4 Side Effects of Eating Too Much Pomegranate Seeds

Pomegranate seeds are the juicy, edible parts of the fruit, rich in flavor and nutrients. They are safe to eat, but overdoing it or eating the root, stem, or skin can sometimes cause stomach upset or other side effects.

1. Digestive problems

Pomegranate seeds are high in fiber, but quickly increasing your fiber intake could lead to digestive issues. Pomegranate seeds contain cellulose and lignin, types of insoluble fiber that pass through the digestive tract without being broken down or digested.

It’s possible to experience uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The most common digestive side effect of pomegranate seeds is diarrhea.

In rare cases, consuming many pomegranate seeds could lead to severe intestinal obstruction. People with chronic constipation are at higher risk of developing a blockage.

2. Allergic reaction

It is rare but possible to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate seeds. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system identifies a food or substance as an allergen and responds by producing antibodies against it. These antibodies affect the respiratory system, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Possible signs of a food allergy include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Other symptoms may include a red rash, itching, hives, swelling, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. If you are allergic to birch pollen or other types of fruit, you are at higher risk of pomegranate allergy. Talk to your healthcare professional if you are concerned about an allergy. Do not consume pomegranate seeds if you have ever experienced allergy symptoms after eating them.

3. Rhabdomyolysis

Pomegranate seeds, fruits, and juice may interact with certain medications and supplements. Eating pomegranate seeds while taking cholesterol medications (statins) could cause a rare condition called rhabdomyolysis. This causes kidney damage and muscle breakdown. Rhabdomyolysis is serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Do not consume pomegranate seeds or juice while taking statins. Examples of statins include Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether medications might interact with pomegranate.

4. Drug Interactions

In addition to statins, pomegranate seeds and juice may interact with several other medications. This is because pomegranates contain a compound that blocks an enzyme necessary for the absorption of medications. Grapefruits can have the same effect.

Pomegranates may interact with the following types of medications:

Who should avoid pomegranate seeds?

Pomegranate seeds, juice, and fruits are healthy and safe for most people, and side effects are rare. Avoid or limit your consumption of pomegranate seeds if you have any of the following conditions:

• Take certain medications: Because pomegranates interact with certain medications, it is important to avoid them if you are currently taking statins, blood thinners, antihypertensives, or immunosuppressants. Pomegranate seeds can affect the amount of medication absorbed by the body, leading to serious side effects.
• Chronic constipation: People with chronic constipation or other digestive problems may be at higher risk of stomach upset or intestinal obstruction from pomegranate seeds.
• Chronic kidney disease: Pomegranates are high in potassium, which can affect kidney health. If your potassium levels are high, pomegranate seeds may not be safe. These seeds may also interact with certain transplant medications. Avoid them if you have had a kidney transplant.
• Diabetes: Pomegranates are relatively high in carbohydrates and natural sugars, compared to other fruits. If you are limiting your sugar intake to manage diabetes, limit your pomegranate seed intake.