Curcumin Phytosome (Meriva)
Also known as: Meriva, curcumin phytosome, curcumin lecithin complex, Meriva curcumin
A branded curcumin delivery form in which curcuminoids are complexed with sunflower lecithin (a phytosome) to improve uptake. It contains about 20% curcuminoids by weight, so a 500 mg dose delivers roughly 100 mg curcuminoids, yet a comparative absorption study found substantially higher plasma curcuminoid exposure than an equivalent plain extract. It is widely used in joint, exercise-recovery, and eye formulas where reliable absorption matters more than raw milligrams.
Research summary
The lecithin complex improves curcuminoid solubility and passage across the gut wall, increasing systemic exposure to curcumin and its metabolites.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 500–1,000 mg | — | — |
500 mg once or twice daily of the phytosome, with or without food; the lecithin carrier removes the need for piperine. Doses are expressed as the complex, not as curcuminoids. Effects on joint comfort were assessed over months in published product trials.
Standardization: 18–22% curcuminoids complexed with sunflower lecithin
Source material: rhizome extract phytosome
As supplied: Approximately 20% curcuminoids by weight
Forms of Turmeric
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curcumin Phytosome (Meriva) | 500–1,000 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Softgel | premium |
| Curcumin Extract (95% Curcuminoids) | 500–1,500 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Softgel, Gummy | mid |
| Turmeric Root Powder | 1,000–3,000 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy | low |
| Curcumin Solid Lipid Particle (Longvida) | 400–800 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | premium |
| Curcumin with Turmeric Essential Oils (BCM-95) | 500–1,000 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Softgel | premium |
| Curcumin Ultra-Dispersible (CurcuWIN) | 250–500 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | premium |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Lecithin base is oily and dense; capsule or tablet preferred, and it tends to stain.
Formulation notes
Contains sunflower lecithin (not soy). Do not add piperine, which is unnecessary here. Frequently paired with boswellia in joint formulas.
Sources
Related ingredients
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
OtherMSM is an organic sulfur compound found in small amounts in plants, milk, and the body.
Typical: 1,500–3,000 mg
Bromelain
EnzymeBromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from pineapple stem.
Typical: 200–500 mg
Curcumin Ultra-Dispersible (CurcuWIN)
BotanicalA branded curcumin form that uses a hydrophilic carrier to make curcuminoids water-dispersible.
Typical: 250–500 mg
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA Concentrate)
Fatty acidFish oil concentrate is a refined marine oil enriched in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Typical: 500–2,000 mg
Curcumin Extract (95% Curcuminoids)
BotanicalA concentrated turmeric rhizome extract standardized to 95% curcuminoids, the form used in most joint and inflammation research.
Typical: 500–1,500 mg