Turmeric and bioavailability: how to choose quality curcumin

Turmeric and curcumin: what is the difference?

Turmeric is a plant, also known as Curcuma longa. Its root is used as a spice, particularly in Asian cuisine.

Curcumin, on the other hand, is one of the main natural compounds found in turmeric. It belongs to the curcuminoid family and is the molecule most frequently studied in scientific publications.

A food supplement may therefore contain turmeric in different forms:

• turmeric root powder;
• turmeric extract standardised in curcuminoids;
• curcumin combined with piperine;
• curcumin formulated with a lipid technology;
• curcumin in the form of micelles, phytosomes or other complexes.

These forms do not all have the same characteristics.

Why is curcumin bioavailability important?

Curcumin is naturally poorly bioavailable. This means that, in its classic form, it is difficult to disperse and absorb, and it is not always found in a form that is relevant for the body.

For this reason, many technologies have been developed to improve the bioavailability of curcumin.

These include, in particular:

• the addition of piperine, derived from black pepper;
• phospholipid complexes;
• micelles;
• nanoparticles;
• lipid technologies.

However, when talking about bioavailability, it is important not to focus solely on a single absorption figure.

Absorption does not tell the whole story

Many turmeric-based supplements highlight “better absorption”. This is a useful criterion, but it is not always enough to properly compare two forms of curcumin.

Why? Because what is measured in the blood may correspond to several different forms:

• free curcumin;
• conjugated curcumin;
• curcumin metabolites;
• total curcumin.

Total curcumin includes different forms measured in plasma. It does not always correspond exclusively to free curcumin.

Free curcumin, by contrast, refers to the unconjugated form of the molecule. This distinction is important when trying to understand the quality of a formulation.

The right question is therefore not only: “How much curcumin is absorbed?”
but rather: “In what form is curcumin actually available?”

 

Curcumin with piperine: why it is not always the best choice

Piperine, derived from black pepper, is often added to turmeric supplements to increase curcumin absorption.

This approach is well known, but it is based on a specific mechanism: piperine can influence certain enzymatic pathways involved in the metabolism of different substances.

For this reason, a turmeric supplement with piperine is not always the most suitable option, especially when looking for a more neutral formulation, without intentional enzymatic modulation.

The choice therefore depends on the aim of the formulation, the person’s profile and the desired level of caution.

Why choose curcumin without piperine?

Curcumin without piperine may be of interest when it is based on a specific formulation technology capable of improving bioavailability without using black pepper extract.

This is the case with lipid technologies, which aim to improve the dispersion and availability of curcumin while taking into account its fat-soluble nature.

Curcumin is indeed a molecule with a natural affinity for fats. The use of a lipid matrix may therefore be relevant in its formulation.

Longvida®: a lipid technology for curcumin

Longvida® is a form of curcumin developed with SLCP technology, which stands for Solid Lipid Curcumin Particles.

This technology is based on the integration of curcumin into a specific lipid matrix. The aim is to improve its bioavailability and support the presence of curcumin in free form.

The value of this approach is that it does not focus solely on a simple increase in total curcumin measured in plasma. Instead, it gives greater attention to the form of curcumin that is actually available.

Optim Curcuma: a formula with Longvida®, without piperine

Optim Curcuma has been formulated with Longvida®, a form of curcumin using SLCP lipid technology.

Each capsule provides:

• 400 mg of Longvida®;
• a lipid-based form of curcumin;
• a formula without piperine;
• a simple and clear composition.

This choice makes it possible to offer a clearly identified curcumin-based supplement, formulated around bioavailability, free curcumin and the scientific documentation of the ingredient.

How to choose a good turmeric supplement

When choosing a turmeric-based supplement, it can be useful to consider several criteria.

1. The form used

A supplement may contain turmeric powder, a standardised extract or a specific form of curcumin. These options are not equivalent.

2. Bioavailability

As curcumin is naturally poorly bioavailable, the formulation technology is an important criterion.

3. The presence or absence of piperine

Piperine can increase absorption, but it acts on certain enzymatic pathways. Its presence should therefore be taken into account.

4. The dosage per capsule

It is important to check the actual dosage of the active ingredient or patented form used.

5. Scientific documentation

A well-documented form of curcumin makes it easier to understand its behaviour and characteristics.

6. The clarity of the composition

A simple, readable and transparent formula is always preferable.

Turmeric capsules: what should you look for?

Turmeric capsules do not differ only by their dosage. The form of curcumin used is a central criterion.

Two products may state the same amount of turmeric or curcumin, but have very different characteristics in terms of bioavailability, formulation and documentation.

This is why it is preferable to look beyond the stated dose alone.

In summary

Curcumin is naturally poorly bioavailable. For this reason, the quality of the formulation plays an important role when choosing a turmeric-based supplement.

Absorption is a useful criterion, but it is not always sufficient. It is also worth considering:

• the form of curcumin used;
• the distinction between total curcumin and free curcumin;
• the formulation technology;
• the presence or absence of piperine;
• the dosage per capsule;
• the scientific documentation;
• the clarity of the composition.

With Optim Curcuma, Laboratoire Optim has chosen Longvida®, a form of curcumin using SLCP lipid technology, without piperine, with 400 mg per capsule.

The aim is to offer a clear, high-quality and well-documented formula that goes beyond the simple idea of absorption.

Frequently asked questions about turmeric and curcumin