PlanYourVitamins.com

Can Boswellia Extract and Curcumin be taken at the same time?

Find out if boswellia extract and curcumin can be taken at the same time, or if they are best taken separately.

Boswellia extract with curcumin

Short answer: Useful in the same plan

While not found to provide additional benefits when taken at the exact same time, research has shown that boswellia extract pairs well with curcumin.

Also taken with curcumin, for joint health

One 12-week study in people suffering from osteoarthritis involved the combined supplementation of boswellia extract with curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

The study found that pain related symptoms of osteoarthritis were significantly reduced in the group that took the combination, compared to those that took them individually, implying a synergistic effect between curcumin and boswellic acid when it comes to dealing with joint inflammation, and the pain associated with it.

Several boswellia supplements already include a certain amount of curcumin precisely for this reason.

Also taken with boswellia extract, for inflammation

Another study that involved patients suffering from osteoarthritis tested a combination of curcumin and boswellic acid (the active compound found in boswellia extract) for 12 weeks, and also found that there was also a synergistic effect in the reduction of pain-related symptoms when combining these two supplements.

Timing is everything

Many supplements are dependent on being taken at the right time, or with the right meal, for proper absorption. For example, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D should be taken together with a high-fat meal. Stimulating supplements, such as rhodiola or ginseng, should avoid being taken too late in the day.

The perfect match

Some supplements are known to complement each other when taken together, either because one helps the other to be absorbed, or because their effects compliment each other. Well known combos include vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and magnesium, or quercetin and bromelain, but there are many others.

Incompatibilities

Likewise, some supplements can compete for absorption or react negatively if taken together. For example, calcium and magnesium compete for absorption, so they are best taken several hours apart, and fiber-heavy supplements such as psyllium husk should be taken by themselves, separate from all other supplements.

Potential additions

The Vitamin Plan will automatically detect if there is a recurring theme in the supplements that you are taking, and suggest a focused addition or two for that theme. For example, if your plan seems to be mostly centered around joint health, it may suggest adding glucosamine or collagen if you didn’t add them yet.

Remember

A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle always come first, and supplements are meant to be just that: supplementary. While every effort has been made to ensure that the data on this page is accurate, said accuracy can never be guaranteed. The information provided is not medical advice, it is not intended to cover all possible interactions or adverse effects, and neither is it a substitute for the expertise of professional healthcare practitioners. You are always encouraged to do your own research, and to consult with your trusted doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements.

Read our FAQ »

We use cookies to save your site preferences and manage site traffic.

More info