Bioenhancing Effects of Black Pepper With Turmeric on Pain Ratings

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 40 or older
• BMI: 20-40
• Diet: No dietary prohibitions/allergies
• 21-day availability
• Moderate Pain Rating (self-reported numeric rating 4-7 on 10 pt scale)

Exclusion criteria

• Turmeric or Black Pepper Allergy, or any allergy that would prevent menu item selections for 7 days of feeding
• Recent change in pain levels - e.g. acute injury
• Known eating disorder
• No access to a phone capable of text message, electronic device (phone, tablet, computer/laptop) with email and internet access
• Inability to continue on protocol for 3 consecutive weeks.
• Medical conditions (cardiovascular disease event within the past six months, severe pulmonary disease, renal failure, major liver dysfunction within the last 2 years, digestive disorders including gastric reflux, irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease or related conditions current smoker or recently quit less than 6 months prior) or medications that would prevent the ability to comply with treatment assignment (e.g. blood thinners, arrhythmia control medications, prescription narcotic pain medications).
• Use of estrogen or testosterone replacement therapy within the past 6 months,
• Current use of oral corticosteroids > 5 days/month on average
• Cold, flu, virus, allergy or other conditions that impairs sensory perceptions (taste and smell) which may impact protocol compliance
• COVID19 positive status at time of enrollment
• Consumes an average of ≥1 serving of turmeric per day, or has never consumed and/or would not be willing to consume turmeric
• Consumes black pepper ≥ 3 servings per day and/or would not be willing to abstain from pepper consumption for the prescribed days during the study
• Abstinence from or dislike of either turmeric or black pepper
• Dependence on others for food procurement and preparation