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Are you considering including curcumin in your diet but wondering whether it’s worth all the hype? Get the answers about this wonder molecule, including how best to apply the benefits of its potential to address a wide range of health conditions. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
Curcumin is the main constituent of turmeric root (Curcuma longa), an herbaceous perennial member of the ginger family. The three key curcuminoids present in turmeric — curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin — contribute its distinctive yellow color and flavor. So, the next time your fingers are stained with turmeric, blame it on curcumin!
The potential health benefits of turmeric have long been known across different cultures that value it for both its culinary and therapeutic uses. In particular, over the last few decades, curcumin is receiving significant interest and research into its role as an antioxidant in maintaining the body’s natural inflammatory responses.*
Research studies1 show curcumin targets or interacts with various signaling molecules and exhibits cellular-level activities to offer great potential for multiple health benefits.* Of the multiple therapeutic benefits of curcumin supplementation, the major health bonuses are its antioxidant effects and its inflammatory response support.* Let’s take a closer look at how curcumin supports overall health with these two functions.*
| Antioxidant Effects* | Inflammatory Response Support* |
| Limits oxidative stress, an imbalance between harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS, or free radicals) and the antioxidants our body naturally produces.* | Regulates the action of immune cells to beneficially influence inflammatory responses.* |
| Scavenges different kinds of free radicals and modulates signal pathways to neutralize them.* | Down-regulates2 the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines — proteins that control cellular activity in the immune system to help maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response.* |
Curcumin’s antioxidant properties and support of the body’s natural inflammatory response also have positive effects on a number of health conditions.* Below, we offer some resources to help you understand how curcumin exerts beneficial effects on vital functions like cardiovascular health, joint health, immune function, the gastrointestinal environment, and liver support.*
| System | Therapeutic Applications |
| Cardiovascular Health* | Curcumin and Blood Pressure: Supporting Cardiovascular Health |
| Joint Health* | A Curcumin Supplement Could Support Joint Health and an Active Lifestyle |
| Immune Function* | How does Curcumin Support the Immune System? |
Gastrointestinal Environment* |
Curcumin and IBS: Investigating the Possibility of Natural Symptom Relief |
Liver Support*  |
Curcumin Could Enhance Alcohol Dehydrogenase Activity to Support Liver Health |
Brain Health* |
Curcumin for Mild Cognitive Dysfunction: A Natural Alternative for Symptom Relief |
 |
The Benefits of Curcumin for Brain Health: Addressing Cognitive Impairment |
 |
Neurodegenerative Disease Research Reveals Potential Benefits of Curcumin |
With so many potential health benefits, you might be wondering about taking turmeric or curcumin orally. Unfortunately, curcumin’s poor pharmacokinetic profile — how it interacts with the human body — compromises its immense therapeutic potential. Although curcumin’s presence is easily identifiable in the gastrointestinal tract after oral intake, it’s practically undetectable in the blood and extraintestinal tissue, which indicates it is poorly absorbed in the body.
Also, have you ever tasted raw turmeric or curcumin? Although curcumin might be a prized cooking ingredient, on its own the unpalatability presents a major barrier to therapeutic use. That makes it difficult to ingest raw curcumin in the large amounts needed for therapeutic benefits.
Curcumin absorption in the body is hindered by:
All of these factors lead to curcumin’s poor absorption in the body, thus decreasing its bioavailability. This means ingesting unformulated curcumin — even in a large amount — likely won’t yield the desired health benefits.
Several novel formulation strategies have been developed to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin — from exploring its most bioavailable form to developing microcapsules with advanced formulations containing phospholipid complexes, nanoparticles, and others.
The poor absorbability of curcumin often fuels an ongoing debate about the efficacy of curcumin vs. turmeric supplements. Tetrahydrocurcumin — a biologically active, colorless, or white-colored curcumin derivative — has similar pharmacological properties but with superior bioavailability. Research studies indicate enhanced water solubility and chemical stability of tetrahydrocurcumin, resulting in slower degradation and therefore optimal absorption and bioavailability.
Interestingly, tetrahydrocurcumin is the active byproduct of our liver’s metabolization of curcumin, which subsequently impacts the body’s tissues. However, because our body cannot convert curcumin into tetrahydrocurcumin fast enough, it gets cleared from the bloodstream before it can exert its beneficial effects on body tissues. Formulating a curcumin supplement with tetrahydrocurcumin as an active ingredient thus results in enhanced absorption and bioavailability.
Unformulated curcumin poses three key challenges that impede its effectiveness:
As a fat-soluble molecule, curcumin is usually encapsulated within a hydrophobic phase, such as oil, solid fat particles, hydrophobic protein particles, or oil droplets. Curcumin encapsulated in nanocarriers results in a smaller particle size that prolongs the integrity of the active ingredient molecule and allows for its targeted delivery to enhance absorption. For oral intake, curcumin supplements are usually formulated as:
Unlike unformulated curcumin, a supplement formulated with a highly absorbable and bioavailable form of curcumin, like tetrahydrocurcumin, is developed for maximum absorption, thereby effectively supporting the body’s natural inflammatory response and promoting optimal health functions.*
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved curcuminoids as ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ (GRAS) to be used as a food additive. Curcumin is well tolerated and safe, even at doses between 4,000 – 8,000 mg/day.
Always consult with your health-care practitioner before including a nutritional supplement, including curcumin, in your diet or taking one with a prescription medicine.
A supplement formulation with a superior bioavailable form of curcumin and targeted delivery of curcumin molecules should display enhanced efficacy. TetraCumin,® developed by Tesseract Medical Research, is an advanced supplement formula containing tetrahydrocurcumin.
Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® technology is a revolutionary nutrient delivery system that enhances the palatability of the active ingredient molecules, maximizes absorption and enables micro-dosing. The CyLoc® technology encases each active ingredient molecule in its dextrin fiber delivery cage and the DexKey® technology releases the active ingredient molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract, allowing for optimal absorption and bioavailability of each molecule.
To learn more about what curcumin is and how you can incorporate it into your diet in supplement form, contact us or visit Tesseract Medical Research.
Works Cited:
1Gupta, Subash C, et al. The AAPS Journal vol. 15,1 (2013): 195-218. doi:10.1208/s12248-012-9432-8
2Jagetia, Ganesh Chandra, and Bharat B Aggarwal. Journal of clinical immunology vol. 27,1 (2007): 19-35. doi:10.1007/s10875-006-9066-7
You might have heard about the immense therapeutic potential of butyric acid and how it can support your gut function and overall health.* Read on to learn everything about this multifunctional molecule and why you should seriously consider supplementing with it in addition to dietary intake. Use the links below to jump to specific related topics on the page.
Butyric acid, or butyrate, is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) naturally found in animal fat and plant oils. Known for its distinctly unpleasant odor and taste, butyric acid is usually to blame when you come across an off-putting smell like rancid butter or rancid parmesan cheese.
Inside the large intestine, bacteria ferments undigested dietary fiber and in doing so produces butyric acid. Although it is the least abundant SCFA produced in the body, butyric acid is described as the “energy powerhouse” for colon cells (colonocytes) and offers a wide range of health benefits.
Butyric acid contributes 60-70% of the energy
required by colonocytes.
Research has revealed a range of previously unknown beneficial properties in butyric acid, which gives the molecule enormous untapped potential. Let’s review some recent findings on how butyric acid provides therapeutic benefits.
The human intestine is populated with a complex array of bacterial flora that makes up the internal microbiome. These enteric bacteria use complex microbial pathways to ferment insoluble fiber and carbohydrates, which produce butyric acid. As the table below details, the body’s butyric acid production supports vital functions at both the internal and external intestinal level1.
| Functions of butyric acid by intestinal level | |
| INTESTINAL | EXTRAINTESTINAL |
| Stimulates sodium chloride in the colon to avoid dehydration | Minimizes peripheral insulin resistance — cells unable to absorb glucose from the blood |
| Regulates cell cycle (growth and differentiation) of colonocytes | Limits intestine’s cholesterol absorption to manage levels in the blood |
| Supports healthy gastrointestinal inflammatory responses | Controls how the body uses energy and maintains metabolic homeostasis — constant internal environment |
| Protects intestinal mucosa from pathogens and influences its immune responses | Stimulates neurogenesis — forming new neurons in the brain |
| Regulates intestinal motility — how quickly and easily food moves through the gastrointestinal tract | Stimulates β-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids — the pathway that oxidizes fatty acids to generate energy |
Several research studies show a broad spectrum of possibilities for butyric acid’s potential therapeutic applications. There is growing evidence2 on how the gut microbiome influences human brain functions through the ‘gut-brain axis’, suggesting the potential beneficial role of butyric acid in regulating our behavior, including social communication.*
Clinical studies have demonstrated a connection between
microbiota, butyric acid, and the brain.
The table below lists resources you can explore to better understand how butyric acid extends beneficial effects — from inside the intestinal tract to peripheral tissues — to support gastrointestinal and neurological functions.*
Your body needs dietary fiber to produce butyric acid in the large intestine. Including high-fiber food in your diet is a natural way to enhance your body’s butyric acid level.
You can find plenty of dietary fiber in non-starch carbohydrate forms like:
The USDA recommends a daily dietary fiber intake of
25g for women and 38g for men.
Resistant starch, which occurs naturally in foods like seeds and legumes, doesn’t release glucose in the small intestine. It resists digestion there (hence the name) to instead be consumed or fermented in the large intestine.
All of these are sources of undigested dietary fiber your body uses to produce SCFAs with the help of gut bacteria. Below, we offer a list of butyrate-rich food sources that can enhance your body’s butyric acid production.
Although a healthy lifestyle and a balanced, fiber-rich diet can enhance butyric acid production in your intestine, you might still need additional oral supplementation under the following conditions:
Any of these conditions can make it difficult to consume and tolerate the fiber needed in the sufficient amounts needed to produce the desired butyrate level. A butyric acid nutritional supplement offers an easy way for enhancing butyrate levels in the intestine.
The conventional ways to increase butyric acid levels in the intestine include:
If the butyric acid level in your intestine is low, then intake of butyric acid would seem like an obvious solution. However, butyric acid does pose some challenges as an oral supplement:
Encapsulating butyric acid molecules, such as the proprietary methodology Tesseract Medical Research has pioneered, is one way to overcome these obstacles to ingesting a butyric acid supplement. This technological measure:
The currently available clinical data establish butyric acid as a safe supplement with no toxicity or adverse side effects. Intake of a butyric acid supplement, even in a high amount, is well-tolerated, making it practically impossible to consume too much butyrate.
It is estimated that the daily production of butyric acid in the intestinal lumen is about 5.5 – 7.5 g/ day. The daily requirement for butyric acid falls within a very wide range of 1,000 mg/ day – 10,000 mg/ day. The high viscosity of intestinal contents and the rapid absorption of SCFAs increase the difficulty of determining the optimal amount of butyric acid supplementation for oral intake. However, the recommended amount of butyric acid, as present in currently available nutritional supplements, is 150-300 mg/ day3.
It is always advised to consult with your health-care provider before incorporating a butyric acid supplement into your diet or taking it with prescription medicine and/ or other supplements.
The efficacy of a butyric acid supplement is determined by the absorption and bioavailability of the butyric acid molecules. Oral supplement formulations using encapsulation techniques display enhanced efficacy compared to non-encapsulated butyric acid.
Advanced formulations such as ProButyrate®, developed by Tesseract Medical Research, utilize proprietary and revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery technology to further boost the absorption of butyric acid molecules. The CyLoc® technology isolates and encases individual butyrate molecules in their own dextrin carrier to ensure integrity and palatability. The DexKey® technology accompanies each CyLoc® molecule as a release agent to deploy targeted butyrate molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract. The effective time-release therapeutic delivery of individual butyrate molecules promotes a healthy intestinal environment, resulting in overall positive health benefits.*
Visit Tesseract Medical Research to know more about what butyric acid is and how to incorporate this therapeutic molecule into your diet through our groundbreaking supplement formulations.
Citations:
1Canani, Roberto Berni, et al. World Journal of Gastroenterology vol. 17,12 (2011): 1519-28. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1519
2Stilling, Roman M, et al. Neurochemistry international vol. 99 (2016): 110-132. doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2016.06.011
3Banasiewicz, Tomasz, et al. Przeglad gastroenterologiczny vol. 15,2 (2020): 119-125. doi:10.5114/pg.2020.95556
Article Summary:
Berberine is a natural constituent of a variety of plants, such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, European barberry, and tree turmeric. A very bitter-tasting substance, it is usually found in the roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of these plants.
Berberine is quite well-known to aid in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.* Now, however, berberine is being touted as having appetite-suppressing effects that can result in weight loss. In fact, many social media influencers are dubbing berberine as “nature’s Ozempic.” Ozempic, a pharmaceutical drug typically used to treat diabetes, has recently gained traction with celebrities for its supposed weight-loss potential that can provide fast and significant results.
However, although berberine is not an appetite suppressant when it is used appropriately, it can play a supportive role in a weight management program. Below, we examine the appetite suppressant claim, dispel the myth surrounding it, and discuss the true potential benefits of berberine on endocrine health and metabolic health.
Social media influencers on apps like TikTok are claiming that berberine is an appetite suppressant that can result in weight loss. However, none of these claims have been verified. Because berberine is a “nutritional supplement,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates it as a food, not as a pharmaceutical drug. As a result, most existing research on berberine and its effects on the body consists of clinical trials on humans, mice, and rats.
In a pilot study1 on human subjects taking 500 mg of berberine orally three times a day for twelve weeks, a mild weight loss (average 5 lb/ subject) was observed, along with significantly lowered blood lipid levels (23% drop in triglyceride and 9% drop in cholesterol levels). No adverse side effects of berberine on heart, liver, and kidney functions were observed.
In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, berberine intake has been associated with a significant drop in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), highlighting the role of berberine
Appetite suppression might also be caused by berberine’s potential side effects, which include:
These adverse side effects often occur due to berberine’s poor natural bioavailability. After being consumed, berberine exhibits poor solubility and undergoes rapid metabolism; therefore, the absorption of berberine molecules in the body can be severely impacted. However, with the correct formulation delivered through CyLoc® – DexKey® nanotechnology, berberine has many beneficial effects on endocrine health and metabolic health, as well as its support for healthy weight management efforts.*
As stated above, berberine has been shown to have many benefits for the body’s endocrine system and metabolism.* Many of these benefits are attributable to berberine’s activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that regulates energy metabolism.* Activating AMPK can increase energy production, reduce energy storage, and normalize lipid, glucose, and energy imbalances.*3
The following is a listing of berberine’s more notable potential health benefits.
| Potential Health Benefits of Berberine |
| Promotes insulin secretion and enhances insulin sensitivity*: Berberine induces insulin secretion in the body through a cascade reaction of IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor-1.* This reaction also reduces insulin resistance and enhances the insulin sensitivity of muscle tissues, fat, and the liver.* |
| Aids in healthy weight management*: While studies show that berberine does not have the same substantial effect on weight loss as pharmaceutical drugs like Ozempic can have, a meta-analysis of several small clinical studies found that berberine did reduce body mass index (BMI) by approximately 0.25.4 |
| Modulates gut microbiota*: Berberine enriches short-chain fatty acid (FCSA)-producing bacteria, such as butyrate, in the gut.* Butyrate is synthesized through the acetyl CoA-butyryl CoA-butyrate pathway, where it then enters the bloodstream, where it helps moderate lipid and glucose levels.5 |
| Supports healthy lipid levels*: Berberine helps maintain healthy lipid levels, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol) by activating AMPK, an enzyme that contributes to fatty acid oxidation and limits lipid accumulation.* |
Therefore, although berberine is not an appetite suppressant in itself when taken in the appropriate amount, it can provide many benefits to an overall weight management effort and thus promote overall health.* However, selecting a berberine supplement formulated for optimal absorption is important to obtain the most benefit.
BerberActiv® is a berberine supplement developed by Tesseract Medical Research for enhanced bioavailability. BerberActiv® supports lipid metabolism, healthy weight management efforts, and gastrointestinal and endocrine health.* This unique formula is powered by Tesseract’s proprietary Cyloc®-DexKey® delivery system. These technologies enhance the bioavailability and absorption of berberine in the body by first encasing each molecule of berberine in its own dextrin fiber delivery cage and then releasing it, maximizing berberine’s effectiveness for optimal weight management support.*
Visit Tesseract Medical Research to learn more about berberine and how you can incorporate BerberActiv® into your daily supplement regimen.
Citations
1Hu, Yueshan et al. “Lipid-lowering effect of berberine in human subjects and rats.” Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology vol. 19,10 (2012): 861-7. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2012.05.009
2Cao C, Su M. Effects of berberine on glucose-lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, vol. 17, no. 4, 2019:3009-3014, https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2019.7295. Accessed 20 Jul. 2023.
3Srivastava RAK, et al. AMP-activated protein kinase: an emerging drug target to regulate imbalances in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism to treat cardio-metabolic diseases. Journal of Lipid Research vol. 53,12 (2012):2490-2514. doi:10.1194/jlr.R025882
4Ye Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of berberine alone for several metabolic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology vol. 12 653887. 26 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.653887
5Wang Y, et al. Berberine-induced bioactive metabolites of the gut microbiota improve energy metabolism. Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental vol. 70 (2017): 72-84. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2017.02.003
Article Summary
The health of your gut microbiome is critical to your overall well-being. Several studies have highlighted the role of short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, in regulating gut and immune functions.* Butyrate is also known to impact the gut-brain axis, thereby influencing your mental health.*
Because butyrate is primarily produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers in the lower intestine, including fiber-rich foods in the diet is often recommended to enhance the level of butyrate in the gut. However, some individuals with complex medical conditions may be intolerant of the high amounts of fiber consumption required to produce desired butyrate levels for optimal gut function. A butyrate supplement can be an easy alternative to increasing the level of butyrate in the intestine.*
To understand how a butyrate supplement can promote gastrointestinal health, let’s look at what might prompt an increased demand for endogenous butyrate production that would dictate supplementation.
An animal study on the effect of butyrate supplementation on the composition of gut microbiota found that exercise, in combination with butyrate supplements, beneficially alters the gut microbiota. The combined factors enhance the density of butyrate-producing fecal bacteria and subsequent butyrate production.*
Butyrate supports the gut barrier by inhibiting bacteria and other microbes from entering the bloodstream. Thus, a butyrate supplement can provide substantial nutritional support to help address symptoms of various adverse health conditions that impact the gastrointestinal environment.*
If you are considering taking a butyrate supplement, then it’s important to consider:
Although the immunomodulatory effect has been established for short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotics, the mechanism of their action is still being studied. Although the tolerability of oral butyrate, even in a significantly high amount, has been confirmed through clinical studies, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking a butyrate supplement with any prescription medication and/ or other nutritional supplements.
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in the proprietary science of proven nutrients and unrivaled smart delivery, making them the most effective for supporting gastrointestinal health and neurological health.*
1Yu C, Liu S, Chen L, et al. J Endocrinol. 2019 Nov;243(2):125-135. doi: 10.1530/JOE-19-0122. PMID: 31454784.
2Banasiewicz T, Domagalska D, Borycka-Kiciak K, Rydzewska G. (2019). Przegla̜d Gastroenterologiczny, 15(2), 119-125. https://doi.org/10.5114/pg.2020.95556
3Markowiak-Kopeć P, Śliżewska K. (2020). Nutrients, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041107
Article Summary
The body’s natural inflammatory response, a protective biological reaction of the immune system, is carefully controlled by several signaling pathways. Failures in the regulatory mechanisms of these signaling pathways can result in adverse immune reactions.
In recent years, the role of curcumin as an immunomodulating agent has been extensively researched.* Various studies have established the interaction of curcumin with a wide range of immune cells and signaling molecules, leading to the use of curcumin supplements for supporting immune function.*
Before incorporating a curcumin supplement into your diet, you should understand how it can support immune function.* The body’s natural immune responses result from the activation of T cells, B cells, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, among others.
Activating these immune cells is mediated by various signaling pathways and transcription factors, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Several studies indicate the potential role of curcumin in down-regulating NF-κB.* The down-regulation of NF-κB, in turn, down-regulates the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines, the signaling molecules that promote adverse inflammatory reactions.
| Title | Overview | Findings |
| How curcumin influences serum cytokines in obese individuals |
A clinical trial investigated curcumin’s role as a lipid-lowering agent in obese individuals. | Pro-inflammatory cytokine serum levels — IL-1β, IL-4, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) — showed improvement after intake of a curcumin supplement.* Findings indicate curcumin can beneficially alter circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines.* |
| Immunomodulatory activity of curcumin |
A study investigated curcumin’s effects on immune cells induced with mitogen or antigen (molecules that trigger immune cell functions). | The results suggest curcumin can inhibit cytokine production by inhibiting the NF-κB target genes that induce immune responses.* |
| Effects of curcumin supplementation in fish |
In a feeding trial, 300 animals consumed diets supplemented with curcumin to study its effects on immune function, growth performance, antioxidant response, and feed utility. | There was a significant increase in lysozyme activity (an innate immune defense factor) and total immunoglobulin levels (IgG and IgM), the proteins the immune system uses to identify and neutralize foreign objects.* |
Several signaling pathways, proteins/enzymes, receptors, and genes are involved when the body’s normal physiological and immune functions are impaired. The unique molecular chemical structure of curcumin has been found to bind readily with various biomolecules, including receptors, enzymes, signaling molecules, transcription factors, and proteins in cell membranes.* The interaction of curcumin with various biological targets to inhibit or activate their functions is worth noting, as it indicates its potential role in supporting immune function.*
Although the beneficial effects of curcumin on immune function are well-established, the curcumin molecule in its free form displays poor solubility and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Its rapid degradation into inactive metabolites and elimination from the GI tract greatly reduces its efficacy as a nutritional supplement.
Tetrahydrocurcumin, a bioactive metabolite of curcumin, exhibits beneficial properties similar to those of curcumin, but with greater stability. Tetrahydrocurcumin also appears to be a superior antioxidant, with studies indicating its easy absorption through the gastrointestinal tract.*
TetraCumin® — Tesseract’s immune-supportive supplement contains tetrahydrocurcumin, in either quick-release or sustained-release.* TetraCumin’s advanced formula uses the revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery system that masks curcumin’s unpleasant taste and odor while enabling targeted delivery of tetrahydrocurcumin molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract.* This makes TetraCumin® a highly efficacious and patient-compliant nutritional supplement to promote healthy immune function.
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing of multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Visit our website for more information about how Tesseract’s products can help support your immune health.*
1Ganjali S, Sahebkar A, Mahdipour E, et al. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014 Feb 11;2014:898361. doi: 10.1155/2014/898361. PMID: 24678280; PMCID: PMC3942342.
2Gao X, Kuo J, Jiang H, et al. Biochem Pharmacol. 2004 Jul 1;68(1):51-61. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2004.03.015. PMID: 15183117.
3Mahmoud, HK, Al-Sagheer, A. A., Reda, F. M., et al. (2017). Aquaculture, 475, 16-23.
4Hatamipour M, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24(19):2129-2136. doi: 10.2174/1381612824666180522111036. PMID: 29788873.
5Hundshammer, C., Schön, C., Kimura, M., et al. (2021). Journal of Functional Foods, 79, 104410.
Article Summary
Curcumin, a biologically active compound found in turmeric, is well-known for its immense therapeutic potential. However, the low water solubility of curcumin greatly limits its bioavailability and effectiveness. Various curcumin formulations, including capsules, tablets, powder nanoparticles, liquid micelles, and others, have been designed to enhance its bioavailability and consequent bio-efficacy.
When looking for a curcumin supplement to incorporate into your daily regimen, liquid turmeric vs. capsules is one of the first questions to answer. In this post, we compare the two forms of curcumin supplements and their relative efficacy to help you determine the most appropriate formulation for your lifestyle.
Because curcumin is a fat-soluble molecule, its rapid metabolism in the body can be restricted by encapsulating the molecule within a hydrophobic phase, such as pure oil, oil droplets, solid fat particles, and hydrophobic protein particles. Whether formulating liquid turmeric or capsules, the objective is to trap curcumin within edible microparticles or nanoparticles, such as micelles, liposomes, solid lipid particles, emulsions, and biopolymer particles to enhance its bioavailability.
Liquid turmeric is an emulsion (that is, two liquids that won’t mix and are stabilized by an emulsifier). Liquid turmeric or a curcumin-loaded emulsion has a yellow-orange, clear-to-milky appearance and is widely used for the encapsulation, stabilization, and delivery of curcumin. The bioaccessibility of curcumin in an emulsion format has been found to be greater than non-encapsulated curcumin.
Consuming curcumin with food that contains digestible lipids, such as milk or adding turmeric oil or a small amount of piperine (the active component found in black pepper), is one of the early formulation approaches to develop liquid turmeric and enhance its absorption in the body. Novel formulations, such as liquid droplet nano-micelles have been shown to have the highest bioavailability, with more than 400 times higher absorption compared to unformulated curcumin.
Curcumin encapsulation refers to using an efficient carrier system that preserves its physiochemical properties during transit through the stomach. Recent developments have enabled the encapsulation of curcumin by nanocarriers, such as protein-based nanocarriers, cyclodextrins, nanogels, and liposomes. Nanocarriers provide a high surface area-to-volume ratio, resulting in higher solubility and dissolution rates of the curcumin molecule. The small particle size prolongs the integrity of the encapsulated curcumin in circulation and allows for targeted delivery of the nutrient molecules.
Curcumin-loaded microemulsions containing curcumin, oil, and a surfactant (a chemical compound that decreases surface tension between curcumin trapped in oil molecules) are also used to encapsulate and release curcumin. The curcumin, oil, and surfactant are mixed together and then incorporated into pellets or capsules. Such a mixture forms a microemulsion after coming in contact with stomach fluids. Animal feeding studies show excellent physical and chemical stability of such formulations, resulting in a 17-fold increase in the oral bioavailability of this form of curcumin compared to the non-encapsulated form.
| FUNCTION | FORMULATION | |
| Liquid Turmeric | Curcumin Capsule | |
| Strategy | Liquid turmeric, an emulsion, traps curcumin molecules in digestible lipids like milk, oil, and others to enhance absorption. | Encapsulating curcumin in particle-sized nanocarriers prolongs the molecules’ integrity during circulation, giving them greater solubility and targeted delivery. |
 |
 |
|
| Efficacy | Liquid droplet nano-micelles have the highest bioavailability, with 400 times higher absorption than unformulated curcumin. | In animal studies, curcumin-loaded microemulsions show an increased oral bioavailability 17 times greater than non-encapsulated forms. Such microemulsions are frequently enclosed in pellets or capsules. |
Whether it is liquid turmeric or encapsulated turmeric, the efficacy of a curcumin supplement lies in the active ingredient used in the formulation. Tetrahydrocurcumin, a biologically active, colorless, or white-colored metabolite of curcumin, exhibits similar pharmacological properties to those of curcumin but displays superior bioavailability in tissue and plasma.* Tetrahydrocurcumin has been found to be more stable than curcumin with a longer degradation half-life in plasma and cell culture medium. Formulating nutritional supplements containing tetrahydrocurcumin as the active ingredient enhances the therapeutic potential to support various health functions.*
TetraCumin®, a Tesseract nutritional supplement formulated with tetrahydrocurcumin, further enhances the bioavailability of the active ingredient through our revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery technology. This smart delivery system encases each molecule of the active ingredient, masking its unpalatable taste and odor while preserving its integrity during transit through the GI tract. Tesseract’s revolutionary nutrient delivery enables the release of active ingredient molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract to accomplish maximum absorption and efficacy. The advanced formulation of TetraCumin® promotes several health functions, including immune response, cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal environment, lipid profiles, musculoskeletal system, and others.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in the proprietary science of proven nutrients and unrivaled smart delivery, making them the most effective for supporting musculoskeletal health and immune health.*
1Vijaya Saradhi UV, Ling Y, Wang J, et al. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2010 Nov 15;878(30): pgs. 3045-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2010.08.039. Epub 2010 Sep 17. PMID: 20934924; PMCID: PMC2975763.
2Hu L, Jia Y, Niu F, et al. Preparation and enhancement of oral bioavailability of curcumin using microemulsions vehicle. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jul 25;60(29): pgs.7137-41. doi: 10.1021/jf204078t. Epub 2012 Jul 10. PMID: 22587560.
3Stohs SJ, Ji J, Bucci LR, Preuss HG. J Am Coll Nutr. 2018 Jan;37(1): pgs.51-59. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2017.1358118. Epub 2017 Oct 18. PMID: 29043927.
4Stohs SJ, Chen O, Ray SD, et al. Molecules. 2020 Mar 19;25(6): pg.1397. doi: 10.3390/molecules25061397. PMID: 32204372; PMCID: PMC7144558.
5Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, et al. J Med Chem. 2017 Mar 9;60(5): pgs.1620-1637. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975. Epub 2017 Jan 11. PMID: 28074653; PMCID: PMC5346970.
Article Summary
The potential benefits of curcumin—the primary bioactive pigment in turmeric—have been extensively studied, spurring an ever-growing number of curcumin nutritional supplements to enter the market. Several recent studies have explored the role of curcumin as a potent immunomodulatory agent, with results indicating activation of T cells, B cells, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, and others to support a healthy immune response.* Other studies have assessed the role of curcumin in enhancing joint function in terms of movement, morning stiffness, and occasional discomfort.*
But while the therapeutic potential of curcumin is well-known, there are many questions about appropriate amount of curcumin supplement to use, its efficacy, and side effects.
The Allowable Daily Intake value of curcumin ranges from 0-3 milligrams/kg body weight daily as per the European Food Safety Authority. The U.S. FDA approves curcuminoids as ‘Generally Recognized as Safe’ (GRAS) to be used as a food additive. However, there are currently no standard suggested use recommendations for supporting immune health and joint/muscle health.
Ingesting large amounts of curcumin in supplement form for longer periods can cause stomach upset and/or diarrhea. A study on the effect of curcumin in rats concluded that long-term intake of high doses of curcumin could trigger various imbalances through metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, and other stressors and may induce liver injury. To avoid this possibility, talk to your healthcare practitioner about the correct curcumin usage for your needs.
Several clinical trials have established the safety and efficacy of curcumin, and few adverse effects have been reported. In a dose escalation study that evaluated the maximum tolerated dose and safety of a single dose of standardized, uniformly milled, curcumin powder extract, 24 healthy volunteers were administered escalating doses from 500 to 12,000 mg and were followed for 72 hours. Although seven subjects experienced diarrhea, rash, headache, and yellow stool, symptoms were transient and no toxicity appeared to be dose-related.
Although factors such as age, weight, overall health, supplement formulation, frequency, and the amount taken can influence how fast a curcumin supplement works, studies are inconclusive regarding exactly what to expect.
One clinical trial on 60 healthy adults, aged 60-85, reported better performance on sustained attention and working memory tasks within one hour of taking a solid lipid curcumin formulation.* Another animal study involved oral administration of 500 mg of curcumin/kg body weight. At one hour, curcumin concentration peaked in the intestine, while it peaked in the blood at 6 hours, and levels remained high at 24 hours. When co-administered with piperine—the bioactive compound present in black pepper, intestinal absorption of curcumin was relatively higher, with a maximum level of intact curcumin detected in the brain at 48 hours. However, piperine, in combination with curcumin, has been associated with gastrointestinal irritation in some people.
Poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination are three key factors contributing to the low bioavailability of curcumin in the body. This means the therapeutic potential of curcumin can be difficult to realize in practice, regardless of the amount taken. The unpleasant taste of curcumin also makes it difficult to tolerate.
Tetrahydrocurcumin—a partially reduced derivative of curcumin—outperforms its parent compound in terms of both bioavailability and physiological stability. Although tetrahydrocurcumin displays physiological and pharmacological properties similar to curcumin, its chemical structure allows for easier absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, a smaller amount is needed to confer its therapeutic benefits.
Tesseract’s TetraCumin® formula contains the powerfully bioactive tetrahydrocurcumin as an active ingredient. Coupled with the revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® delivery technology that places tetrahydrocurcumin into a molecular matrix for targeted release, this advanced formulation optimizes the bioavailability of the active ingredient while also enhancing palatability. The result is a powerful supplement that helps maintain the body’s healthy inflammatory response and supports optimal joint health.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in the proprietary science of proven nutrients and unrivaled smart delivery, making them the most effective for supporting immune health and musculoskeletal health.*
Article Summary:
Curcumin, the primary component of turmeric, is a polyphenol—a naturally-occurring organic compound with antioxidant properties.* This yellow-pigmented substance modulates cell signaling pathways and has been extensively studied to understand its benefits for various health conditions.* Clinical trials over the last 20 years have produced substantial evidence that curcumin has significant health benefits and revealed ways to enhance these benefits with a more bioactive derivative: tetrahydrocurcumin.
Free radicals cause oxidative degradation of lipids and oxidative damage to DNA and proteins, which can lead to various pathological complications. Studies suggest that curcumin scavenges free radicals and modulates the activity of enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), to neutralize free radicals.* Furthermore, curcumin down-regulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase (LOX), and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), three important enzymes involved in the inflammatory response.*
The antioxidant properties of curcumin and its ability to promote the body’s natural inflammatory response have positive implications for a number of health conditions.*
As a potent antioxidant, curcumin promotes a healthy inflammatory response to non-chronic musculoskeletal and joint discomfort.* Randomized controlled clinical trials show that curcumin can have significant benefits in addressing joint health.* Based on a small number of studies, the efficacy of curcumin is similar to that of conventional medical therapies used to address non-chronic joint pain.*
As a potent immunomodulatory agent, curcumin regulates the activation of lymphocytes, neutrophils, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells—all key components of the immune response. Studies have found that curcumin down-regulates the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines—a class of proteins responsible for controlling the activity of other cells in the immune system, thus helping to maintain the body’s normal inflammatory response.*
High concentrations of curcumin are detected in the GI tract immediately after oral administration. There has been ongoing research based on the hypothesis that curcumin exerts direct regulatory effects on the GI tract and has beneficial effects on the gut microbiota.* Although additional clinical trials are needed to investigate the relationship between diet and microbiota, curcumin and its metabolites have been shown to beneficially influence the gut microbiota.* Other studies have also confirmed the impact of oral curcumin administration in supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria strains, such as butyrate-producing bacteria, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.*
There is significant research investigating the role of curcumin in supporting heart health.* The cardio-protective attributes of curcumin are closely associated with its role as an antioxidant and in modulating multiple signaling pathways involved in apoptosis or cell death, proliferation, and inflammation.* Studies also indicate the potential ability of curcumin to help maintain normal serum cholesterol levels.*
Metabolic imbalances can lead to fatty acid accumulation in hepatocytes (liver cells). Studies suggest that curcumin exerts a hypolipidemic effect, thus limiting the concentration of lipids and fatty acid accumulation in hepatocytes.* Furthermore, the potent antioxidant activity of curcumin affects multiple processes and pathways, including the NF-κβ signaling pathway, underscoring its role as a hepatoprotective agent.*
Despite being easily identified inside the GI tract, clinical studies indicate that curcumin has poor bioavailability, with very low or even undetectable concentrations of curcumin detected outside the gut, in blood and extraintestinal tissue. The unstable chemical structure of curcumin results in its poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. As a result, ingesting unformulated curcumin by itself, even in higher doses, may not lead to the desired health benefits.
Various approaches have been taken to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, including using adjuvants such as piperine (a black pepper extract), formulating curcumin-phospholipid complexes, curcumin nanoparticles, liposomal curcumin, phospholipid complexes, and others. Tetrahydrocurcumin, one of the bioactive metabolites of curcumin, exhibits similar physiological and pharmacological properties to curcumin but displays a superior bioavailability. The enhanced bioavailability of tetrahydrocurcumin makes it easily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, making it an efficacious active ingredient of nutritional supplements.*
TetraCumin®, developed by Tesseract Medical Research, contains bioactive tetrahydrocurcumin, making it an effective nutritional supplement for musculoskeletal support, immune support, cardiovascular support, liver support, and maintaining a healthy GI environment.* Its advanced formulation is coupled with the revolutionary CyLoc® – DexKey® delivery system that protects the integrity of the active nutrient molecules as they pass through the GI tract. The targeted delivery of the nano-sized active ingredient molecules at the desired release point within the intestinal tract results in unprecedented absorption and yields rapid physiological responses with lower amounts of active ingredients (micro-dosing).
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in the proprietary science of proven nutrients and unrivaled smart delivery, making them the most effective for supporting cardiovascular health, hepatic health, gastrointestinal health, immune health, and musculoskeletal health.*
Article Summary:
Turmeric has long been used in traditional medicine to promote a healthy inflammatory response. In recent decades, the scientific community has extensively studied the biological activities of turmeric and curcumin — the major polyphenolic compound found in turmeric — and confirmed their therapeutic potential. But as our understanding of these potent ingredients expands, the bioavailability of the two compounds fuels an ongoing debate on the efficacy of curcumin vs. turmeric supplements.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant in the ginger family, native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The bright yellow-orange color of turmeric comes from the presence of curcuminoids—the polyphenolic pigments. Curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane, is the key polyphenol—a plant compound offering various health benefits—found in turmeric. Studies show that curcumin targets multiple signaling molecules and activities at the cellular level to support various health functions.* Apart from curcumin, the other polyphenolic compounds found in turmeric are demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin.
So, when it comes to curcumin vs turmeric supplements, what are the differences?
| Curcumin Supplement | Turmeric Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Chemical composition: (C21H20O6) | Contains three curcuminoids (active pigment compounds), plus volatile oils, sugars, proteins, and resins. |
| Properties | Powerful antioxidant that supports the body’s natural inflammatory response.* | Turmeric supplements’ antioxidant properties are mostly attributed to the presence of curcumin. |
| Applications | Used as a nutritional supplement for musculoskeletal and immune function support;* oral intake in capsule form, powder, etc. | Turmeric root paste applied topically for skin conditions; dietary intake as a supplement in powder form, spice, and tea, among others. |
It is worth noting that most researchers use extracted turmeric with a high concentration of curcumin or curcumin alone to study the beneficial effects of the compounds, making it difficult to say definitively whether it is best to take a curcumin supplement or a turmeric supplement. By taking a closer look at the following therapeutic options, however, you might discover a better alternative.
A large body of research demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of curcumin for a range of neurodegenerative, pulmonary, cardiovascular, metabolic, and autoimmune issues. These benefits can be attributed to curcumin’s role in modulating numerous transcription factors, protein kinases, cytokines, redox status, adhesion molecules, and enzymes that help maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response.*
Although a majority of studies on the therapeutic benefits of curcumin involve populations with existing health problems, there have been several studies indicating the potential benefits of curcumin in healthy people.
For example, a study conducted on a group of healthy, middle-aged (40-60 years) individuals were administered a daily dose of either 80 mg curcumin in lipid form or a placebo for four weeks. Individuals who took the curcumin showed statistically significant changes, including higher plasma antioxidant activity, greater salivary capacity to scavenge free radicals, more nitric oxide in plasma — for delivering more oxygen to tissues — and lower plasma triglycerides, among others.* The results suggest that low doses of curcumin-lipid preparation have antioxidant and potential therapeutic benefits for healthy, middle-aged individuals.*
Unlike curcumin supplements, turmeric contains various plant compounds, in addition to curcuminoids, that work together to support body functions. Turmeric nutritional supplements made from the dried rhizome typically contain a mixture of curcuminoids. However, more studies are needed to determine the potential health benefits of turmeric’s non-curcuminoid ingredients.
Ingesting either curcumin or turmeric alone does not necessarily confer health benefits. Curcumin’s low water solubility and unstable chemical structure cause rapid metabolization but poor absorption in the body, followed by rapid systemic elimination. In other words, your body can’t use curcumin very well.
Tetrahydrocurcumin—the primary curcuminoid metabolite of curcumin—is superior to curcumin in terms of water solubility, bioavailability, chemical stability, and anti-oxidative activity.* In an in vivo animal study, mice were administered tetrahydrocurcumin orally for four weeks and revealed high levels of free tetrahydrocurcumin in the liver and serum, compared to the population fed with curcumin.
Because tetrahydrocurcumin’s molecular structure is more stable and degrades more slowly than curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin is considered a superior antioxidant to curcumin, making it more effective.* As a result, the answer to the curcumin vs. turmeric supplement question might be neither. If you want to experience the optimal benefits of curcuminoids, then tetrahydrocurcumin is most likely the better option. But where can you get this Option #3?
Tesseract’s TetraCumin® contains tetrahydrocurcumin, making it a more powerful and effective nutritional supplement for supporting a healthy inflammatory response for occasional musculoskeletal and joint discomfort.* Tesseract’s revolutionary delivery technology further ensures greater absorption of tetrahydrocurcumin to support a healthy lipid profile, a balanced gastrointestinal environment, and optimal cardiovascular health.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in the proprietary science of proven nutrients and unrivaled smart delivery, making them the most effective for supporting immune health and cardiovascular health.*
DiSilvestro RA., Joseph E, Zhao S, Bomser J. (2011). Nutrition Journal, 11, 79.
Aggarwal BB, Harikumar KB. (2008). The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology, 41(1), 40.
Okada K, Wangpoengtrakul C, Tanaka T, et al. J Nutr. 2001 Aug;131(8):2090-5. doi: 10.1093/jn/131.8.2090. PMID: 11481399.
Aggarwal BB, Deb L, Prasad S. (2015). Molecules, 20(1), 185-205.
Updated on August 17, 2023
Article Summary
For healthy individuals, their thyroid gland receives only minimal attention in general health habits, but for individuals with autoimmune diseases or genetic abnormalities, maintaining the peak performance of the thyroid can be an uphill battle.
Without healthy regulation of thyroid hormones, the entire body can go suffer. Thyroid hormones are responsible for controlling bodily metabolism, which means that even minor deviations from the norm can impact body weight, energy levels, and mood. Given how many other bodily factors can cause these same symptoms, the thyroid might be the last place that an individual thinks to look when they are not feeling well. Additionally, while a thyroid problem is usually easily diagnosed with a blood test, treatment can sometimes be difficult and disruptive. As such, individuals will be better served by maintaining the health of their thyroid in the first place.
Unfortunately, patients have historically had few options for supporting their thyroid health on a routine basis. In recent years, however, researchers have wondered if glutathione supplementation might be an important tool for individuals who are seeking to maintain peak thyroid health.* So does glutathione help thyroid health? Current evidence suggests the answer is yes.
Glutathione’s Critical Role in Regulating Oxidative Stress*
Glutathione is produced by nearly every cell in the human body and is used by cells to regulate their level of oxidative stress, making it an essential part of maintaining health.* Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species (ROS) chemically react with cellular machinery, preventing the cells from fulfilling their normal functions. If left unaddressed, then the oxidative stress that ROS causes can actually kill cells. Therefore, controlling oxidative stress is a cellular priority.
As a small molecule that is highly prone to reacting with ROS, glutathione is at the core of a handful of different oxidative stress management systems.* In each of these systems, glutathione acts as a carrier of ROS; and because the ROS are chemically bound to the glutathione molecule, they can’t react with cellular machinery to impair their function and cause damage.* Glutathione is thus said to be an antioxidant.* In addition to its potent antioxidant activity, glutathione also supports the other cellular antioxidant systems in the body by offloading excess ROS from them and allowing them to be metabolized safely.*
The Complex Relationship Between Glutathione and the Thyroid
Glutathione’s relationship with the functioning of the thyroid gland is indirect. Although the majority of the body’s cells use glutathione to protect themselves from oxidative stress, different types of cells need slightly different quantities of glutathione. The cellular balance of glutathione is regulated via several enzymes, one of which is glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes are up-regulated or down-regulated depending on cellular glutathione concentrations and exert a similar effect on glutathione itself.
Glutathione peroxidase is of particular concern to the cells of the thyroid because oxidative stress can interfere with the thyroid’s primary job: producing hormones. Oxidative stress is controlled very tightly in the thyroid gland via the synthesis of glutathione peroxidase, which can safely inactivate sources of oxidative stress, such as hydrogen peroxide and free radicals.
In the context of the thyroid, there’s one obstacle with synthesizing glutathione peroxidase in sufficient quantities: selenium insufficiency. Selenium, a necessary trace element, is needed by cells because it’s a component of glutathione peroxidase and other glutathione system enzymes. Selenium is also an essential component of other metabolic systems that deal with oxidative stress, such as the thioredoxin system. For most cells, access to selenium is easy because there are not many enzymes that require selenium as a building block, and so the synthesis of antioxidative stress enzymes and molecules proceeds unimpeded. In the thyroid, however, the situation is different.
Thyroid cells require large amounts of selenium to synthesize the hormones that are then distributed throughout the body. If thyroid cells don’t have enough selenium, then they can’t produce sufficient quantities of hormones for the body to maintain homeostasis, and problems like Hashimoto’s disease can develop. Additionally, other issues, like liver disease, might become aggravated by fluctuating thyroid hormone levels, even when the liver cells are capable of handling their own levels of oxidative stress.
Because thyroid cells use far more selenium than other cells, high levels of oxidative stress can pack a double punch; when thyroid cells can’t synthesize enough glutathione peroxidase to reduce oxidative stress, they also don’t have enough selenium to produce hormones. This leaves the thyroid cells incapable of performing their physiological job, while also being incapable of repairing damage caused by oxidative stress. However, thyroid cells do need to maintain a small quantity of ROS to incorporate into the thyroid enzymes they produce. This means that thyroid cells need to maintain their level of oxidative stress within a certain range, rather than uniformly attempting to lower it by producing more anti-ROS enzymes and molecules like glutathione.
So why don’t individuals with compromised thyroid function simply consume more foods that contain selenium or take a selenium supplement? There are two reasons that make these solutions non-viable. First, selenium can be toxic when taken in excess. Although selenium is a necessary nutrient, the body has a relatively low rate of excess selenium excretion because evolutionarily selenium is a fairly uncommon nutrient to encounter.
This allows selenium to build up and cause damage to the gut and other tissues because the body cannot easily store it. Second, selenium supplementation might not always result in higher glutathione peroxidase activity, although it does at least some of the time. The efficacy of selenium supplementation on glutathione peroxidase activity appears to be connected to the level of serum iodine; i.e., having an excess of iodine seems to nullify selenium’s impact.
Clinically, this would lead to unpredictable results, with the day-to-day efficacy of the supplement varying wildly with the food consumed by the patient. The mechanisms responsible for these interactions are unclear, as is the utility for selenium supplementation for thyroid health. Directly supplementing with glutathione might be a more appealing option.
How Does Glutathione Help Thyroid Health?
Glutathione supplementation supports thyroid health by reducing the need for selenium and providing the thyroid cells with an oxidative stress regulation tool they natively use.* Glutathione helps to recycle glutathione peroxidase, removing the toxic products the enzyme captures.* This means the thyroid cells will not need to produce extra glutathione peroxidase to cope with oxidative stress.* Additionally, glutathione neutralizes ROS directly, independent of the antioxidant-enabling activity it performs for glutathione peroxidase.*
Using a glutathione supplement can thus modify the threat model of thyroid issues from selenium insufficiency or excess oxidative stress.* Rather than an individual with compromised thyroid function worrying about both impaired hormone production and thyroid damage, they would only need to be mindful of maintaining a minimum viable level of oxidative stress to provide for essential functions (although it is highly unlikely to fully deprive thyroid cells of the baseline level of oxidative stress they need to produce hormones).
Using Glutathione to Optimize Well-being*
Although there is currently no data on the utility of glutathione supplementation in healthy individuals, the unique niche of the thyroid might well be where a glutathione supplement can do the most good. For individuals with a family history of thyroid disorders or who suspect they have subjected their thyroid to excessive oxidative stress in particular, including a high-quality glutathione supplement in their daily health and wellness regimen, such as the one produced by Tesseract Medical Research, could potentially head off future issues.* By proactively supporting their thyroid function, even individuals without known risk factors might now have a new way of protecting their health and enhancing their quality of life.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing bioavailability and absorption, and micro-dosing of multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Visit our website for more information about how Tesseract’s products can help support your endocrine health.*
