A 57-year-old woman in the United States landed in the hospital after developing severe liver toxicity linked to her daily turmeric supplement intake, according to a report by NBC. The woman began consuming turmeric pills in March after watching an Instagram doctor tout its benefits for joint pain and inflammation. But within weeks, she began experiencing stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, and darkened urine — classic symptoms of liver stress.
Doctors revealed that her liver enzymes were found to be 70 times above the normal level, placing her on the verge of complete liver failure that could have required a transplant, reported Indian Express.
Experts warn that the rising trend of self-supplementing with turmeric or curcumin extracts — especially in high concentrations — can pose a serious health risk, particularly to the liver.
“If turmeric is taken in a high concentrated amount, it can affect the liver,” said Dr Punit Singla, programme clinical director, Institute of Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, according to Indian Express. “Every person has a different digestive power; some tend to absorb more. That’s why self-supplementing with turmeric can pose a health risk.”
While 500 to 2000 mg of curcumin per day is generally considered safe for most adults, variations in supplement quality and the lack of regulation in the herbal supplement market can make dosing unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Turmeric capsules often contain up to 95% curcumin — far more than the 3% found in regular ground turmeric used in cooking.
Doctors caution that individuals with underlying liver conditions like fatty liver disease or alcoholic liver disease should avoid turmeric supplements altogether. They may be at risk for drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a condition that has been documented in medical literature as recently as 2023.
Symptoms of potential liver toxicity include yellow urine, abdominal heaviness, fatigue, and weakness. Experts urge anyone experiencing such symptoms after taking turmeric supplements — especially with black pepper, which boosts absorption — to consult a doctor and undergo liver function tests.
