies to support curcumins use in lymphoma patients..I am thinking if it does indeed promote glutathione and cyclo tries to block glutathione, maybe take it away from active chemo cycles if that makes any sense?
any thoughts would be appreciated and I am going to sign up to your blog! 🙂
Thank you very much;
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Author
Sara,
It is possible that curcumin can interfere with chemotherapy in certain instances. Some studies show curcumin can in fact protect cancer cells against chemotherapy damage. Hard to really know for sure unless you find a really well executed study that reflects your situation closely like chemotherapy, cancer type, along with treatment history and stage of disease. That of course is not easy. However, you can find studies like this one which show curcumin inhibits chemotherapy induced apoptosis and should be enough to exercise caution.
Good luck and keep up the great work on researching and finding answers.
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