Food matrix and co-presence of turmeric compounds influence bioavailability of curcumin in healthy humans

95% [-0.08, 0.47] for the curcumin powder meal. Plasma DMC and BDMC were significantly higher (p < 0.05) following the turmeric powder meal, compared with the fresh turmeric meal and the curcumin powder meal. Microscopy images showed that the curcuminoid particles were mostly confined within curcuminoid cells in the fresh turmeric meal. They were unconfined but in clusters in the turmeric powder meal, while the curcuminoid particles appeared smaller in the curcumin powder meal. Conclusion: curcumin bioavailability is enhanced when consumed as fresh or powdered turmeric, which could be due to the co-presence of other turmeric compounds and/or a turmeric matrix effect.