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Top 5 Turmeric Curcumin Supplements of 2025
Turmeric curcumin supplements can help improve joint, brain, heart & digestive health. Learn how to identify the best ones.
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Turmeric has been used for nearly 4,000 years in India to help promote whole-body health, including joint health. Due to its powerful properties, it quickly spread from India to Southeast Asia and eventually to the Western world.
However, more recent studies show that our bodies are not able to easily absorb turmeric's active compound, curcumin.
While these same studies show that some turmeric curcumin can help promote healthy joints, keep your heart in top shape, and support your cognitive functioning, many turmeric supplements on the market today are falling short.
So it can be difficult to know which are the most absorbable curcumin supplements. That's why Smarter Reviews has compiled extensive analysis of this emerging category. We’ll show you what to look for and what to avoid in an optimized curcumin supplement and how it can help support your overall health.
Fortunately, researchers have made advancements in solid lipidNeuroscientists used cutting-edge technology to coat the curcumin molecules in a solid lipid or fat coating to protect it through digestion, boosting its absorption and bioavailability.technology, which can more efficiently enter the bloodstream and be absorbed where it is needed most.
Benefits of Turmeric Curcumin
Joint Health
Curcumin naturally maintains joint comfort and flexibility by interacting with key cellular pathways in your body. It also protects joints and tissues by reducing common oxidative stress.* It's especially beneficial for those with active lifestyles or age-related joint concerns.
Cognitive Health
Your brain can benefit from curcumin’s ability to support a healthy mood and maintain mental clarity by supporting cellular health and promoting new neural connections. Research shows it aids in the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for cognitive well-being.
Cardiovascular Health
Regular supplementation promotes heart health by supporting healthy blood vessel function and by helping maintain cholesterol levels already within normal range. Curcumin also assists in protecting the lining of your blood vessels, contributing to overall cardiovascular wellness.
Immune Health
Curcumin also helps maintain your body's defense systems by supporting healthy immune cell function and cellular balance and by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Through this triple action, curcumin helps your body stay resilient against daily challenges.
Ingredients To Look For In A Turmeric Curcumin Supplement
Longvida Optimized Curcumin
The problem with many products on the market is that they are filled with large quantities of generic curcumin that may be standardized to 95%, but have not been clinically studied to work.
Clinically studied forms of curcumin are highly bioavailable and require only 400 mg daily to be effective, according to numerous clinical studies. Therefore, it’s not the amount of curcumin extract you take, but rather the type. Look for highly bioavailable curcumin, such as Longvida® Optimized curcumin, that’s been shown to improve absorption into the bloodstream, maximizing results.
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia serrata, a resin from the Indian frankincense tree, has even been linked to cognitive performance and mental clarity. It’s the combination of these two ingredients working together that raises their individual benefits exponentially.
The Secret To Promoting Healthy Joints
Clinical research reveals that boswellia and curcumin form the perfect pair. In fact, this special combo can significantly reduce joint discomfort after only 2 months. These incredible extracts are an easy way for anyone to enjoy smoother mobility and long-lasting comfort.
What To Avoid In A Turmeric Curcumin Supplement
Black Pepper
Also known as BioPerine® or Piperine, black pepper extract is commonly added to turmeric supplements supposedly to improve the body's absorption of the turmeric.
Unfortunately, black pepper extracts have not been shown to improve the absorption of curcumin. What's worse, these extracts can cause a range of side effects. The latest and most powerful forms of turmeric curcumin use advanced technology, like solid-lipid coating, to support absorption more consistently with less common side effects than black pepper derivatives.
Lead
Recently, a number of turmeric supplements imported to the U.S. have been recalled for lead contamination. It was discovered that Bangladeshi importers were dyeing the turmeric with "lead chromate" to enhance its golden color. Consuming lead is unsafe at any level.
Top 5 Curcumin Supplements Of 2025
Based on our own extensive analysis, the metrics provided by our Smarter Reviews Ranking System, and consideration of numerous reviews by Smarter Shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category on the market today.
1. CurcuminMD® Plus
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Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Formulated with Longvida® Optimized Curcumin Extract
- 285 times more bioavailable than standardized 95% turmeric curcumin ‡
- Contains Standardized 65% Boswellia Serrata Extract
- Doctor formulated
- Third-party tested and certified for quality
- 24-hour potency in 400 mg daily dose
- 90-day, risk-free, money-back product guarantee
CONS
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
1MD Nutrition's CurcuminMD® Plus is formulated with both Longvida® Optimized Curcumin Extract and Standardized 65% Boswellia Serrata Extract. CurcuminMD® Plus uses a clinically-supported solid-lipid coating to optimize the bioavailability of active ingredients, boosting results.
Longvida is formulated to not just enter your bloodstream, but it also crosses the blood-brain barrier. This advanced delivery system ensures active ingredients reach exactly where they're needed, delivering targeted, potent effects. In addition, 1MD Nutrition™ is recommended by a doctor who specializes in medical nutrition.
Their return policy includes a 90-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. Curcumin Phytosome
Total Ranking
9.2/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Potent dose of clinically studied Curcumin Phytosome
- Doctor formulated
- Third-party tested and certified for quality
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
CONS
- Does not contain Boswellia serrata
- Contains a long list of “other ingredients”
- High price point
The Bottom Line
Thorne's Curcumin Phytosome delivers a potent, clinically-studied form of curcumin with enhanced absorption properties.
While the formula is doctor-formulated and third-party tested for quality assurance, it contains several additional ingredients that may not be necessary. The absence of Boswellia serrata and a relatively short 30-day return window are notable limitations.
However, their commitment to clinical research and quality testing earns them a solid position on our list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin Complex
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Biohenhanced curcumin
- 90-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Does not contain Boswellia serrata
- Not backed by an MD
- Not clinically backed
The Bottom Line
Qunol's Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin Complex features a bioenhanced formula designed for improved absorption. While the enhanced bioavailability is a notable advantage, the absence of Boswellia serrata and lack of clinical validation limit its overall effectiveness.
Though not doctor-backed, Qunol stands behind their product with a generous 90-day money-back guarantee.
The straightforward formula and strong return policy make it a solid middle-tier option for those seeking turmeric supplementation.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4. Extra Strength Turmeric Inflammatory Response
Total Ranking
8.2/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains a probiotic blend
- Third-party tested and certified for quality
- Certified Organic
- 60-Day satisfaction guarantee
CONS
- Contains standard turmeric curcumin
- Does not contain Boswellia serrata
- Contains black pepper extract
- Contains additives including palm oil and maltodextrin
- Not backed by an MD
The Bottom Line
Garden of Life's Extra Strength Turmeric Inflammatory Response stands out for its organic certification and unique inclusion of probiotics.
While the formula maintains high-quality standards with third-party testing, it relies on black pepper extract for absorption rather than more advanced delivery systems.
The presence of additives like palm oil and maltodextrin, coupled with the absence of Boswellia serrata and doctor backing, impacts its overall ranking. Their 60-day satisfaction guarantee provides reasonable consumer protection.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Turmeric Curcumin
Total Ranking
7.9/10
C-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Certified Organic
CONS
- Contains standard curcumint
- Does not contain Boswellia serrata
- Not backed by an MD
- In-House (not third-party) Tested
- Only 30-Day Return Policy
The Bottom Line
NOW's Turmeric Curcumin offers organic certification at a reasonable price point. However, the lack of third-party testing (relying instead on in-house testing), the absence of Boswellia serrata, and basic formulation without doctor oversight limit its effectiveness.
The short 30-day return policy provides minimal consumer protection. While it meets basic quality standards, it lacks the advanced formulation features of higher-ranked products.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
‡ Measured using AUC normalized
CITATIONS
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306981
- Menon V.P., Sudheer A.R. (2007). In: Aggarwal B.B., Surh YJ., Shishodia S. (eds). , vol 595. Springer, Boston, MA