Supplements for IBD: Curcumin

• • Curcumin Meriva: 
    • Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, fat soluble, active ingredient in turmeric, poorly absorbed on its own (form and absorbability is really important) 
    • Peperine formulations can have potential downsides with medication interactions*
    • Meriva form is most widely researched in IBD
    • Other well absorbed formulations: 
      • Peperine formulations, potential downsides*
      • BCM-95®- Curcumin + Essential oils
      • Meriva® – Curcumin + Lecithin, best formulation (able to make it further down in the digestive tract)
    • BCM-95 = curcumin + essential oils
    • Dose is really important – 2g – 8-10g+
    • Helps prevent relapse in UC (2 g)
    • Helps improve symptoms and inflammation in Crohn’s (1.5-2 g)

• Both Curcumin and Boswellia – same pathway as mesalazine; at minimum curcumin 3g or 6 capsules (higher end would be 10 capsules; maintenance would be 2-4 capsules/day) and start with 6-8 capsules

• • Could do both Boswellia and Curcumin
    • 6 capsules for Boswellia and 10 capsules for Curcumin would be upper end
  • Sources: 
    • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22950087/
    • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16240238/
• There are some medication interactions to look out for with curcumin (always disclose ALL supplement use with your doctor):
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28734960/
• Curcumin may also increase risk of kidney stones in those that are susceptible, however this should be discussed with your provider to determine if appropriate:
  • https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/87/5/1262/4650348?login=false

⭐starring system criteria:

• Works well with medications
• Additional benefits
• Has evidence to support its benefit 
• Easy to incorporate into daily routine 
• Cost effective
• High Quality Brand
• Well-absorbed formulation