Black pepper extract (piperine)
What it is
Dramatically increases the absorption of many supplements including curcumin (by 2,000 percent), CoQ10, resveratrol, and beta-carotene. Works by inhibiting liver and gut enzymes that normally break down these compounds. Already included in many curcumin products as BioPerine. Warning: the same mechanism that boosts supplement absorption also increases absorption of prescription medications, which can cause overdose effects.
Dose
5–20 mg/day piperine (BioPerine); WARNING: increases absorption of many medications — check interactions
Time of day & tips
Take alongside the supplement you want to enhance (typically with breakfast or main meal containing the target supplement). Caution: piperine also increases absorption of many medications — check interactions with any prescriptions and avoid taking with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs.
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