Turmeric: Cooking Spice and Supplement Labels

Turmeric can be sold as a cooking spice or as an ingredient in food supplements. These formats are not interchangeable, so use the directions for the product you actually have.

Understanding the numbers

Check whether a label describes turmeric powder, extract, curcuminoid content or a raw-ingredient equivalent. These numbers refer to different things and should not be compared as though they all represent the same ingredient amount.

Review the whole formulation

Look at the other ingredients, recommended serving and warnings. Black pepper or other added ingredients change the formulation; their presence is not a guarantee of greater benefit.

Evidence and suitability

Do not use supplement advertising to diagnose or treat a condition. Talk to a pharmacist or clinician if you take medicines or are unsure whether a turmeric product is suitable.

The NCCIH turmeric overview discusses the evidence, uncertainties and safety considerations.