HydroCurc® and Iron for Boosting Cognitive Health

Bioavailable curcumin (HydroCurc®) has shown benefits for increasing Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in adults when used in conjunction with 18mg of elemental iron from ferrous sulphate. A groundbreaking new clinical trial published in the highly regarded Antioxidants journal, details the effect of co-administration of HydroCurc® and iron for increasing Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in adults.

BDNF is a neurotrophin protein that plays a major role in brain cell growth and survival. The powerful protein is responsible for neuronal and cognitive function, and possibly the improvement of learning and memory. It is also suggested that BDNF significantly affects energy homeostasis, and high levels of BDNF may help mitigate symptoms of fatigue.  

Iron is an essential mineral for nearly all living organisms and is involved in several metabolic processes such as blood production, oxygen transportation and DNA synthesis. It is a key element found in red blood cells called haemoglobin, making up about about 70% of the body's iron levels.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide, causing more than 60% of anaemia cases.

What is HydroCurc®? 

HydroCurc® is a branded curcumin extract (an active ingredient of turmeric) with increased bioavailability to supply a large number of curcuminoids in a cold water dispersible format. HydroCurc® is developed by Pharmako Biotechnologies™using advanced LipiSperse® technology to prevent particle agglomeration and to create proper particle dispersion – previously not possible due to curcumin's poor bioavailability and difficulty in delivering high doses.

 

Scientific Evidence for HydroCurc®Benefits

The 6-week, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study had 155 healthy adult participants assigned to five groups:

1. 500mg HydroCurc® + 18mg iron (FS18 + Curc)
2. Curcumin placebo + 18mg iron (average human daily dietary intake) (FS18 + Plac)
3. Curcumin placebo + iron placebo (FS0 + Plac)
4. Curcumin placebo + 65mg iron (pharmacy dose) (FS65 + Plac)
5. 500mg HydroCurc® + 65mg iron (pharmacy dose) (FS65 + Curc)

Study Design

The curcumin supplements contained 85% curcuminoids, 80% of which were curcumin, 17% DMC and 3% BDMC. The participants took one iron and one curcumin supplement once a day, at least two hours after or one hour before food consumption.

 Results

- The 1^st group (FS18 + Curc) recorded a significant difference in BDNF levels compared to the 2^nd group (FS18 + Plac), with a 34.93% higher concentration of BDNF in (FS18 + Curc) than (FS18 + Plac).

- The 1^st group (FS18 + Curc) recorded a significantly higher BDNF at the endpoint compared to the placebo group, with a 53.78% increase.

- The 5^th group (FS65 + Curc) recorded an increase in BDNF at the endpoint compared to the 4^th group (FS65 + Plac), but this trend was not significant.

BDNF levels expressed as percentage difference compared to baseline levels.

Percentage in BDNF for participants with low ferritin at baseline.

Percentage difference in BDNF for participants with normal ferritin.

 Benefits of HydroCurc®

 Increased BDNF levels

BDNF is essential for promoting neurons in the brain, which affects our ability to form connections for learning and memory. The increased BDNF levels from HydroCurc® consumption could improve cognitive function, allowing individuals to absorb new information faster and better recall.

BDNF may also have a protective effect against damage or loss of existing neurons in the brain, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. 

 Reduced joint pain 

A 2022 study published in Complementary Medicine Research also found HydroCurc® to be effective in reducing joint pain. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study was administered to healthy adult participants over a 2-week period - those who had taken HydroCurc® experienced a 37% reduction in morning joint pain.

The results indicate that HydroCurc® is effective in mitigating joint pain for conditions such as arthritis, where inflammation in the joints causes discomfort and stiffness. 

 Promotes gut health

HydroCurc® was found to enhance the uptake and storage of iron in the intestinal system, according to a 2025 study published in the Food and Function journal. Data from the study shows that HyroCurc® was able to increase ferritin levels by 160.5% and protect the integrity of the intestinal barrier. HydroCurc® can reduce inflammation in the gut lining to help with conditions such as leaky gut.

 
Conclusion

Researchers concluded that "the current study demonstrates for the first time that the co-administration of a bioavailable formulated curcumin supplement with ferrous sulphate containing 18mg elemental iron for 42 days results in increased serum BDNF levels. The addition of curcumin may therefore provide a novel approach to iron supplementation and possibly enhance the iron-associated cognitive benefits linked to increased serum BDNF levels".

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Reference List

1. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemoglobin-and-functions-of-iron.

2. Mehrpouya S, Nahavandi A, Khojasteh F, Soleimani M, Ahmadi M, Barati M. Iron administration prevents BDNF decrease and depressive-like behavior following chronic stress. Brain Res. 2015;1596:79-87. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.057.

3. Miller JL. Iron deficiency anemia: a common and curable disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2013;3(7):a011866. Published 2013 Jul 1. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a011866.

4. Tiekou Lorinczova, H.; Fitzsimons, O.; Mursaleen, L.; Renshaw, D.; Begum, G.; Zariwala, M.G. Co-Administration of Iron and a Bioavailable Curcumin Supplement Increases Serum BDNF Levels in Healthy Adults. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 645

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