From the Guidelines
Yes, there are potential harms associated with taking turmeric supplements, particularly in relation to bleeding risk, gallbladder disease, blood sugar control, and potential interactions with medications, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1. While generally considered safe at recommended doses (typically 500-2000 mg of curcumin daily), turmeric supplements can cause side effects including:
- Digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset
- Turmeric has blood-thinning properties and may increase bleeding risk, especially when combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, as seen in 1
- People with gallbladder disease should avoid turmeric as it can worsen symptoms by stimulating bile production
- Turmeric may also lower blood sugar, potentially causing problems for diabetics taking glucose-lowering medications, as observed in 1
- Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, and high doses might cause liver problems in susceptible people
- Pregnant women should avoid medicinal amounts of turmeric The supplement industry is poorly regulated, so product quality and actual curcumin content can vary significantly between brands, which is a concern highlighted by the lack of strong evidence on its efficacy and safety in certain conditions, such as in the management of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, as discussed in 1. These risks occur because curcumin, turmeric's active compound, affects multiple biological pathways in the body, including those involved in inflammation, blood clotting, and metabolism, with studies like 1 noting its low toxicity but poor bioavailability. Given the potential for harm, particularly in relation to bleeding risk and interactions with other medications, it is crucial for individuals to consult with a healthcare provider before starting turmeric supplements, especially if they are taking any medications or have underlying health conditions, as the most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests.
From the Research
Potential Harms of Turmeric Supplements
- Turmeric supplements have been associated with several potential harms, including:
- Autoimmune hepatitis: A case study reported a 71-year-old woman who developed autoimmune hepatitis after taking turmeric dietary supplements, which resolved after discontinuation of the supplements 2.
- Liver injury: Two cases of turmeric supplement-induced severe hepatitis have been reported, highlighting the need for physicians to be aware of the potential risks associated with turmeric supplements 3.
- Interactions with conventional drugs: Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from turmeric, can induce pharmacokinetic alterations when concomitantly used with pharmacological agents, including cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, and anticoagulants 4.
- However, it is also important to note that turmeric supplements have been shown to have several health benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may aid in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and anxiety 5.
- Protection against esophageal and gastric disorders: Curcumin has been shown to exert protective effects against reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and gastric mucosal damage induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and necrotizing agents 6.
Key Considerations
- The bioavailability of curcumin is poor, and it may require enhancing agents, such as piperine, to increase its absorption and effectiveness 5.
- Turmeric supplements can interact with conventional drugs, and physicians should be cautious when prescribing or recommending turmeric supplements to patients taking other medications 4.
- While turmeric supplements have been associated with several potential harms, the existing evidence also suggests that they may have several health benefits, and further research is needed to fully understand their effects on human health 5, 2, 3, 6, 4.