Turmeric for Horses: What Trainers Should Know
You may have heard of turmeric (curcuma longa), a culinary spice often used to season Indian dishes. However, turmeric is also gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for humans and animals alike. Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese wellness traditions for centuries, and horse owners in the West are now incorporating it into equine nutrition programs.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a root plant in the ginger family. The active compound in turmeric is **curcumin**, which gives the spice its bright yellow pigment. Curcumin is also the component most associated with turmeric's nutritional benefits.
Curcumin is recognized for its antioxidant properties — it supports the body's natural ability to manage oxidative stress from exercise and environmental factors.
How Turmeric Supports Horses
Turmeric supplementation may support several aspects of equine wellness:
Normal joint function and mobility — Supports comfortable movement in horses with regular training demands
Healthy gastric lining — Supports normal gastric wall mucus production, which helps maintain a healthy stomach lining
Normal immune function — Supports the body's natural immune response
Normal skin health — Supports healthy skin condition
Antioxidant support — Helps the body manage normal oxidative stress from exercise
Performance horses in regular training face significant physical demands on their joints and connective tissue. Turmeric supplementation supports normal joint comfort and mobility as part of a comprehensive nutrition program.
Bioavailability: The Key Challenge
Unfortunately, turmeric alone has poor bioavailability — meaning the body may not efficiently absorb and utilize the curcumin it contains. Additionally, natural turmeric only contains about 3% curcumin, which is the component with the most nutritional value.
There is good news, however:
Omega-3 fatty acids** fed in conjunction with turmeric can support its absorption Piperine** (an extract of black pepper) appears to further support the bioavailability of curcumin by supporting certain digestive processes that allow more time for curcumin absorption
When choosing a turmeric supplement, look for formulas that address bioavailability by including these complementary ingredients.
What to Look for in an Equine Turmeric Supplement
Not all turmeric supplements are the same. Key considerations:
Curcumin concentration — Many products contain only 1% curcumin. Look for concentrated, extracted forms that deliver meaningful amounts
Bioavailability support — Products that include Omega-3 fatty acids and/or piperine support better absorption
Appropriate serving size — A quality formula should deliver effective levels of curcumin in a practical daily serving
Purity — Free of unnecessary fillers and additives
At Peak Performance Nutrients, we carry TumeriGOLD — a unique equine turmeric product that uses a highly concentrated, extracted form of turmeric and includes Omega-3 fatty acids as well as Bioperine standardized piperine black pepper extract for optimal bioavailability support.
The Bottom Line
Turmeric is a well-established nutritional ingredient that supports normal joint function, mobility, and overall wellness in horses. The key to an effective turmeric supplement is curcumin concentration and bioavailability. Look for formulas that combine concentrated curcumin with complementary ingredients like Omega-3s and piperine.
Peak Performance Nutrients offers TumeriGOLD for comprehensive turmeric support. Browse all products or contact us for personalized recommendations.*
