New study on curcumin absorption – legit or biased?
So I just read this study (PMID: 31534567) claiming that combining curcumin with ginger boosts absorption by 2000%! That seems too good to be true, esp for a joint supplement. The study was funded by a supplement company though. Anyone else seen this? Is it legit or just marketing? I've been using these gummies for my knee pain and they work ok, but wondering if I'm wasting money.
Hey! I actually looked into that study for a pharm project. The 2000% figure is about relative bioavailability compared to standard curcumin, but that doesn't mean you get 2000% more active ingredient in your joints. Also, ginger does inhibit some enzymes that break down curcumin, so there's a plausible mechanism. But yeah, industry-funded studies always have bias – I'd take it with a grain of salt. Still, the gummies are probably decent, just don't expect miracles. Stick with it for a few months to see real effects.
Ugh, I hate when studies are funded by the same companies selling the product. Feels like the whole supplement industry is a scam sometimes. But I've been using these gummies for a month and my joint pain is actually better? Could be placebo I guess. I'll keep taking them cause they taste good lol. But yeah, that study sounds sus to me.
Thanks for the replies! Jack, that makes sense about relative bioavailability. I might be overthinking it. Greg, glad they're helping you even if it's placebo. I'll keep taking them too – worst case I get a tasty snack haha.