Vitals Curcumin SLCPCurcumin is one of the most well-known and widely used herbal supplements. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric, an aromatic spice from the root of Curcuma longa. Turmeric originates from Indian cuisine, where it forms an important part of the famous curry dishes under the names koenjit or yellow root.
Curcumin-SLCP™: a technological breakthrough
The biggest challenge in developing curcumin preparations with optimal efficacy is overcoming the problems of absorbability and bioavailability. Curcumin in an 'unprocessed' form is quickly converted into inactive metabolites, such as curcumin-glucuronide, in the intestine and liver after oral intake, which are then rapidly excreted by the body. Verdure Sciences, the producer of Vitals' Curcumin-SLCP™, has succeeded in solving these problems after years of research and collaboration with the University of California (UCLA). Through their patented technology, they have managed to increase the absorption of curcumin by 65x and the bioavailability by no less than 285x (compared to standard curcumin preparations consisting of 95% curcumin). This breakthrough was achieved after testing many different formulations for their bioavailability in humans. The most optimal results were obtained with a formulation that is in fact inspired by Indian cuisine, where turmeric is mixed with oily components in the preparation of curry pastes. Their curcumin product with the brand name Longvida® uses so-called Solid Lipid Curcumin Particles, where the curcumin is packaged in a fatty particle consisting of three long-chain fats also found in food, namely phosphatidylcholine, stearic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate.
How is Curcumin-SLCP™ absorbed into the body?
Normally, curcumin is absorbed in the same way as most other nutrients (e.g., sugars and amino acids). In the intestinal epithelium, a first enzymatic conversion already takes place from biologically active curcumin to curcumin-glucuronide, an inactive metabolite. Subsequently, the curcumin travels via the portal vein blood to the liver where it is further inactivated and then relatively quickly excreted. Curcumin-SLCP™, however, uses an alternative route of absorption into the body. Due to the unique way it is surrounded by fats, it is recognized by the body as such and treated in the same way as other long-chain fats in the diet. These are absorbed into the intestinal cells in chylomicrons (transport particles) and transported via the lymphatic system to the bloodstream. These chylomicrons do not initially pass through the liver but are transported via the blood to various tissues and organs where they release their contents locally under the influence of a fat-splitting enzyme (lipoprotein lipase). The curcumin in the chylomicron is still in the biologically active form, also known as 'free' curcumin. In this form, it is released from the chylomicron and absorbed into the tissues and organs where it can exert its effect. Biologically active (free) curcumin itself is a fatty substance and can, in this way, even cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike the inactive metabolites of curcumin, and support the function of the central nervous system.
Absorbability versus bioavailability
The absorbability of a certain substance is often discussed. This refers to the maximum blood plasma concentration (Cmax) reached at a specific time after oral intake of a nutrient. Absorbability is part of bioavailability, but it certainly doesn't tell the whole story. A nutrient can be very well absorbed and quickly reach a very high blood plasma concentration, but then be broken down and removed from the body very quickly without having had enough time to be effective. It is important to also look at the development of the blood plasma concentration over time and not just at the moment when the maximum blood plasma concentration is reached. The point is how long the nutrient has been present in the blood in its biologically active form and how long it has had the opportunity to exert its effect. This says something about bioavailability, which is defined as the part of a nutrient that has been absorbed into the body and is available for use in certain bodily processes.
Due to its high bioavailability, Curcumin-SLCP™ can be used in a low effective dosage. And because it remains in the body as active curcumin for a long time, a single daily dose is sufficient. This offers many advantages for user-friendliness. Not everyone can tolerate high doses of curcumin well, and it is also easier to only have to remember to take a supplement once a day.
Composition
| Composition per daily dose of 1 capsule: | |
| Curcumin-SLCP™ (Longvida®) | 400 mg |
| Of which curcumin | 80 mg |
May contain traces of
soy
Ingredients
Stabilizers (stearic acid, phosphatidylcholine [from SOY lecithin]), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (vegetable capsule), curcumin (extract from Curcuma longa), rice flour (Oryza sativa), maltodextrin, anti-caking agents (silicon dioxide, magnesium salts of fatty acids), antioxidant (ascorbyl palmitate)
Usage
Take 1 capsule daily with a meal with water. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Please note: May affect the action of Tamoxifen and Sulfasalazine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use in case of bile duct disorders and existing liver problems. Turmeric can cause liver problems in rare cases. Consult your doctor if you experience jaundice or other unusual symptoms.
Storage adviceStore dry, sealed, and at room temperature.
Responsible for marketingVitals BV
This product is a food supplement.
Do not exceed recommended dosage.
A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet.
Keep out of reach of young children.
Store dry, sealed, and at room temperature, unless otherwise advised on the label.
Consult an expert before using supplements in case of pregnancy, lactation, medication use, and illness.
