Ask the dietitian: "Does turmeric help with aches and pains?"

Is turmeric good for arthritis?

Angie Jefferson BSc Hons, Registered Dietitian and Registered Nutritionist, explains what turmeric is, what it contains, what it is used for and whether it is effective in managing arthritis pain.

Q. I've heard that turmeric helps aches and pains. Is this true? I don't want to add lots into food, so what does of supplement should I be taking?

A. Turmeric, a spice, is used in traditional Indian (Ayurveda) and Chinese medicine for the relief of pain and inflammation. 

Its active component is curcumin (sometimes called curcuminoids). Clinical trials have been too few and too small in size to tell us if it actually works.

We don't know how much you need to take or how often to see an effect. Curcumin is not easily absorbed, so supplements often contain high doses that you may or may not be able to make use of. Although, few side effects are associated with curcumin, it can react with other medications, so speak to a pharmacist or your GP before starting any supplement.