By Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 09.19.21
Supplements containing turmeric or its extract, curcumin, face economically-motivated adulteration in the supply chain, mainly through the use of synthetic curcuminoids. These synthetic alternatives could potentially pass as naturally-sourced in some common testing methodologies such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and be mistakenly marketed as such in finished products.
In a recent case study published in the journal Food Chemistry researchers found that of 14 curcumin supplements analyzed only four met label claims for identity and potency. However, adulterated products subjected to only HPLC or carbon-14 testing alone would not have been detected for their respective quality issues.
The HPLC method of testing alone did not provide direct evidence of curcuminoids’ natural origin, while another method, carbon-14, was unable to test for the potency of the supplements as claimed on labels. So, the authors of the study, which included analytic experts from the Global Cur
In a recent case study published in the journal Food Chemistry researchers found that of 14 curcumin supplements analyzed only four met label claims for identity and potency. However, adulterated products subjected to only HPLC or carbon-14 testing alone would not have been detected for their respective quality issues.
The HPLC method of testing alone did not provide direct evidence of curcuminoids’ natural origin, while another method, carbon-14, was unable to test for the potency of the supplements as claimed on labels. So, the authors of the study, which included analytic experts from the Global Cur
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