Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. “I have recently purchased a Curcumin 95% supplement. What is your opinion on this formula?” Suzanne H, Port Townsend, WA A. Dear Suzanne, Curcumin 95%, when tested in the laboratory, has shown extremely high potential for a number of health concerns. However, in the body there are many steps for entering the cellular level, starting with digestion, absorption, assimilation and penetration. This is not an easy task. Curcumin 95% has shown to be poorly absorbed systemically and sometimes cannot be found in the bloodstream after it has been orally ingested. Therefore, it is difficult to do human studies. This has been a roadblock to fulfilling curcumin’s promise. The results of the lab test have encouraged scientists to seek a manner in which to improve the absorption of curcumin. I believe you would be better off with your next purchase to select a curcumin product that has been proven to be absorbed and to be effective in published clinical trials. There are different ways to increase absorption, and the best results (up to 10 times better absorption) is from curcumin with turmeric essential oils and phospholipids. I also believe that combining curcumin with other anti-inflammatory and pain relieving ingredients will give you better results for your health. That is why I recommend curcumin with boswellia, standardized for AKBA, the most effective form of the boswellic acids. DLPA is an amino acid that sustains the activity of natural, feel good hormones in the body (endorphins and enkephalins), and nattokinase provides increased support of circulatory function. In my experience, using a blend of ingredients such as this will give you a much stronger product and better results than just standard 95% curcumin.