The recommended dosage of curcumin for inflammation can vary. Studies have used daily doses ranging from 300 mg to 4,000 mg, depending on the specific condition.^[1] When orally ingested alone, curcumin is poorly absorbed. The two most commonly used and most frequently tested methods for improving absorption are to pair curcumin with piperine (a black pepper extract) or to combine it with lipids (e.g., BCM-95^®, or Meriva^®).

To supplement with curcumin with piperine, take 500 mg of curcumin with 5 to 6.7 mg of piperine 3 times per day for a total dosage of 1,500 mg of curcumin and 15 to 20 mg of piperine per day.

To supplement with BCM-95, a patented combination of curcumin and essential oils, take 500 mg twice a day for a total dosage of 1,000 mg/day.

To supplement with Meriva, a patented combination of curcumin and soy lecithin, take 200 to 500 mg twice a day for a total dosage of 400–1,000 mg/day.

Curcumin is sold in tablets, capsules, soft gels, powder, and drop form and is usually taken alongside food.