Buyer's Guide To
Joint Supplements
What Everyone Needs to Know About Joint Health

Turmeric & Bromelain

Rating: NA
Company: NA

What is it?

Turmeric and Bromelain is a dietary, digestion-promoting supplement that reportedly reduces the body's production of kinins, which may help reduce swelling and inflammation in the soft tissues. It also claims to speed up bruise and injury healing, while also containing an anti-inflammatory component that has been reportedly shown to reduce joint pain. The company behind Turmeric and Bromelain, Natural Factors, claims it could be potentially be effective for a variety of inflammatory diseases, though they offer no evidence as to why--or how--it works.

What ingredients are in Turmeric and Bromelain?

This supplement contains turmeric powdered extract and bromelain. It also contains ingredients used for preservation purposes, which include dicalcium phosphate, gelatin, purified water and magnesium stearate.

Do the ingredients in Turmeric and Bromelain help improve bone health?

It may play a vital role in osteoporosis, though its effects on joint health are still widely debated. According to a 2010 study conducted by the University of Arizona, turmeric may contain anti-arthritic activity, which can help prevent the bone loss caused by osteoporosis, a disease that causes weak, brittle bones. The study's main researcher, Janet Funk, also says it may reduce the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, although there is no definite proof it can help reduce joint damage or inflammation caused by the condition. Additionally, there is little proof bromelain is beneficial for bone or joint health.

Is Turmeric and Bromelain safe?

Although its ingredients are considered generally safe, it can interact with certain medications, increasing or decreasing its efficacy. These medications include blood-thinning drugs (such as warfarin), aspirin, diabetes drugs and drugs that help reduce stomach acid, such as Nexium or Pepcid.

Verdict:

Turmeric and Bromelain may help reduce some joint pain caused by arthritis, but it may not help reduce all types of joint pain.