Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Linked to Liver Injury in the U.S.
Recent studies have raised concerns about the safety of turmeric and curcumin supplements, particularly in the United States. While turmeric is commonly used in cooking and is considered safe in small amounts, supplements containing concentrated curcumin have been linked to liver problems. According to the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, turmeric has become a leading cause of herbal-related liver injury in the country. This is primarily attributed to highly bioavailable forms of curcumin found in enhanced formulations. These supplements are digested differently than turmeric used in food, leading to potential liver damage. Symptoms of liver injury include jaundice, dark urine, and nausea, which typically resolve after discontinuing the supplement. However, there have been cases of severe liver failure resulting in death. Additionally, some turmeric products have been found to be adulterated with harmful substances, such as lead chromate, which was added to enhance col...