WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF TOO MUCH TURMERIC?

Medically reviewed by Kristie Reed, PharmDMedically reviewed by Kristie Reed, PharmD

Turmeric is an Asian spice that comes from the turmeric plant Curcuma longa, part of the ginger Zingiberaceae family. It contains curcumin, a natural pigment that gives turmeric its yellow color.

Turmeric has been found to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both turmeric and curcumin are thought to help with numerous inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis (OA), seasonal allergies, and respiratory (lung) infections. Some research also shows turmeric can help improve health conditions such as depression, hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels), and Alzheimer's disease.

You can consume turmeric as a spice or tea or take it as a supplement. Generally, turmeric supplements are well tolerated in doses from 4,000-8,000 milligrams (mg) per day. However, there are a few side effects and risks associated with turmeric supplementation, including gastrointestinal (GI) upset, blood thinning, and liver disease.

Gastrointestinal Upset

The most common side effects caused by turmeric are related to stomach or digestive system upset. These gastrointestinal side effects are more common with higher doses of turmeric.

Digestive side effects are likely common because the GI tract poorly absorbs turmeric. Examples of GI side effects reported include:

  • Abdominal distension (noticeable swelling of the belly)
  • Constipation
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Diarrhea
  • Flatulence (gas)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Acid reflux (when stomach acid flows into the throat or chest) or heartburn
  • Yellow stool

Taking turmeric with food may help limit the number of GI side effects experienced.

Skin Rash

Topical (applied directly to the skin) products containing turmeric or curcumin have been shown to cause skin rash in some cases. Several studies have reported people experiencing a skin rash after applying turmeric to the skin or scalp.

If you notice a rash after using a turmeric product, immediately stop applying the product and talk with your healthcare provider.

Increased Bleeding Risk

Turmeric has been reported to have blood-thinning properties. The spice is believed to directly block the calcium signaling pathway, which is needed to properly form blood clots and normalize blood flow in the body.

People with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia (a condition in which blood doesn't clot properly), should take caution when using dietary turmeric and turmeric supplements or consider avoiding them. This includes people taking medications or supplements that can thin the blood, such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), and ginkgo biloba.

Bleeding side effects can include easy bruising, abnormal bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), and blood in your stool or urine. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications that affect the blood, talk with your healthcare provider before starting a turmeric supplement.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Turmeric can lower blood sugar (glucose) levels, especially in people with a history of type 2 diabetes. Research shows turmeric may affect blood sugar levels by taking glucose from the blood and moving it to skeletal muscle to be used for energy. This improves insulin resistance by regulating the amount of insulin needed in the body to control high blood sugar levels.

This effect of turmeric may be helpful for some people, but it can be dangerous in people with normal blood sugar control or those taking medications that already lower their blood sugar.

For people already taking medications that affect blood sugar levels, like insulin or other anti-diabetic drugs, turmeric's blood sugar-lowering effect can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels include fast heartbeat, jitteriness, headache, and altered mental status.

Liver Damage

The most serious side effect reported with turmeric is liver damage. Studies that reported liver damage with turmeric noted this side effect occurred with high doses of curcumin, or between 250-1,800 mg per day.

Examples of liver damage include hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cholestasis (when the flow of bile from the liver stops or slows down), and cellular liver injury. Common symptoms of liver damage include jaundice (yellowish appearance of the whites of the eyes and skin), abdominal pain, nausea, and dark urine.

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking turmeric and talk with your healthcare provider immediately. Stopping the turmeric supplement should help resolve any liver damage caused. However, if the damage is severe, additional treatment may be necessary.

How Much Is Too Much Turmeric?

Turmeric in doses of up to 3 grams (g) daily has been studied and considered safe for up to three months. Products with up to 8 g of curcumin are considered safe for daily use for up to two months.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers turmeric safe in doses from 4,000-8,000 mg per day. This includes the amount of turmeric spice added to food as well as turmeric supplements. However, more studies are needed to determine the most effective and safe doses of turmeric.

It is unknown if turmeric is safe in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's best to avoid taking turmeric supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or talk to your healthcare provider first.

What To Look For

When shopping for turmeric supplements, it's important to buy safe and high-quality products. The FDA does not regulate supplements the same way it regulates prescription and certain over-the-counter medications. Look for supplements tested by independent third-party organizations to ensure the ingredients listed are actually the ingredients in the supplement. This testing also ensures the supplement does not contain unsafe toxins or additives.

Popular organizations that offer quality testing include United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, and ConsumerLab.com. You can look for their labels on the product packaging. 

When To See a Healthcare Provider

If you are interested in taking turmeric, first talk with your healthcare provider. They will help you determine if the supplement is safe for you and whether it will interact with any health conditions you have or medications you are already taking.

If you are taking turmeric supplements and begin experiencing any of the side effects mentioned above, immediately stop taking the supplement and contact a healthcare provider. Your provider can evaluate you, your history, and the symptoms you are experiencing to determine the cause. This may include completing a physical exam, ordering certain labs, or completing imaging tests.

A Quick Review

Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, an antioxidant pigment. Turmeric and curcumin may help with several inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis (OA), seasonal allergies, and respiratory infections. Some research also shows turmeric may help improve health conditions such as depression, hyperlipidemia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Turmeric can be consumed from the diet or taken as a supplement. Overall, turmeric supplements are well tolerated in doses of up to 8,000 mg per day. Side effects of turmeric supplementation may include gastrointestinal upset, low blood sugar, blood thinning, and liver disease. Topical products containing turmeric may cause skin rash.

If you are interested in taking turmeric and want to know more about potential side effects, talk with your healthcare provider.

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2024-08-19T12:07:30Z dg43tfdfdgfd