WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BLOOD SUGAR WHEN YOU ADD TURMERIC TO YOUR DIET
Medically reviewed by Karina Tolentino, RD
Key Takeaways
- Turmeric is a culinary spice and root used as a supplement that may help individuals with type 2 diabetes or other metabolic conditions manage their blood sugar levels.
- Turmeric has not been proven to lower blood sugar in individuals with normal baseline levels.
- Significant side effects associated with turmeric may include liver damage, stomach upset, and rash. Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Turmeric, derived from the root of a plant in the ginger family, is traditionally used in cooking and cuisine. Traditional medicine systems have utilized it for centuries to treat various conditions. Its most well-known component is curcumin, which is also used as a supplement.
How Turmeric Affects Blood Sugar Depends on Your Health
| How Turmeric (Curcumin) Affects Blood Sugar in People with Normal vs. High Levels | ||
|---|---|---|
| Health Status | Examples of Related Conditions | Effect of Turmeric (Curcumin) |
| People with type 2 diabetes and related conditions | Prediabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), obesity, and heart disease | May lower blood sugar levels and improve outcomes such as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin, and insulin resistance. |
| People with normal blood sugar levels | N/A | Unlikely to lower blood sugar; no significant effects in healthy adults. |
What Else Is Turmeric Good For?
| Turmeric (Curcumin) Benefits Beyond Blood Sugar | |
|---|---|
| Condition | What Turmeric Might Do |
| MASLD (fatty liver disease) | May support liver health and reduce inflammation |
| Osteoarthritis | May reduce joint pain and swelling |
| High cholesterol | May help improve cholesterol levels |
| Cancer | Potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects |
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | May ease digestive symptoms |
| Metabolic syndrome | May improve metabolic function |
| Obesity | May support weight management |
| Gingivitis | May reduce gum inflammation |
| Kidney disease | May protect kidney function |
| Skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis) | May soothe inflammation and skin irritation |
Is Turmeric Safe for Me?
Like all supplements, turmeric and curcumin may cause side effects, interact with medications, and pose risks for specific populations. Please consult your healthcare provider before you use them.
- Allergy: Avoid turmeric if you're allergic to it or any of its components (for example, curcumin).
- Liver injury: Turmeric (curcumin) is a leading cause of liver injury due to a supplement in the U.S. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), and dark urine. To minimize risk, use standard turmeric supplements and take only the recommended amount as specified by the manufacturer.
- Other side effects: Turmeric (curcumin) may cause liver inflammation (hepatitis), skin rash (when applied topically), and digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Medicines and supplements that lower blood sugar: Turmeric (curcumin) may further lower blood sugar levels when taken in conjunction with diabetes medications or supplements, such as chromium and cinnamon.
- Medications broken down by specific liver enzymes: Turmeric (curcumin) affects liver enzymes (CYP450), which may alter how your body metabolizes some medications.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Curcumin and turmeric are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- People with liver conditions: Individuals with liver issues should avoid consuming turmeric (curcumin) and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any adverse symptoms.
How Much Turmeric Should You Take?
There's no specific recommended dosage for turmeric (curcumin). However, take only the amount listed by the manufacturer on your product's label; avoid taking large doses.
Recent clinical trials investigating the impact of blood sugar have used doses of 500 to 2100 milligrams (mg) daily for durations of 8 to 16 weeks.
Due to the risk of serious side effects like liver damage, limit turmeric use for up to 3 months unless your healthcare provider directs you to take it longer.
Choosing a Dietary Supplement
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
When choosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as NSF, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or ConsumerLab.com.
For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Read the original article on Verywell Health
2025-10-07T13:03:40Z
