supplement manufacturer Curcumin hyped as an anti-inflammatory agent acting as a pain reliever and heart helper
Sellers of these supplements say curcumin, the active compound in turmeric root, can reduce chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of pain and fatigue, heart disease and irritable bowel syndrome. They claim to have scientific studies to back up all of this.
But is it all true?
“The data on curcumin isn’t the most reliable, but it does have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Brian St. Pierre, R.D.N. men’s health Advisor. Studies show that curcumin reduces inflammation associated with her IBS, muscle fatigue, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
But when you dig into those studies, things get… tricky.
Yes, a 2021 review found that curcumin supplementation helped people with inflammatory diseases, especially when combined with other medications. Pierre says It is your responsibility to take supplements regularly and diligently.
Therefore, if you are someone who can develop healthy habits and stick to them, a curcumin supplement may work for you.
Yes, if you have chronic fatigue and/or pain, IBS, heart disease, or diabetes, curcumin may help, but check with your doctor before taking it. If you do, it can mess up your iron absorption, says Shinta Garay, a registered dietitian in New York City.
Be careful when purchasing curcumin supplements.
You need a supplement with a recommended dose of 1,000 mg. Also, always buy third-party certified brands such as NSF or Informed Choice to make sure that what is advertised on the label is actually in the product itself.
A version of this article originally appeared in the September 2022 issue. men’s health.
Taylyn Washington-Harmon is the health editor for Men’s Health and has written previously signed articles for Health Magazine, SELF, and STAT.
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