The wellness space is full of people shilling supplements, and while there are certainly some cases where vitamin supplementation is appropriate, medical professionals remain skeptical.Here's why: First, they aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Further, the efficacy of many isn't always supported by reliable studies, and most people eating with healthy, nutrient-rich diets don't actually need them. Recently, actual medical professionals rang alarm bells about one specific, popular supplement that may do more harm than good for people taking it, especially in terms of its impact on liver health. Read on to find out what the supplement is, what to know about the signs of liver toxicity and what to keep in mind before taking this type of supplement.?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?
Turmeric, a spice related to ginger, can be really great for you, according to physician Dr. Cynthia Odogwu, MD."Research has shown that turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which makes it beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes," she tells Parade. Additionally, she notes, "Turmeric can help treat knee pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee."However, turmeric supplements may do more harm than good, simply because, as Dr. Odogwu puts it, "You can have too much of a good thing. While turmeric is generally safe, high doses can be toxic to the liver. Rarely, turmeric supplements can cause liver injury."Related: This Is the #1 Most Important Habit for Liver Health, According to a Hepatologist
How Much Turmeric Is Too Much Turmeric?
The likelihood of liver damage increases with the dosage of turmeric in a supplement. According to the World Health Organization, about 0 to 3 mg. per kilogram of body weight is recommended for women per day. (You can view a handy pounds-to-kilograms converter.) By this measure, for example, a 140-lb. (about 63 kg.) woman should max out at about 190 mg. of turmeric daily.Most turmeric supplements, however, contain way more than that: NBC News reports that common turmeric supplements may have as much as 2,250 mg. per dose.Dr. Odogwu pointed out that some individuals are at higher risk than others: "The liver injury due to turmeric is more likely to happen in people who carry a particular gene and when the turmeric supplement contains piperine, an active ingredient found in black pepper (that helps the body absorb turmeric)."Related: Supplements to Avoid, According to Doctors
Dr. Odogwu warns that sometimes there actually are none—at least not at first. And sometimes they're subtle, as is the case with a recent news report of one woman who didn't realize she was dealing with liver damage as a result of taking turmeric supplements."The damage to the liver cells can happen without any signs over one month to four months," she says. "When this happens, the liver injury may not be diagnosed until it is severe or even too late. Commonly, people may have their only symptom be general malaise which is a condition where a person just does not feeling well."Once other symptoms do appear, they may include:
Abdominal pain, especially in the right sideBlack, tarry stoolsBruising easilyConfusionDark urineFatigueItchy skinJaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)Loss of appetitePale stoolsSwellingVomiting bloodWeight lossRelated: The Very Best Foods for Your Liver, from Berries to Coffee and Green Tea
Are Liver Toxicity and Liver Damage Curable or Reversible?
Whether or not you can make a full recovery from liver damage and liver toxicity depends on how far along your condition is. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor ASAP if you may be at risk."When the liver injury is mild to moderate, it can be reversed," Dr. Odogwu explains. "People with severe liver damage from a turmeric supplement may end up needing a liver transplant or even passing away."Related: It's Not Just Alcohol! How Soda, Lack of Sleep and Other Common Habits Harm Your Liver
Because the risks associated with turmeric supplements are so serious, you absolutely need to let your doctor know if you are taking them, have taken them in the past or plan to in the future. They'll be able to guide you to safe dosage and will be better able to monitor your liver health if they have all the information necessary to do so!That said, Dr. Odogwu does offer some other tips if you're determined to turn up your turmeric intake.
Do not take turmeric if pregnant or breastfeeding.Choose a supplement that has been through third party testing to avoid taking one with any harmful contaminants.Consider getting a liver test before starting a turmeric supplement to make sure the liver is healthy. (This is where your doc comes in!)Consider cooking with turmeric rather than taking it in pill form—you're more in control of the amount, and, as a bonus, it's pretty delicious.Up Next:
Related: This Popular Diet May Increase Your Risk of Colon Cancer
Sources:
Dr. Cynthia Odogwu, MD"Evaluations of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)." World Health Organization."Rates of liver injuries rise in the U.S. as supplements grow in popularity." NBC News.Hence then, the article about this popular supplement could be toxic to your liver was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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