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We’ve all heard about the potential health benefits of turmeric, like healthy immune and anti-inflammatory support. It’s one of the most popular supplements in America today.

But what consumers may not know about turmeric supplements is also important. Many are unaware about how supplements work, why ingredients matter, or that supplement products are generally unregulated. No formal testing or approval is currently required for supplements in the United States. Consumers may not be buying what they think when they purchase a turmeric supplement.

It can mean a waste of money, and in some cases, risk of exposure to undesirable and even harmful ingredients.

How Supplements Work

Supplements work similar to anything else we ingest. The body processes and absorbs what we eat and drink, then puts it to work in our cells, organs, and systems. For example, the fat we eat helps our digestive system to better absorb nutrients from our food. Hormones like insulin access and burn our fat cells to give our body the energy it needs, etc. The body uses this exact same process when we take medication, vitamins or a supplement.

Why Ingredients Matter

This is why the ingredients in turmeric and other supplements matter. The product must be developed to work with how the body absorbs food. If it is not, consumers can be at risk of taking something that the body eliminates as waste -- without receiving the value of what’s in the supplement!  In fact, one independent study found that over 60% of turmeric supplements on the market today are not absorbed at all.

It’s also important for consumers to understand that supplement products are not regulated by the same laws as prescription and other over-the-counter medications, or even food and beverages. Most supplements have not have been tested for safety and effectiveness, and many do not contain authentic/real ingredients.   Another study estimates that up to 40% of turmeric supplements use synthetic turmeric made from petroleum instead of all-natural turmeric.

The only way to truly be sure is to do the homework, and be as thorough as possible including finding out where and how the product is made. It’s the best way to help ensure you’re taking a good, effective option.

Doctors May Not Know

Doctors aren’t typically given extensive training about the body and nutrition. It’s a part of our education, but we spend more time learning about diseases, diagnosis, and treatments.

Many are not experienced with supplements. I had many patients ask me about turmeric supplements, or had supplements on their medication lists. To best help them, I conducted extensive research myself. I ended up developing my own supplement Boscumin® because I couldn’t find a product I felt comfortable recommending, or one that met similar safety standards and testing required with drugs and medications. Boscumin was carefully vetted consistent to what the FDA requires with traditional pharmacueticals and other products. It was thoroughly tested including DNA tested, radiocarbon tested and more than 40 clinical human studies. My goal was to create and provide a product that I could feel comfortable recommending to my patients.

Consumers should ask their doctor for insight and recommendations about supplements, but be prepared that some may not have answers.

What Consumers Can Do

1. Look for products that have been carefully sourced, formulated, and tested to ensure quality and effectiveness. An established, upstanding company will make this information clear and readily available.
2. Rely on knowledgeable, established, and reputable sources for information. Be careful about what you read. I share my knowledge and expertise about turmeric supplements with media and online. Look for solid experts and insight.
3. Get to know ingredients. Read ingredient panels. A good turmeric supplement doesn’t need a long list of complicated ingredients or chemicals. Ingredients like black pepper can help absorption, but fat-soluble turmeric is far better. I found sunflower oil to have the best absorption in testing here.

As a physician, it’s great to see consumers taking an active part in their health, and that many are exploring ways to support health issues. Learning as much as you can about the supplements you take can help you make the best choice.

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