Thorne: Curcumin Phytosome (Formerly Meriva) and the Onedraw difference

Inflammation is a root cause problem and contributes to every disease state and symptom you may experience. Your body is constantly pumping blood, moving nutrients, and dealing with inflammation. Molecules of inflammation are created in response to your diet and lifestyle choices. If you choose inflammatory foods for breakfast, your body will spend energy creating an immune response and cytokines instead of using that same amount of energy to fuel your brain for your work assignment. Nature’s answer to inflammation is anti-inflammatory foods.  Arguably the most anti-inflammatory food is the brightly colored turmeric root.  Curcumin is a potent extract taken from turmeric root and is the main ingredient in Thorne’s Curcumin Phystosome (formerly Meriva).

Your body creates inflammation in response to unhealthy air, chemicals in your shampoo, trans-fat, and low blood sugar. It also creates inflammation when you exercise and break down muscle tissue. Inflammation and its accompanying molecules might be seen as an evil enemy, but in reality, it is part of your body’s natural processes. The issue is that most of us live a very inflammatory lifestyle including our diets, and don’t have enough anti-inflammatory foods or practices to create balance. With over 20,000 medical studies, curcumin is a well-established tool for reducing the inflammation that causes symptoms across a myriad of disease states. 

While it may be easy to find a turmeric supplement, it can be a challenge to find a quality curcumin extract that you can actually absorb.  There are just a handful of companies that use curcumin extract that is formulated for optimal absorption.  One of those is Curcumin Phytosome. This was formerly known as Meriva. This is one of the most clinically studied curcumins on the market. Because it is a phytosome complex, there is better absorption. Phytosome complexes are similar to liposomes through their structures. As I have discussed in other articles, liposomal delivery systems are great for absorption. Phytosomes are prepared when the herbal extracts are attached to the phosphatidylcholine molecule. The formula then can have better absorption when taken. Recent studies have noted that various forms of curcumin can have lower levels of bioavailability. Only small amounts have been recorded to be in the body, the remaining amounts are excreted. When addressing sensitive issues such as pain, the best bioavailability is the goal. Thorne’s formula boasts an absorption rate that is 29x greater than ordinary curcumin. 

Curcumin Phytosome comes in two different forms - standard and NSF Certified for Sport. Athletes favor the NSF version. Certified for Sport means that the batches are tested for adherence to label claims as well as for the absence of 200+ banned substances in athletic organizations. 

Curcumin Phytosome can help maintain a healthy inflammatory response in your joints, muscles, liver, brain, GI tract, and nerves. A 2010 study looked into Meriva’s effectiveness in reducing knee pain and inflammatory markers in blood plasma. Meriva was able to achieve both goals. A 2021 study tested curcumin against the inflammation created with NAFLD Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. 

The serving size is 2 capsules per day which provides 500mg. I recommend doses based on symptom reduction. Doses up to 8000mg have been tested without any toxicity or overdose reactions.  

The best way to track inflammation is through blood tests. There are hundreds of blood markers that identify and track inflammation.  A well-known marker for inflammation is Hemoglobin A1C. This marker, known as HbA1c, is an indication of blood sugar levels for a 3 month period. It also corresponds to the amount of inflammation created by high blood sugar. Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that is usually ordered by a doctor and performed at a lab. As we all know, it is inconvenient to sit in a lab and wait for a blood draw and many companies are working to provide innovative solutions. 

Thorne has been working hard for the past year to create a unique solution to monitoring inflammation through bloodwork. With the high levels of saturation in the industry, this can be difficult. Some brands work with celebrities, some focus all their efforts on perfecting a formula. Thorne is doing something different. They are working with international organizations to improve the health of all, not just those who purchase their supplements. 

Thorne’s collaboration with GenTegra this year resulted in a Onedraw device that assists with easy and convenient blood drawing. This will be utilized to monitor the health of servicemen and servicewomen and determine proactive approaches for cancer. The National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense are involved with this, as is the White House. Removing partisanship, this signifies a positive move by Thorne to advocate for health for all. They have developed their mission and purpose to be larger than their own profits and bottom line, which is a value that we can all appreciate and admire. 

For more information on Thorne, their mission, and how they are working to achieve goals in the supplement industry, check out my previous articles here and here. 

FAQ

What is Meriva supplement used for?

Curcumin Phytosome was previously named Meriva. It is a highly absorbable form of turmeric extract that has been used in many medical studies and proven effective for reducing inflammation. It is recommended for inflammation created by NAFLD Non-alcholic Fatty Liver Disease, Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn’s disease, joint pain, muscle aches, and many other conditions. 

Is Meriva the best curcumin?

Curcumin Phystosome (formerly Meriva) has been studied in many published trials and proven to be 29x more effective than standard turmeric powder. 

What is Meriva 500-SF (now called Curcumin Phytosome) used for?

Curcumin is recommended for muscles and joints to: 

• Reduce joint stiffness
• Promote flexibility
• Provide relief from minor aches and 
• Provide relief from muscle soreness
• Protects muscles against exercise stress and 
• Reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
• Reduce or protect muscle injury from training or exertion
• Preserves muscle tissue from the effects of chronological age

Curcumin supports a healthy inflammatory response  balancing inflammatory response throughout the body, including in the joints, muscles, GI tract, liver, brain, eyes, and nerves

Curcumin supports liver health: 

• Promoting healthy cholesterol metabolism and up-regulation of liver enzymes
• Maintaining normal blood sugar

When should I take Meriva? (now called Curcumin Phytosome)

Curcumin is best absorbed when taken with a meal. It can be taken at any time during the day or night. 

Is Meriva (now called Curcumin Phytosome) good for inflammation?

Yes, curcumin is known as the best nutrient for reducing inflammation of all types and in all locations in your body. 

Which is better to take curcumin or turmeric?

Turmeric is the bright yellow root that is used in traditional Indian food. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory extract from turmeric that is used in high-quality supplements. Taking a capsule full of ground turmeric root will not be as effective at reducing inflammation as taking a standardized potent curcumin extract like Curcumin Phytosome. 

Who should not take curcumin?

Check here to determine if your medications may interact with curcumin supplements. Pregnant women may want to avoid curcumin supplements.  

Should I take turmeric at night or in the morning?

Curcumin, the anti-inflammatory extract from turmeric can be taken at any time.  I recommend taking it with food to avoid digestive upset.  

What medications should you not take with turmeric? 

Some medications including blood thinners and thyroid medications may interact with curcumin supplements. 

Reviews 

"Better than CBD! This is safe, Effective..woW❣️❣️ Best of the Best!!! Why? It always WORKS, is SAFE, QUALITY, Price is fair too! PAIN GOES AWAY AND INFLAMMATION TOO. 100% satisfied.. 👍"

- Suzanne G.

"High-quality products! Meriva 500-SF works great for inflammation. The shipping and packaging was excellent."

- Margherita L.

"I started taking Curcumin to help reduce a lot of inflammation I was having from an illness, and it definitely helped."

- Kasey D.

Further Readings

Curcumin studies have become more popular in recent years. With more people trying to address pain and inflammation, natural pain relief is becoming popular, trendy and necessary. 

Check out this article on a look into the medicinal properties of food and how curcumin fits in. 

A common question we get about supplements involves their efficacy against COVID or something similar. This article discusses curcumin’s interactions with COVID. 

If you’ve been doing research on your own about pain relief, chances are you’ve heard of the negative long-term side effects of NSAIDs. NSAIDs refer to products like ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief. This 2020 comprehensive review takes a look into the damaging effects one may experience with NSAID-induced organ damage.  This is one example of the research has driven many to search for more natural alternatives. 

Concluding Thoughts

Curcumin has consistently been one of the most sought-after solutions. Whether you are looking for a reputable brand for your supplements or a safe natural pain reliever, Thorne has what you’re looking for. Are you interested in learning more about natural pain relief alternatives provided by Thorne? Schedule a consult with me, Carly Neubert BA, NC.