From the Research
The recommended dosage of turmeric (curcumin) for therapeutic use is between 320-1670 mg per day, with most effective doses ranging from 1000-1500 mg daily, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations for Therapeutic Use
- The dosage should be divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day and taken with meals that contain some fat to enhance absorption.
- Standard turmeric powder contains only about 3% curcumin by weight, so supplements with concentrated curcumin extracts are generally preferred for therapeutic purposes.
- Formulations that include piperine (black pepper extract) or are described as "bioavailable," "phytosome," or "liposomal" significantly improve curcumin absorption, as noted in various studies 2, 3.
- Most people should start with a lower dose (around 500 mg daily) and gradually increase to assess tolerance.
- The therapeutic effects of curcumin typically take 4-8 weeks to become noticeable for conditions like inflammation or joint pain, as observed in clinical trials 4, 5.
Mechanism of Action
- Curcumin works primarily by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in the body and acting as an antioxidant, which explains its potential benefits for conditions involving chronic inflammation 2, 3.