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Top 5 Turmeric Supplements for Healthy Joints
Find out how this powerful antioxidant supports a healthy heart, brain, and joint mobility, plus, which supplements are worth the hype.
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Turmeric is known as the “wonder drug of life” all over the world. That's because it contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant compound used to support immunity, heart & brain health, and joint mobility.1
Today, more people than ever are turning to turmeric supplements to reap all these amazing rewards — and wellness companies have taken notice. In fact, there are more turmeric supplements on the market now than ever before.
To complicate matters, companies out to make a quick buck flood the market with subpar formulas, which often lack the ingredients needed for maximum efficiency. Needless to say, shopping for a turmeric supplement — or any supplement — can get a bit overwhelming.
But Smarter Reviews has your back.
Keep reading to learn what to look for in a quality formula, what you should avoid, and finally, the top 5 turmeric supplements of 2023.
Benefits of a High-Quality Turmeric Supplement
Joint Health and Mobility
Studies show that curcumin can help block harmful enzymes from breaking down the connective joint tissues. By inhibiting these enzymes, curcumin has been shown to help preserve joint integrity and reduce everyday discomfort.2
But enzymes aren't the only threat to healthy joints. Oxidative stress, which is caused by an accumulation of harmful byproducts, afflicts healthy joint tissues. As a powerful antioxidant, curcumin helps reduce the impact of occasional oxidative stress on the joints.3
Heart Health
Joint tissues aren't the only tissues vulnerable to the effects of oxidative stress. In fact, all tissues, including the very-important muscle tissues in your heart must contend with everyday oxidative stress.
Not surprisingly, the same antioxidant properties in curcumin that help protect joint tissue also help protect heart tissue!
Brain Function
Researches have documented a link between curcumin and increased levels of BDNF, a gene that promotes the growth of new brains cells, or neurons.4
In one human clinical trial, subjects who received high doses of curcumin daily reported improvements in both memory and attention.5
Immune Support
The antioxidant properties of curcumin help aid and maintain the immune system, promoting proper function in times of need.
Ingredients To Look For
Turmeric Root Extract
Powdered turmeric root — often used a spice for cooking or making tea — only contains about a 3% concentration of curcumin. In other words, you would need to consume quite a lot of turmeric every day to reap its antioxidant benefits.
On the other hand, turmeric root extracts are far more potent, resulting in curcumin concentrations as high as 95%.6 For best results, look for a turmeric supplement with at least 150 mg of turmeric root extract.
Black Pepper Extract (Clinically Studied)
Black pepper has a bioactive compound called piperine that helps your body absorb beneficial nutrients, including curcumin. In fact, black pepper extract has been shown to increase curcumin's bioavailability by two thousand percent!7
For best results, look for supplements that use a clinically studied form of highly concentrated black pepper extract, like BioPerine®.
What To Avoid In A Turmeric Supplement
Gelatin Capsules
Gelatin capsules are made from animal products, which can feel deceptive for those with special dietary needs. Plus, some reports indicate gelatin capsules can produce unpleasant side effects, such as gas, bloating, and upset stomach.
Capsules made with vegetable cellulose are a safe and diet-friendly alternative to gelatin caps.
Lead
Recently, a number of turmeric supplements imported to the U.S. have been recalled for lead contamination, a byproduct of the dyeing process some manufacturers use to enhance turmeric's golden color.
For peace of mind, look for products that have undergone third-party testing for safety and efficacy, or whose parent brands follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Top 5 Turmeric Supplements Of 2023
Without further ado, here are the top 5 highest-ranked turmeric supplements of 2023.
1. Turmeric Curcumin
Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies
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Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 150 mg turmeric root extract
- Clinically studied black pepper extract
- Vegetarian capsules
- 365-day return policy
CONS
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
Essential elements' Turmeric Curcumin contains 1800 mg of turmeric root powder in addition to 150 mg of turmeric root extract.
It also contains BioPerine®, a clinically studied and highly concentrated form of black pepper extract, for enhanced absorption.
Turmeric Curcumin is also 100% non-GMO, packaged in veggie caps, and manufactured according to strict GMP guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy.
All Essential elements products are backed by a 365-day money-back guaranatee.
* Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. CurcuWell
Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies

Total Ranking
9.2/10
A-
Overall Grade
PROS
- 1000 mg turmeric extract
- Clinically studied black pepper extract
- Vegetarian capsules
- 365-day return policy
CONS
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
Boasting 1000 mg of turmeric extract and BioPerine® for superior absorption, CurcuWell by Live Conscious slides comfortably into second place.
This product undergoes third-party testing for safety and efficacy, and like the top pick, it's also 100% non-GMO, uses veggie caps, and offers a robust 365-day money-back guarantee.
However, despite it's top-notch formula, CurcuWell offers less overall turmeric per serving than the top choice.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Turmeric

Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 2250 mg turmeric extract
- Black pepper extract
- Vegetarian capsule
CONS
- Lacks clinically studied black pepper extract
- 30-day return policy
The Bottom Line
Qunol's aptly named 'Turmeric' offers a whopping 2250 mg of turmeric extract.
And while it also includes black pepper extract, it does not use a clinically studied form like the first two picks, which feels like a missed opportunity considering how much turmeric extract there is to absorb.
Additionally, Qunol's brief 30-day return window may not give consumers enough time to know if this product is right for them.
*Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4. Turmeric

Total Ranking
8.2/10
B-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains turmeric extract
- 60-day return policy
CONS
- Gelatin capsules
- Lacks black pepper extract
- Low potency
The Bottom Line
If you're in the market for an affordable, entry-level Turmeric supplement, Turmeric from Nature's Bounty may be the product for you.
While it does contain curcumin extract, its 50 mg dose may not be enough to deliver the expected results. Additionally, it lacks black pepper extract (clinically studied or otherwise) and is made with gelatin capsules.
On the bright side, if this product isn't right for you, Nature's Bounty offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
*Results 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
- Turmeric extract
CONS
- Gelatin capsules
- Low potency
- Lacks black pepper extract
- 30-day return policy
The Bottom Line
Turmeric Curcumin by Nature Made is a popular choice among customers, however, its simple formula leaves much to be desired.
It has the main key ingredient, turmeric extract, but with only 50 mg, its potency is relatively low. Moreover, its complete lack of black pepper extract means that its contents are not as easily absorbed.
Consumers should also note that this product uses gelatin caps and offers only a 30-day return policy.
*Results 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 pageCITATIONS
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522354/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7763573/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694612/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3281036/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748117305110?via%3Dihub
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17044766/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/