Effects of 8 Weeks of Turmeric Ingestion on Physiology and Wellbeing in Healthy Older Adults
This study explores the effects of drinking a turmeric beverage twice daily for 8 weeks on the health and well-being of older adults. Turmeric contains special compounds that are thought to help with inflammation and protect your body. While turmeric has been studied in people with specific health problems, this research aims to understand its broader benefits for healthy older adults. We're comparing turmeric to a 'dummy' drink (placebo) to see if it genuinely improves physical health and how people feel overall. This could help us understand more about turmeric's role in healthy aging.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have heard about turmeric, a bright yellow spice often used in cooking. It contains something called curcumin, which scientists believe has properties that can help reduce inflammation and protect your body's cells. There's some early evidence that turmeric might improve general health and how people feel, especially in those with certain conditions.
However, turmeric is more than just curcumin. It has many other natural compounds that could also be good for our health. Most past research has focused on people who already have a specific illness. This study is different because it wants to see if turmeric can benefit generally healthy older adults, not just those with existing health problems. We want to understand if regularly drinking turmeric could improve physical health and overall well-being as we get older.
So, in this study, we're asking participants to drink a turmeric beverage twice a day for 8 weeks. Another group will drink a 'placebo,' which looks and tastes similar but doesn't contain turmeric. By comparing these two groups, we can get a clearer picture of whether turmeric truly has a positive effect on older adults' health and how they feel day-to-day.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates if turmeric drinks can improve health in healthy older adults.
- Participation involves drinking a turmeric or placebo beverage twice daily for 8 weeks.
- The study aims to understand turmeric's broader benefits beyond specific illnesses.
- Both men and women aged 40-95 who are generally healthy are invited.
- Various health conditions and allergies would prevent participation.
- You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults between 40 and 95 years old, both men and women, who are generally healthy. Your weight should be within a healthy range, meaning your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 39.9.
However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have or have had heart disease, diabetes, liver, lung, or kidney problems, osteoporosis (weak bones), dementia, or cancer, you won't be able to take part. Also, if you're currently taking any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies that are known to react badly with turmeric, you shouldn't join. We also can't include you if you're allergic to turmeric, lemon, black pepper, watermelon, water, pineapple, magnesium, or vitamin C.
Finally, if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you won't be able to participate. If you've regularly used turmeric shots or supplements (once a week or more) in the last three months, you also won't be eligible to join this study, as this could affect the results.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 40 and 95 years old?
- Is your weight in a healthy range (BMI 18.5-39.9)?
- Do you have any of the following: heart disease, diabetes, liver, lung, or kidney disease, osteoporosis, dementia, or cancer?
- Are you currently taking any medications or supplements that might interact with turmeric?
- Are you allergic to turmeric, lemon, black pepper, watermelon, pineapple, magnesium, or vitamin C?
- Have you used turmeric shots or supplements regularly (weekly or more) in the last three months?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be asked to drink a specific beverage, either a turmeric shot or a dummy drink (placebo), twice a day for 8 weeks. You'll have regular check-ups to see how you're doing, which might involve physical assessments and questionnaires about your well-being. We'll also take some measurements to understand the changes in your body. The total duration of your active participation, including follow-up, will involve these 8 weeks of drinking the beverage and any necessary assessments throughout that period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Nottingham Trent University, Clifton campusVerified postcodeNottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'placebo'?
A placebo is a 'dummy' drink that looks and tastes like the actual turmeric drink but doesn't contain the active ingredients. It helps us compare the effects fairly.
Why can't I take other turmeric supplements during the study?
To accurately see the effects of our specific turmeric drink, it's important that you don't take other turmeric supplements, as this could interfere with our results.
Will I know if I'm getting the turmeric or the placebo?
No, neither you nor the study team will know which drink you are receiving. This is called 'blinding' and it helps ensure the study results are unbiased.
How long does the study last?
You will be asked to drink the study beverage twice a day for 8 weeks. There will also be some initial and follow-up appointments.
What if I have an allergic reaction?
You will be carefully screened for allergies before joining. If you experience any unexpected reactions during the study, you should inform the study team immediately.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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