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Turmeric Dosage

For most herbal supplements, including turmeric, dosage recommendations have not been established. This is because supplements (unlike medications) do not need approval, so there is less research done on the safest and most effective dosage amounts. Because there are no standard turmeric dosing guidelines, it is reasonable to follow the directions on the label of your particular product.

 

An Introduction to Turmeric Dosage

A standard recommended turmeric dose has not yet been established. Unlike medications (for which the standard doses have been established in carefully designed studies), there is less information available for determining the best dose for most herbal supplements, including turmeric.
 

Reasonable Turmeric Dosing

With medications, researchers establish the safest and most effective doses in specially designed studies, known as dose-range studies. These studies are done early in the development of medications, long before they are ever approved. However, because herbal supplements do not need to be approved, dose-range studies are rarely performed. Without such studies, very little reliable dosing information is available.
 
Studies of turmeric are in very early stages; for some turmeric uses, only animal (not human) studies have been performed. One human study used 500 mg of turmeric four times daily for treating indigestion or heartburn.
 
Because there is little reliable information to guide you in choosing a safe and effective turmeric dosage, it is reasonable to follow the dosing instructions on the label of your particular turmeric product. However, keep in mind that there is no guarantee that the dose will be either safe or effective.
 

General Turmeric Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking turmeric include:
 
 
  • Because the manufacturing of supplements (such as turmeric) is not closely regulated, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer for turmeric supplements. Your pharmacist is a good source of information regarding which supplement manufacturers are more reputable than others.
     
  • If you have any chronic health problems or take any prescription medications, it is probably a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking turmeric.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or turmeric dosing in general, please talk with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;