Is it true that taking turmeric/curcumin with food can reduce iron absorption from food?

Last Updated: 07/25/2017 Initially Posted: 01/14/2017

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Answer:

First, it's important to know that you're usually better off taking turmeric and curcumin with food because the fats and oils in foods significantly enhance the absorption of key compounds — curcuminoids. However, these same compounds can bind to iron and may reduce its availability — which should be of concern to people who are anemic or have low iron stores. The concern is greater with curcumin than with turmeric spice as discussed in the Cautions and Concerns section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review, which also explains how to time doses of iron and curcumin to reduce interaction.