Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a widely used spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It's not only a common ingredient in cooking but also has medicinal properties known for centuries. One of the key bioactive compounds in black pepper is piperine, which is responsible for its characteristic pungent taste and aroma.

Black pepper is known for its potential to help enhance the bioavailability of certain supplements, including magnesium and turmeric. This is because of the presence of piperine, which is a natural bioavailability enhancer. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient that is absorbed and available for use by the body.

Bioavailability

By increasing the bioavailability of certain supplements, piperine might help the body have greater access to the amount of these active ingredients.
One way in which piperine increases the bioavailability of supplements is by helping to inhibit the activity of enzymes in the liver and gut that are responsible for breaking down and eliminating specific molecules. By inhibiting these enzymes, piperine could allow more of the active ingredient to be absorbed and utilized by the body for specific individuals.

Piperine and absorption

Piperine has also been found to potentially increase the absorption of certain nutrients, such as magnesium and turmeric, by supporting the blood flow to the gut and supporting the function of the gut's absorptive cells.* This would allow more of the active ingredient to be absorbed and utilized by the body.*

In the case of magnesium glycinate, the bioavailability enhancer is the BioPerine® black pepper extract, which is a patented form of piperine. The BioPerine® black pepper extract has been clinically studied to potentially increase the bioavailability of magnesium glycinate by up to 30%.* This means that by taking a magnesium glycinate supplement that contains BioPerine® black pepper extract, the body might access and utilize more of the active ingredient.*

Piperine has also been found to have other health benefits and antioxidant properties.* Studies have shown that piperine may help support brain function in some cases.*

In conclusion, black pepper and its bioactive compound piperine might be useful to use in certain supplements, including magnesium and turmeric, to help support their bioavailability.* Black pepper extract might also offer other wellness benefits. It is a natural way to help enhance the bioavailability of certain supplements without the use of synthetic compounds.

It's important to note that it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, including those containing piperine, to ensure that it's safe and appropriate for you.