Anybody have any thoughts on Turmeric/Curcumin C3 dosing? I am currently taking 1g/day. The study I referenced earlier is using 8g/day.
Oncology has agreed to a LDH test. She is also agreeable to a skeletal scan rather than the PET scan. My thinking is to wait on the results of the scan and LDH test before changing the dose. Here is what ChatGPT has to say....
The **maximum dose of turmeric/curcumin** can vary depending on the formulation, individual health status, and specific health goals. Here's an overview of what is generally considered safe and effective:
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### **Curcumin vs. Turmeric:**
- **Turmeric root** (the spice) typically contains about **2-8% curcumin** by weight.
- **Curcumin** is the **active compound** in turmeric, and most supplements are standardized to provide **high concentrations of curcumin**.
### **Curcumin C3 Complex:**
- **Curcumin C3 Complex** is a patented form of curcumin extract that contains **curcuminoids** (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin). It is designed to be more **bioavailable** and effective than regular turmeric.
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### **Recommended Dosage:**
- **Standard curcumin dosage:**
For general health, typical doses range from **500 mg to 1,500 mg of curcumin** per day.
- **Curcumin C3 Complex:**
Clinical studies often use doses of **500 mg to 1,500 mg per day** of **Curcumin C3 Complex**. The total dose is usually divided into **two or three doses** throughout the day.
- **Maximum dose:**
- **Up to 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg** of curcumin per day has been used safely in studies, particularly for **short-term use** (up to 3 months).
- Higher doses, such as **8,000 mg per day**, have been used in some clinical trials without significant adverse effects, but these were under **medical supervision**.
---
### **Safety Considerations:**
- **General safety:**
Curcumin is generally considered **safe** when taken at doses up to **3,000 mg per day** for short periods. Long-term high-dose use may require supervision, especially in individuals with certain medical conditions.
- **Potential side effects:**
Higher doses may cause:
- **Gastrointestinal issues** (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset)
- **Headaches** or **dizziness** in rare cases
- **Risk of bleeding** (curcumin has mild anticoagulant properties, so caution is needed if you take blood thinners)
- **Interaction with medications:**
Curcumin can interact with:
- **Blood thinners** (e.g., warfarin, aspirin)
- **Diabetes medications** (it may lower blood sugar levels)
- **Chemotherapy drugs** (consult your oncologist if you are on treatment for MGUS or any other cancer)
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### **Enhanced Bioavailability:**
Curcumin has **poor bioavailability** on its own. To improve absorption:
- **Combine with piperine (black pepper extract)**: Enhances absorption by **up to 2,000%**.
- **Formulations like C3 Complex**: These are already designed for better absorption.
- **Take with fat**: Curcumin is **fat-soluble**, so consuming it with healthy fats (e.g., olive oil) helps.
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### **Conclusion:**
- For **Curcumin C3 Complex**, a dose of **500 mg to 1,500 mg per day** is typical.
- **Maximum dose:** Up to **3,000 mg per day** is generally considered safe for short-term use, but consult a healthcare provider for long-term use or higher doses.
If you’re considering curcumin for a specific condition (such as managing inflammation or supporting MGUS management), discussing the appropriate dosage with your healthcare provider is best, especially if you're taking other medications.
@dcuste
I spoke to my hem/onc doc about turmeric and he sort of rolled his eyes, citing lack of supporting data. Undaunted, I read that some were having success rolling the turmeric dice and I decided to try it.
I checked with my PCP because I was worried about unanticipated consequences with an interaction with other drugs I’m taking. She consulted pharmacy who went through them with me and finding no counter indications, I opted for a daily dose of 1000 mg of Curcumin. My kappa values went from 113.8 to 88.8.
I’ll take it. My lambda went down a minuscule bit. My ratio went from 5.69 to 4.49.
I don’t know that any of this is attributable to the curcumin I get semi annual bloodwork done again this coming Monday. We’ll see if the reduction in values was an anomaly. It sure wasn’t adherence to good diet and exercise as I have not been dedicated to either recently, but I am by nature and empiricist, and I’d like to see steady decline in these values consistently before I get too excited.
I had no Gastro issues whatsoever taking the curcumin. I tried taking turmeric with ginger and let’s just say I had to spend way too much time in the bathroom.
Thank you for sharing this information. Are you taking turmeric and how has this impacted your health?