The most important things in brief
Phospholipids : Improve absorption by forming micelles, but with moderate effectiveness.
Micellar technology : The most effective method with up to 185-fold increase in bioavailability.
Liposomal Curcumin : Not suitable for oral administration as it is not well absorbed in the intestine.
Methods to increase the bioavailability of turmeric
The bioavailability of turmeric, especially its active ingredient curcumin, is one of the biggest challenges in the use of this plant-based substance. Curcumin is fat-soluble and poorly absorbed by the body, which can limit its effectiveness. Various approaches, including combinations withpiperine , phospholipids, micelles, and liposomes, have been developed to address this problem. But which method is the most effective? The following introduces the most important methods for increasing curcumin's bioavailability and highlights their advantages and disadvantages.
Why is the bioavailability of curcumin a problem?
Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, offers numerous benefits but is poorly absorbed by the body. This is due to its fat-soluble structure, which makes it difficult to absorb in the water-based environment of the intestine. Without optimization, most of the curcumin is excreted before it can exert its effects.
Curcumin and phospholipids: A good combination for greater bioavailability?
After combining turmeric with its own essential oils only increased bioavailability by a factor of 6.93 [1], attempts were made to combine curcumin with so-called phospholipids. These are fat molecules that can dissolve in both fat and water.
These molecules containing curcumin can be formed into endogenous micelles in the digestive tract with the help of enzymes and bile acids, which more easily penetrate the intestinal mucosa. The effectiveness of this method has also been confirmed by research. A 2011 study showed that the bioavailability of curcumin was increased by a factor of 29 through the use of phospholipids. [2] This method was subsequently expanded to achieve better results.
What is micellar technology?
Micellar technology is a further development of the idea of combining turmeric with phospholipids to enable increased intestinal absorption. The starting substance of the micelle is similar to phospholipids. It is both fat- and water-soluble and, due to this structure, can form into spherical structures in aqueous environments. The substance orients its water-soluble portion outwards and its fat-soluble portion inwards. The curcumin is enclosed in the fat-soluble portion.
The effectiveness of this method of mimicking the natural digestive process was confirmed by a 2014 study. The result showed a 185-fold increase in curcumin bioavailability. A result that has not been surpassed to date. [3] This makes micellar technology the most efficient method when it comes to increasing the bioavailability of turmeric. However, there is another form of curcumin-fat combination that is somewhat similar to micellar technology.
Acurmin® PLUS impresses with its innovative micellar technology, which offers up to 180 times increased bioavailability compared to conventional turmeric. With the optimally balanced combination of micellar turmeric and vitamin D3, it supports the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal bones and muscles.
For around-the-clock care – simply integrate it into your everyday life!
What is liposomal curcumin?
Liposomal curcumin is characterized by the fact that the curcumin is surrounded by not just one, but two layers of water- and fat-soluble particles. The process of combining curcumin with liposomes is particularly used for intravenous administration. The bilayer of liposomes resembles the cell membranes of the body's cells and is intended to protect our bodies from degrading the administered substances.
However, various human and animal studies have failed to demonstrate measurable bioavailability of liposomal curcumin. When taken orally in humans, it is assumed that the liposomes are "trapped" in the intestinal mucosa and thus cannot be absorbed by the body. [4]
What are the differences between micellar turmeric and liposomal turmeric?
Liposomes and micelles differ in that micelles are part of the digestive process and occur naturally in the intestines. Liposomes are foreign to this site and are not well absorbed. For this reason, they are not a viable alternative to micellar turmeric.
In summary:
- Curcumin is a fat-soluble substance
- Phospholipids, liposomes and micelles are fatty components that are combined with curcumin to increase bioavailability
- Micellar turmeric is the best way to increase bioavailability
- The combination of curcumin and phospholipids represents a weaker alternative compared to micelles
- A measurable bioavailability of liposomal curcumin has not been scientifically proven
Sources:
[1] Antony, B., Merina, B., Iyer, VS, Judy, N., Lennertz, K., & Joyal, S. (2008). A Pilot Cross-Over Study to Evaluate Human Oral Bioavailability of BCM-95CG (Biocurcumax), A Novel Bioenhanced Preparation of Curcumin. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 70(4), 445-449. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.44591
[2] Cuomo, J., Appendino, G., Dern, AS, Schneider, E., McKinnon, TP, Brown, MJ, Togni, S., & Dixon, BM (2011). Comparative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its lecithin formulation. Comparative Absorption of a Standardized Curcuminoid Mixture and Its Lecithin Formulation., 74(4), 664–669. https://doi.org/10.1021/np1007262
[3] Schiborr, C., Kocher, A., Behnam, D., Jandasek, J., Toelstede, S., & Frank, J. (2014). The oral bioavailability of curcumin from micronized powder and liquid micelles is significantly increased in healthy humans and differs between sexes. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 58(3), 516-527. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201300724
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