Curcumin and fish oil together

Taking curcumin and fish oil together increases both the absorption of curcumin and the absorption of omega 3 fats from fish oil (DHA and EPA) than taking either alone.

Curcumin and fish oil taken together is a powerful synergistic combination for a large number of health conditions. Both curcumin and the omega 3’s from fish oil are anti inflammatory. They are both effective individually but even more powerful when combined. Fish oil and a specific type of curcumin (C3 Complex) have also been shown to lower triglycerides in the blood and help with metabolic syndrome.

Its worth mentioning that it is not just any fish oil or any curcumin.  They need to both be extremely high in quality.  Here is a great guide on how to choose the best quality fish oil.  We mention more below about the type of curcumin to take.

Why take together?

1. Curcumin is fat soluble, meaning it dissolves in fat. The omega 3 fats from fish oil (DHA and EPA) help the curcumin absorb more than the dry powder alone. Also, an extract from black pepper called piperine helps improve curcumin’s absorption by over 2000%. Curcumin, which is the main active ingredient from turmeric extract, absorbs very poorly on its own. Therefore you can increase the absorption substantially when combining it with both omega 3’s from fish oil and black pepper extract.

2. The omega 3’s in fish oil (DHA and EPA) also absorb better when taken together with curcumin. DHA in particular has been shown to cross the blood brain barrier more readily when taken with curcumin.

What will the combination help with?

• Knee and joint pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lowering triglycerides
• Migraines
• Lowering overall inflammation
• Liver health

How do fish oil and curcumin work to help with inflammation?

The DHA and EPA in fish oil help to reduce inflammation (and pain) from lowering the amount of C-Reactive protein in the body – a major marker of inflammation.

Curcumin lowers inflammation by reducing enzymes linked to inflammation such as COX-2. Interestingly, this is also how non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen work.

In fact, curcumin has been shown to be even more effective than NSAIDS for rheumatoid arthritis like in this study

What studies have been done to show the benefits of the combination?

Here is a study showing the dramatic benefits from combining curcumin and omega 3’s to both prevent and treat migraines.

What is the recommended dose of each?

Curcumin – 500 mg, twice per day (plus 5 mg of piperine per dose)

Fish oil – 1000 mg of omega 3’s (DHA + EPA) per day

Which specific types of curcumin and fish oil do you recommend?

Curcumin – C3 Complex – This patented form of curcumin combines the 3 active ingredients in turmeric. These 3 active ingredients are called curcuminoids, and they are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). It also contains bioperine, a patented form of piperine, or black pepper extract. This is the most studied form, the most absorbable, and is the most effective overall. It dramatically lowers inflammation and triglycerides in the blood. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

Fish Oil – We have a premium form of fish oil from Iceland. It has the lowest mercury and heavy metal content. It is very high in DHA and EPA. It is also in the most absorbable form, which is the natural triglyceride form. Ironically, the “triglyceride form” is the superior form, and it actually lowers blood triglycerides. It also won’t give you fish burps and is combined with natural lemon oil.