We have a new curcumin extract from Solgar that I wanted to feature, since it’s really amazing, almost unbelievably so. Curcumin is the extract, or beneficial component, of the spice turmeric. Curcumin has been found to be a fantastic supplement for joint pain and reducing inflammation in the body, but unfortunately, it’s very difficult for the body to absorb.
While curcumin is most well known for it's benefits for joint pain, research has also found the benefits of curcumin supplementation to extend to lower risks for heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer's disease, and is also considered a potent anti-aging supplement.
Unfortunately, many people found they would need to take rather high doses of curcumin to find joint pain relief. Occasionally when people would take those high dosages of turmeric extract, they would experience stomach upset or irritation. In the past, the high dosages of curcumin were necessary, since the body was only able to absorb a small fraction of the herb.
With the popularity of turmeric extracts growing, due to many people finally finding relief from joint problems after taking the supplement, researchers have been working on ways to help curcumin to be better absorbed, with smaller doses.
Previously, all of us at Pass Health Foods would recommend curcumin phytosome as the best form of turmeric extract to take. Studies showed that curcumin phytosome (also known as the branded name, Meriva), was absorbed twenty times more than standard turmeric extract- a really impressive discovery!
At the store, we always make a point to be on top of the latest supplements being developed and their research. When I first heard of the brand Solgar coming out with a new water soluble curcumin that was said to be absorbed 185 times more than standard curcumin, I was skeptical, since that number sounded almost unbelievable. Research has confirmed their claim however (you can read more about the study here)! They have really discovered a way to make curcumin’s absorption rate to be so much better absorbed! The researchers even were quoted as saying that this new extract of curcumin was truly “unrivaled” in absorption.
Because of the science behind it, we really have no reason to ever suggest a different turmeric extract that this new one by Solgar. Even at a small, one a day dosage, the absorption rate should be significantly better absorbed than any other curcumin supplement on the market. One other benefit of Solgar’s Full Spectrum Curcumin is that it stays in the body for a full 24 hours from one single pill dose.
Another nice thing is that since Solgar’s Full Spectrum Curcumin is so well absorbed, only a small amount is required, so it should be tolerated well for people with stomach issues who may not have been able to take standard turmeric supplements due to irritation.
For more information on how exactly this new extract is made and absorbed, there's a good article here.
