Turmeric is one of the best natural supplements shown by studies to reduce iron build-up in the body.
So yes! Turmeric can lower iron levels.
There is even a reported case of iron deficiency from taking turmeric!
But that is not all, it is also an effective and potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunity booster. Research has also shown it to be safe and well-tolerated at a dose of up to 12 grams per day (you can read the study here).
Turmeric Dosage for Iron Overload
Turmeric dosage for iron overload will depend on your weight. I recommend starting off with 500 to 1000 mg daily and monitoring yourself for at least a couple of weeks for any side effects.
After that, you can increase the dose slowly as per the guidelines on your supplement label.
Studies have shown that doses of 500 to over 1000 mg curcuminoids proved to be effective in improving oxidative markers and reducing the iron burden in iron overload. However, this is not your primary chelator as you must also be taking some other chelator like Desferal or Exjade.
So focus on using Turmeric to supplement your chelation therapy rather than going on high doses.
And keep in mind that the long-term safety of high doses has not been evaluated.
Make sure you speak to your doctor well before starting this (or any other) supplement.
How long does it take for turmeric to lower iron levels?
Turmeric slows the absorption of dietary iron as soon as you start taking it. Which means you absorb less iron even with your first intake of turmeric.
To impact the iron stores in your body, it may take weeks, months or even years, depending on other factors like dosage, dietary iron intake, blood transfusions etc.
If you have high iron/ferritin levels, your target should be to use turmeric to compliment your current chelation therapy. This is how you can reap the maximum benefits.
Stick to it and you’ll see the results slowly but surely.
My Recommendation
I have been taking Nature’s Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine (affiliate link) for some time now and I would say it has worked really well for me.
I have also tried Nutravita Organic Turmeric with Ginger and Black Pepper (affiliate link) and found it really potent and easy to take as well.
So if you are in the UK, this is the supplement I would really recommend. Tried and tested.
I cannot say for sure if these have reduced my ferritin levels because I take other supplements and am also on Jadenu. So saying that my ferritin levels have gone down solely because of this supplement wouldn’t really be accurate.
However, I can say that my joint pains have reduced and my liver tests have improved. This could also be because of some of the other supplements I take like Nature’s Bounty Milk Thistle and Jarrow’s IP6 (affiliate links).
You can read more about other supplements to reduce ferritin levels here: 4 Great Natural Iron Chelators For Iron Overload.
But turmeric has definitely played its part and I would highly recommend you choose a good turmeric supplement and add it to your diet as well after consulting with your doctor.
FAQs
What is the turmeric pill good for?
Turmeric Curcumin has many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve cardiac function and prevent oxidative stress. It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory, iron chelator, and antioxidant.
According to a study conducted at Tufts University, turmeric even has the potential to suppress the growth of fat tissue.
Turmeric also helps in losing weight by managing sugar levels and preventing insulin resistance. This results in reduced fat retention.
However, I wouldn’t count it as a miracle pill to reduce weight but it will definitely help with iron chelation and reducing oxidative stress.
Here is a great article on recommended supplements and vitamins for Thalassemia Major.
Is turmeric curcumin good for iron overload and thalassemia?
Yes! Turmeric curcumin supplementation in combination with chelation therapy is very good for iron overload and thalassemia as it is a potent antioxidant and iron-chelating agent.
Is turmeric curcumin good for joint pain?
Turmeric curcumin works great for joint pain in iron overload and thalassemia as it is a potent anti-inflammatory. It can be taken as an alternative to ibuprofen which is hepatotoxic and should not be used for long. However, this should be done in consultation with your doctor.
Is turmeric the same as curcumin?
Curcumin is a polyphenol in turmeric. It is a part of turmeric which means if you eat natural turmeric, it will contain curcumin.
What is the best time to take turmeric for iron chelation?
Turmeric can be taken at any time that you find convenient. I prefer to take it at night in my tea as I feel it helps me relax.
Some people say it is more effective when taken on an empty stomach but I have not tried that as that is the time I take my iron chelation medicine (Jadenu). So I find it easier to take it at night.
Is there a natural way to take Turmeric without taking a supplement?
Yes there is. If you don’t want to take a supplement, you can add turmeric to a glass of milk (also known as golden milk) and drink that. Add some good natural honey to that and you will have one of the healthiest drinks ever.
