Known for its vibrant golden colour, turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s been used for centuries in anti-inflammatory beverages like golden milk, while it might already be your go-to spice in cooking. Taking it as a supplement is another good way to reap its benefits.
“Because curcumin is present in such small amounts and is poorly absorbed in its natural form, food sources alone are unlikely to provide a therapeutic benefit, making supplementation the more effective route,” says registered nutritional therapist Georgie Grant.
From the curcuma longa plant, turmeric’s active ingredient “curcumin (which makes up only around 3 per cent of pure turmeric powder), has been extensively researched for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective and antirheumatic properties, with emerging evidence also suggesting benefits for brain function and mood,” says to Grant.
Keen to add this supplement to your regime? Below Grant lists best tumeric supplements to buy, and how they can support your immune system and help with inflammation.
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The best turmeric supplements for 2026 are:
- Best value – Pharma Nord bio-curcumin: £25.50, Victoriahealth.com
- Best for overall bioavailability – Solgar full spectrum curcumin: £32.26, Hollandandbarrett.com
- Best for for cognitive health – NaturesPlus longvida optimised curcumin 500: £34.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for joint health – Pure Encapsulations glucosamine, MSM with ginger & turmeric: £47.70, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for a whole food approach – Wild Nutrition organic turmaforte turmeric: £41, Amazon.co.uk
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Pharma Nord bio-curcumin
Best: value turmeric supplement
Why we love it
- High bioavailability
- Budget friendly
PharmaNord’s bio-curcumin is Grant’s choice for bioavailability at an accessible price point. “PharmaNord Bio-Curcumin uses a patented lipid-bound curcumin extract that is said to be up to 95 times more bioavailable than standard turmeric supplements,” she explains. This means that more of the active ingredient should reach your bloodstream to have a therapeutic effect.
“At 400mg curcumin per capsule, it delivers meaningful therapeutic levels without requiring the high doses needed from conventional extracts,” says Grant. “A strong choice for those seeking clinically relevant absorption at a reasonable price point (51p per capsule).”
Key specifications
Buy now £25.5, Victoriahealth.com
Solgar full spectrum curcumin
Best: turmeric supplement for bioavailability
Why we love it
- High bioavailability
- Contains most curcumin out of all those recommended
Take note
- Pricier than others per capsule
“A strong choice for those seeking the highest possible absorption from their curcumin supplement,” says Grant.
“Solgar full spectrum curcumin has enhanced bioavailability, with 185 times better uptake into the body than other forms of turmeric according to the brand. In this form, it survives stomach acid, is closer in form to nature, and is small enough to fit between microvilli for maximum absorption.”
Each capsule provides the highest amount of curcumin in the list, 800mg.
Key specifications
Buy now £32.26, Hollandandbarrett.com
Metagenics metaactive curcumin megasorb
Best: piperine-based turmeric supplement
Why we love it
- Bioperine enhances bioavailability of curcumin
- Two month supply in one bottle (if one capsule is taken daily)
“MetaActive curcumin megasorb provides 404mg curcumin per capsule alongside bioperine, a black pepper extract added for its ability to enhance the bioavailability of nutritional compounds such as curcumin,” explains Grant.
You can get a two month supply for £39.99 of the “highly bioavailable, professional-grade formula with strong research backing”.
Key specifications
Buy now £31.19, Amazon.co.uk
NaturesPlus longvida optimised curcumin 500
Best: tumeric supplement for cognitive health
Why we love it
- Trials show it supports spatial memory and working memory
- Two month supply in one bottle
“Longvida optimised curcumin 500 uses patented solid lipid curcumin particle (SLCP) technology, extracted from curcuma longa root, to deliver curcumin for superior cognitive support,” says Grant. “Clinical trials show 400mg daily improves spatial memory by 31 per cent and working memory by nearly 20 per cent, with nearly 40 human trials.”
While the blood-brain barrier is an obstacle for many supplements, clinical research on Longvida and multiple peer-reviewed publications confirm the mechanism for this type of turmeric extract.
It’s well priced at £34.75 for 60 capsules (58p per capsule), which each deliver 500mg of curcumin.
Key specifications
Buy now £34.95, Amazon.co.uk
Pure Encapsulations glucosamine, MSM with ginger & turmeric
Best: tumeric supplement for joint health
Why we love it
- Ginger and MSM boost anti-inflammatory properties
Take note
- Have to consume more capsules daily than most
- Pricey compared to others
If you’re looking to target joint pain, inflammation or arthritis by supplementing with turmeric, this is Grant’s choice.
“Pure Encapsulations glucosamine, MSM with ginger & turmeric combines standardised turmeric (250mg, with 237.5mg curcuminoids) with glucosamine, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and ginger – a blend targeted at joint health, cartilage support and musculoskeletal comfort.”
This one works out more expensive than others at £47.70 for 60 capsules (80p per capsule). But with a suggested 2-4 tablets a day, you’re likely to get through these quicker.
Key specifications
Buy now £47.7, Amazon.co.uk
BioCare microcell curcumin turmeric complex
Best: for immune and circulatory support
Why we love it
- Turmeric combined with a wide range of other antioxidants
Take note
- Slightly pricier than others
“BioCare microCell curcumin turmeric complex is a potent blend of curcumin, turmeric, ginger and pine bark (a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy circulation), formulated to support immune balance and inflammation, as well as circulation, joint and lung function,” explains Grant, as she recommends the supplement for immune and circulatory support.
BioCare use UltraSOL technology, which emulsifies the curcumin, making it water-soluble to help increase absorption. This process, according to Grant, means that “it offers broader multi-system support beyond anti-inflammatory action alone – making it well-suited for those wanting comprehensive benefits in a single supplement.”
At £43.75, you’ll 60 capsules (73p per capsule) and it’s suggested you take two capsules a day.
Key specifications
Buy now £43.75, Amazon.co.uk
Viridian high potency curcumin complex
Best: turmeric supplement with no fillers
Why we love it
- Additional ingredients provide broad-spectrum, anti-inflammatory support
- No fillers, binders or artificial additives
Take note
- Can try in a smaller-sized bottle
“Viridian combines curcumin standardised to 85 per cent curcuminoids with Boswellia serrata, ginger and citrus flavonoids for broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory support,” says Grant.
It’s also one for those looking for a supplement without unnecessary ingredients. “The formula contains 100 per cent active ingredients with no fillers, binders or artificial additives, and is sourced according to Viridian's strict ethical criteria – no animal testing, GMO or palm oil,” she explains. “A strong choice for those prioritising transparency, ethics and clean formulation alongside clinical efficacy.”
Each capsule offers 250mg of curcumin and these are available to buy at a smaller quantity (30 capsules at 83p each) if you want to try before committing, or you can stock up with a 90 capsule bottle (70p per capsule).
Key specifications
Buy now £63.25, Planetorganic.com
Wild Nutrition organic turmaforte turmeric
Best: food-grown turmeric supplement
Why we love it
- Food-based supplement
“Wild Nutrition's turmaforte uses a food-grown, organic formulation, providing the full spectrum of naturally occurring compounds from the turmeric root in a form the body recognises and processes as food,” explains Grant. This can improve how well they are absorbed.
“A gentler, more holistic option for those who prefer a whole food philosophy over high-dose isolated extracts,” the nutritional therapist summarises.
You might note the curcuminoid content is lower than standardised extracts (125mg), which reflects the whole food approach rather than isolated concentration. It also contains three constituents of the beneficial plant, including curcuminoids, turmerosaccharides and turmerone volatile oils, sourced from Maharashtra, India.
Key specifications
Buy now £41, Amazon.co.uk
Your questions about turmeric supplements answered
What to look for in a turmeric supplement?
Registered nutritional therapist Georgie Grant says: “To maximise absorption, look for a supplement containing black pepper extract (piperine), which has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2,000 per cent in humans, or a liposomal or lipid-based formula where lipid molecules have been integrated to improve bioavailability.
“Taking non-liposomal supplements with a meal containing healthy fats will further support absorption,” she adds.
“A daily dose of 500 to 1,000mg of standardised curcumin extract is a good starting point for most people, however enhanced bioavailability formulas can deliver meaningful benefit at lower doses. As with any supplement, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional first – particularly at higher doses, where some people may experience mild digestive side effects.”
How well is turmeric absorbed?
Curcuminoids are beneficial for health but they have a low bioavailability, meaning the body absorbs them poorly when consumed. To improve absorption, curcuminoids should be combined with piperine – a compound found in black pepper. This is often why you will find black pepper in quality turmeric supplements, turmeric recipes and products like golden milk powder.
However, due to maximised absorption, one must be mindful of taking the correct dose when taking turmeric with black pepper. Taking taking too much of this combination can result in heartburn, stomach pain and liver damage. Always read the label and consult your doctor if you are concerned.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Alice Reynolds is a writer at IndyBest. She’s passionate about fitness, particularly running, the gym and Pilates, and has previously reviewed the best protein bars, found the best activewear brands for women, and got the low down on electrolytes from a nutritionist. Each turmeric supplement in this list was recommended by registered nutritional therapist Georgie Grant.
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