BioPerine® is a natural extract that can help enhance how effectively your body absorbs nutrients. It works best when taken alongside turmeric - but why?
In this blog, we delve deeper into how BioPerine® works and why turmeric plays such an important role in the absorption of this supplement. Keep reading to find out how BioPerine® could be the key to you achieving your health goals.
How does BioPerine® work?
BioPerine® is a patented and manufactured extract of piperine - a bioactive ingredient and powerful compound found in black pepper. It enhances the bioavailability of nutrients and supplements by improving their absorption in the gut and slowing their breakdown.
Containing at least 95% of the active component piperine, BioPerine® works by enhancing the bioavailability of various nutrients. It achieves this by inhibiting the digestive enzymes that are involved in the body’s metabolism - especially those found in the liver and intestines. It slows down the digestive enzymes that would otherwise break down supplements too quickly. As a result, this allows more of the nutrient to remain intact so that it is available to be absorbed.
What’s more, piperine also has thermogenic properties. This means that it increases the body’s heat production to enhance the absorption and transportation of nutrients in the bloodstream. BioPerine® can also inhibit p-glycoporteins - a resistance protein which is responsible for driving drugs and other compounds of the body’s cells.
BioPerine® inhibits these proteins to ensure that nutrients remain in the cells longer, which in turn, allows for better absorption.
Overall, the primary mechanism of BioPerine® is to enhance nutrient absorption and efficacy, making it a valuable component in nutritional supplements.
Is BioPerine® the same as black pepper?
It’s often thought that BioPerine® is the same as black pepper. However, while they are closely linked, it’s important to understand that they are not the same.
Black pepper is a raw spice from which piperine, a naturally occurring compound, is derived. Meanwhile, BioPerine® is a patented extract of piperine. It is a manufactured product designed to provide reliable and concentrated levels of piperine.
Although both black pepper and BioPerine® contain perpine, they are in fact different. As a result, increasing your intake of black pepper, such as in meals, will not have the same effect as incorporating BioPerine® supplements into your diet.
What does BioPerine® do for turmeric absorption?
Turmeric is an orange coloured spice known for adding colour, flavour and nutrition to foods, especially curries. But aside from taking your meals to the next level, did you know that it’s also known for its healing benefits?
Boasting anti-inflammatory properties, it’s thought that turmeric can help manage certain conditions, including arthritis, high cholesterol and anxiety. It’s also believed it can help reduce joint and muscle soreness and inflammation post-exercise.
The compounds found in turmeric that make it such a valuable healing spice are called curcuminoids. It also contains curcumin - an active ingredient in turmeric which gives it its bright yellow colour. Curcumin is responsible for turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
However, while curcumin has many benefits, it has poor bioavailability. This means that the body is not able to absorb it enough so that it has a substantial impact. This is where BioPerine® comes in. Taking BioPerine® with turmeric can help significantly increase the body’s absorption levels, making this a powerful combination.
How much BioPerine® per day should you take with turmeric?
The typical recommended daily dosage for BioPerine® ranges from 5 to 10mg depending on your individual needs. Meanwhile, it’s thought that the safe daily intake of turmeric is considered to be around 1500 to 2000mg.
To ensure that you’re taking the right amount of both, you could choose a product like Turmeric with BioPerine® tablets. To maximise the benefits to your health and wellbeing, you could also include another supplement into your daily intake, such as High Strength Bromelain Capsules - a natural anti-inflammatory that works particularly well alongside turmeric.
Is BioPerine® safe?
Generally, BioPerine® is considered safe and well-tolerated when taken at the recommended dosage and if you have no underlying health conditions.
However, there have been a small number of reported side effects of BioPerine®. It’s thought that piperine is not suitable for those with blood clot disorders, liver disease, gallstones or medical conditions that affect the bile duct.
If you’re unsure if BioPerine® is suitable for you, you should seek advice from a medical professional.
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.