Fat Interactions

Curcumin is a lipophilic molecule with very low water solubility, and dietary fat improves its dissolution and incorporation into bile-acid micelles for intestinal absorption. Taking curcumin or turmeric with a fat-containing meal, and using lipid-based formulations, raises its plasma exposure compared with intake on an empty stomach.

Lycopene is a fat-soluble carotenoid whose absorption depends on incorporation into bile-acid micelles, which require dietary fat. Human studies show that eating lycopene-rich foods with a fat source — such as olive oil or avocado — substantially increases how much lycopene reaches the bloodstream.