Turmeric is a popular spice that is known for being healthy and bright yellow. However, it has recently been linked to liver damage.
The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) in the US recently did a study that found that taking turmeric could cause serious liver damage in some people. This has health experts worried.
Why is Turmeric Popular?
The roots of the Curcuma longa plant are used to make turmeric. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Curcumin, a chemical that is found in it, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and protective effects.
Turmeric pills are often taken to help with arthritis, digestion, and even to make the immune systems of people stronger.
It’s even been used to stop diseases like COVID-19 in some people. But new research shows that turmeric might not be as safe as people used to think.
Turmeric and Liver Damage: What the Study Found
The study reviewed cases of people who developed liver injuries after consuming turmeric. The findings were surprising:
- 10 cases of liver damage linked to turmeric were recorded between 2011 and 2022.
- Most affected individuals were women (8 out of 10 cases).
- The average age of affected patients was 56 years.
- 5 out of 10 patients were hospitalized, and one person died due to acute liver failure.
The patients had used turmeric for different reasons, mainly for joint pain and overall health. In most cases, liver problems appeared within 1 to 4 months of taking turmeric regularly. Symptoms included jaundice (yellowing of the skin), nausea, and abdominal pain.
The Role of Black Pepper (Piperine)
One important thing about the study was that a lot of turmeric goods also had black pepper extract (piperine) in them.
Turmeric pills often have piperine added to them because it helps the body absorb curcumin up to 2000% better.
But this higher rate of intake may also make liver damage more likely.
Three of the seven turmeric products that were tested had piperine in them, which suggests that there may be a link between liver damage and better curcumin absorption.
Genetics May Play a Role
Genes were also found to be a possible important role. Seven out of ten cases had a certain gene variation known as HLA-B*35:01.
Herbal products like green tea and Garcinia cambogia have been linked to liver damage through this gene.
So, this means that some people may be genetically more likely to have liver problems linked to turmeric.
Should You Stop Taking Turmeric?
While turmeric is still considered safe for most people, these findings suggest that caution is needed, especially for those who take high doses or use supplements containing black pepper extract. Here are some key takeaways:
- Moderate turmeric consumption in food (like in curry) is unlikely to cause harm.
- If you take turmeric supplements, consult a doctor, especially if you have liver issues.
- Avoid turmeric supplements with black pepper extract if you are at risk for liver disease.
- Watch for symptoms like yellow skin, fatigue, and stomach pain if you take turmeric regularly.
More study is needed because more and more people are getting liver damage from turmeric.
Researchers need to find out how turmeric affects the liver and if there are any groups of people who should never eat it.
People who take turmeric pills should be careful until more research is done on the possible risks.
