Consuming too much turmeric can be harmful to the liver.
Turmeric is a yellow spice. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, accounting for only about 3% of the root's composition. Therefore, curcumin supplements usually contain a higher concentration than regular turmeric.
Turmeric and curcumin can be found in capsule, powder, tea, or tincture form. Some products contain added piperine to enhance absorption.
Curcumin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to fatty liver disease. Curcumin may also help reduce markers of inflammation and support liver enzyme regulation.
An analysis published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2022 involving over 1,000 people noted that curcumin improved liver enzymes, reduced fat accumulation in the liver, total cholesterol, and BMI in individuals with fatty liver disease associated with metabolic disorders.
However, using turmeric isn't always beneficial if you consume too much. In particular, turmeric and curcumin supplements can have undesirable effects on the liver, according to the health website Verywell Health.
Turmeric or curcumin supplements may cause liver damage, although this is uncommon.
The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Research Network (DILIN) recorded 10 cases of liver injury among 2,392 suspected cases surveyed between 2004 and 2022. Patients used turmeric-containing products for an average of 86 days before symptoms appeared. Common symptoms included jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Most cases involve the use of high doses of curcumin. Some products also contain added piperine or fats to increase curcumin's absorption into the bloodstream. However, increased absorption can also increase the risk of liver damage.
How to use turmeric for good health
Studies typically use turmeric at doses of 500-2,000 mg per day. Some data suggest that common turmeric preparations may be well tolerated at 1,500 mg per day for up to 3 months. High-dose curcumin may also be safe for short-term use, depending on dosage and individual physiology.
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However, curcumin doses exceeding 8 g per day are not recommended due to potential side effects. Some studies have also noted that doses below 500 mg per day may improve liver enzymes in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Turmeric, when used as a spice in food and drinks, is generally safe in moderate amounts. Conversely, dietary supplements containing high levels of curcumin should be used with caution. Users should carefully read the instructions, avoid increasing the dosage on their own, and consult a doctor, especially if they have liver disease or are taking medication.
People who need to be cautious when using turmeric and turmeric powder.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Turmeric is considered an excellent immune booster. In general, it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when consumed in low amounts of curcumin and in cooked foods.
Turmeric is considered unsafe when used as a medicine or herbal remedy because it can promote menstruation or stimulate the uterus, posing a risk to pregnancy.
- People with anemia
Anemia is caused by iron deficiency, a condition that occurs when the body doesn't produce enough red blood cells, or loses too many red blood cells due to bleeding or the body destroying them. If you consume high concentrations of turmeric powder in this situation, it can hinder iron absorption, worsening the condition.
- Diabetic patients
Diabetic patients need to pay special attention to their diet. They need to manage their blood sugar levels, avoiding both excessively high and low levels. Curcumin is known to lower blood sugar. Without caution, it can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.
- Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Although turmeric powder is effective in treating digestive and stomach disorders, it may interfere with the effectiveness of antacid medications.
When taken with antacids such as Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac, Nexium, or Prevacid, turmeric can increase stomach acid, causing unwanted pain.
- People who have kidney stones
Kidney stones are crystals formed by the deposition of minerals and salts. The most common mineral is calcium oxalate. Turmeric also contains a lot of oxalate, which can bind with calcium and cause kidney stone formation. Therefore, if you have kidney stones, it's best to take precautions.
- People preparing for surgery
Turmeric has the ability to prevent blood clotting, so people who need surgery should stop consuming turmeric about two weeks before the operation. Consuming too much turmeric can lead to excessive bleeding and difficulty controlling bleeding during and after surgery.