Compare turmeric and curcumin supplements on the amount of curcumin per daily dose, the form (plain turmeric, standardised curcumin extract or an absorption-enhanced form such as a phytosome) and the cost per day. Turmeric has no authorised health claims in Great Britain, and UK safety experts have raised questions about high-strength supplements.
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What's the difference between turmeric and curcumin?
Turmeric is the spice, and curcumin is the main active compound in it. Turmeric root contains a small proportion of curcumin, so curcumin extracts, often standardised to 95% curcuminoids (curcumin and closely related compounds), give far more curcumin per capsule than plain turmeric powder.
This collection includes turmeric gummies, a turmeric and bromelain product, a liquid, a 95% curcumin extract and curcumin phytosome products. A phytosome binds curcumin to a fat-like substance to change how it's absorbed. Check the label for the curcumin amount per daily dose, not just the turmeric amount.
Are turmeric supplements safe?
Not for everyone, especially at high strengths. The Committee on Toxicity, which advises the Food Standards Agency, has noted a number of reports of liver harm linked to turmeric and curcumin supplements, and said that intake levels of low concern in food may not be appropriate for supplements, particularly forms designed to be better absorbed.
It refers to an acceptable daily intake for curcumin of 0 to 3mg per kg of body weight, set by an international expert committee in 2004: about 210mg a day for a 70kg adult. The NHS says not to take herbal products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver or kidney problems, or take certain medicines, including blood thinners such as warfarin. Speak to your pharmacist first if you take any medication.
Does turmeric with black pepper work better?
Black pepper extract (piperine) is added to many turmeric supplements because it changes how curcumin is absorbed, but there's no authorised health claim for turmeric, curcumin or piperine. The COT notes that adding piperine to turmeric supplements is very common, and that forms with increased absorption may need a different safety assessment.
"Where evidence is limited or inconclusive, we should say so openly," says Andy Arshad, who runs SupplementHQ. More curcumin absorbed isn't automatically better.
We sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is general information for adults, not personalised medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet.
Written by Andy Arshad, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.