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Turmeric, celebrated for its health benefits and active compound curcumin, is facing scrutiny following a recent study linking its supplements to liver injury. Widely used for its antioxidant properties and touted as a remedy for inflammatory conditions, turmeric has gained popularity in recent years. However, concerns have emerged regarding its safety.
The study, published in The American Journal of Medicine in 2023, analyzed cases of liver injury associated with turmeric supplements reported to the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) between 2004 and 2022. Shockingly, researchers identified 10 cases of liver injury linked to turmeric, with six occurring since 2017. Of these cases, five patients required hospitalization, and tragically, one patient succumbed to acute liver failure.
Dr. Jay Hoofnagle, one of the study’s authors and director of the Liver Disease Research Branch at NIDDK, highlighted the growing concern, especially noting a potential risk when turmeric supplements are combined with black pepper. “The question we’re always asked is, how come now, suddenly you’re seeing this?” Dr. Hoofnagle stated in an interview. “Turmeric is a spice, right? Your body doesn’t absorb it. But modern products have been altered to enhance absorption, potentially increasing the risk of liver damage,” he explained.
The study also pointed to a genetic predisposition among some individuals, specifically those carrying the HLA-B*35:01 allele, who may be at heightened risk of liver injury from turmeric supplementation. This allele, though present in about 6-7% of the population, appeared in seven of the 10 cases studied.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, a registered dietician at Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the need for caution, stating, “The liver is the body’s TSA agent. Supplements make their first stop there, and therefore, the liver takes the brunt of the energy the body takes to break down, detoxify, and allow in or remove.”
Dr. Hoofnagle underscored the importance of appropriate dosing, cautioning against assuming that turmeric supplements are as benign as culinary turmeric. “In biology, the correct dose is the correct dose. If you go higher, all you have is more side effects,” he warned.
The findings raise significant regulatory and safety concerns, particularly as turmeric supplements continue to grow in popularity. While turmeric has a long history in traditional medicine, its concentrated form in supplements demands a more vigilant approach to safety and regulation.
As researchers delve deeper into the mechanisms behind these adverse effects, the debate over turmeric’s role as a beneficial supplement versus a potential health hazard continues to evolve.
For those considering turmeric supplements, consulting with healthcare providers about potential risks, especially in the presence of other medications or health conditions, is strongly advised.
