I recently read that turmeric is only effective if it is combined with black pepper. Is this true?

To aid absorption of curcumin (or other fat-soluble compound), it 's best to take it with a high-fat meal, i.e., one containing at least 15 grams of fat, so as to stimulate bile production needed to aid absorption. That' about 3 teaspoons of oil/fat. It doesn't matter what type of oil/fat, but, for other health reasons, it may be preferable that these not be saturated fats.

Hi Freddy - Please see our Review of Digestive Enzyme Supplements for our tests of products that contain bromelain: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/digestive-enzyme-supplements/digestive-enzymes/

Hi Paul - We have not reviewed this product, however, you may be interested in these CL Answers about related products for aging and cognition:

Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
https://www.consumerlab.com/answers//supplements-for-memory/

What is Protandim and does it really work?
https://www.consumerlab.com/answers//protandim/

Does Procera AVH really improve memory and mood?
https://www.consumerlab.com/answers//procera-avh/

Hi Tom - If you are adding turmeric spice to your food, including some fat in the meal will increase absorption. Adding regular household black pepper could be helpful too, however, keep in mind that the black pepper extract added to supplements is much more highly concentrated and so would have more of an effect.

Hi Barbara - You can find a list of Gaia products we've tested here: https://www.consumerlab.com/gaia-herbs/

Hi Frank - Black pepper extract is made from the black pepper plant (piper nigrum) - the same plant from which we get common black pepper, found in many people's kitchen. Some turmeric/curcumin supplements contain this as an added ingredient - you'll see it listed on the label as black pepper extract, or as a brand name, e.g. BioPerine.

Among products we've tested, you'll see this ingredient is also noted in the last column of the Results Table in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review under "Bioavailability Enhancer." Black pepper extract is also sold as a separate supplement from brands like Swanson, Source Naturals and others.

More about black pepper extract can be found in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/turmeric-curcumin-supplements-spice-review/turmeric/#bioavailability

Hi Anthony - Actually, Puritan's Pride is frequently included among the brands in our reports. In fact, it's one of the most often covered brands. See the search results at https://www.consumerlab.com/puritans-pride/.