Categorie · Curcumin & Turmeric Category · turmeric

Curcumin & Turmeric

Curcumin is the yellow pigment from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). The herb has been used for centuries as a spice and colouring, and curcumin is one of the most researched phytonutrients.

Because curcumin is naturally poorly absorbed, there are formulations such as Meriva®, Longvida® and combinations with piperine. On this page we explain the difference.

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Products in this collection
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Plant
Curcuma longa, ginger family
In the root
About 3% curcuminoids
Absorption
Phytosome, fat matrix or piperine
Solubility
Fat-soluble
4 products
ErgomaxCurcuma - BCM-95® - 30 softgels
Brands

Curcuma - BCM-95® - 30 softgels

★★★★★ 12 reviews
€19,95
Doctor's BestCurcumin Phytosome - Meriva® - 60 capsules
Nutritional supplements

Curcumin Phytosome - Meriva® - 60 capsules

★★★★★ 4 reviews
€34,95
MitoQMitoQ® - Longvida® Curcumin - 60 capsules
Nutritional supplements

MitoQ® - Longvida® Curcumin - 60 capsules

★★★★★ 2 reviews
€89,95
MomentousTurmeric - 60 capsules
Supplement

Turmeric - 60 capsules

No reviews yet
€39,95

Turmeric and curcumin

Turmeric is the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant, a relative of ginger, used for centuries as a spice and as a yellow colouring. Curcumin is its main bioactive compound and belongs to the curcuminoids.

Dried turmeric root contains only about three per cent curcuminoids. An extract standardised to 95% curcuminoids is therefore something quite different from the spice powder in your kitchen cupboard, even though both say turmeric.

The problem of absorption

Curcumin is fat-soluble and barely dissolves in water, which limits its natural absorption. That is why various techniques have been developed to get around this. It is the reason you come across so many brand names on this page.

Meriva® binds curcumin to phospholipids to form a phytosome. Longvida® uses a lipid matrix around the molecule. BCM-95® combines curcumin with the natural oils from turmeric itself. And the classic route is a combination with piperine from black pepper, often listed on the label as BioPerine®.

How do you compare curcumin supplements?

First check whether it is whole turmeric powder or a standardised extract, and if so, what it is standardised to. Then look at the amount of curcuminoids per daily dose, not at the total weight of the capsule.

Because the absorption technologies differ from one another, milligrams cannot be compared one-to-one between different patented forms. So compare within the same technology. Curcumin is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal containing some fat makes sense. Read more about standardised extracts under Herbs.

Frequently asked questions about turmeric

What is the difference between curcumin and turmeric? +

Turmeric is the root of the Curcuma longa plant and is often used as a spice. Curcumin is the main bioactive compound that occurs naturally in turmeric and is therefore often concentrated in food supplements.

How much curcumin does turmeric contain? +

Dried turmeric root contains about three per cent curcuminoids. An extract standardised to 95% curcuminoids is therefore far more concentrated than the spice powder from the kitchen cupboard.

Why is curcumin often formulated for better absorption? +

Curcumin is fat-soluble and barely dissolves in water, which limits its natural absorption. That is why many supplements use formulations such as BCM-95®, Meriva® or Longvida®, or a combination with piperine from black pepper.

What is piperine or BioPerine®? +

Piperine is the characteristic compound in black pepper. BioPerine® is a standardised piperine extract that is often combined with curcumin in one supplement. It is the classic combination, older than the phytosome and fat-matrix technologies.

How do you compare two curcumin supplements? +

Look at the amount of curcuminoids per daily dose and at what the extract is standardised to, not at the weight of the capsule. Because absorption technologies differ, milligrams cannot be compared one-to-one between different patented forms.

Are all turmeric supplements the same? +

No. They differ greatly in composition, concentration and absorption method. Some products contain whole turmeric, others standardised extracts or patented technologies. The choice depends on personal preference and intended use.

Curcumin & Turmeric

Curcumin is the main bioactive compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), a plant that has been used for centuries as a spice and botanical ingredient. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and is known for its characteristic yellow color. The active compounds in turmeric are called curcuminoids, of which curcumin is the most studied and well-known.

Curcumin and Turmeric as Botanical Ingredients

Turmeric has traditionally been used in various cuisines and herbal practices, particularly in Asia. The root of the plant contains several natural phytonutrients, including curcuminoids. Curcumin is the primary compound among these and is often used in supplements based on turmeric extracts.

Curcumin Absorption

A well-known characteristic of curcumin is that its natural absorption in the body is relatively limited. For this reason, various advanced formulations have been developed to improve bioavailability. Examples include patented forms such as BCM-95®, Meriva® Curcumin Phytosome, and Longvida® Curcumin. These technologies are designed to support the absorption and stability of curcumin.

Curcumin and Turmeric Supplements at Ergomax

At Ergomax, you will find a carefully selected range of curcumin and turmeric supplements from trusted brands. The collection includes both standard turmeric extracts and advanced curcumin formulations with enhanced absorption. All products are selected based on quality, purity, and composition, making it easy to choose a supplement that fits your nutritional routine.


Frequently Asked Questions About Turmeric Supplements

What is the difference between curcumin and turmeric?

Turmeric is the root of the Curcuma longa plant and is commonly used as a spice. Curcumin is the main bioactive compound naturally found in turmeric.

Curcumin is responsible for many of the properties associated with turmeric and is therefore often concentrated in dietary supplements.

Why is curcumin often formulated for better absorption?

Curcumin naturally has low bioavailability, meaning the body has difficulty absorbing it when taken on its own. For this reason, many supplements use enhanced formulations such as BCM-95® Curcumin, Curcumin Phytosome® (Meriva®), or Longvida® Curcumin to improve absorption and availability.

What is BCM-95® curcumin?

BCM-95® is a patented curcumin formulation that combines curcumin with natural oils from turmeric. This production method helps improve absorption and allows curcumin to remain active in the body longer than standard curcumin extracts.

Are all turmeric supplements the same?

No. Turmeric supplements can vary significantly in composition, concentration, and absorption method. Some products contain whole turmeric, while others use standardized curcumin extracts or advanced technologies such as Longvida® Curcumin or fermented turmeric.

The choice of formulation depends on personal preference and intended use.