What can happen to your liver when you take daily turmeric supplements long term

Turmeric isn’t inherently bad for the liver, but taking too much, especially in supplement form, can pose a risk. Used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine, turmeric is a popular ingredient in supplements marketed for everything from joint support to liver health.

Too much turmeric can damage your liver

• Despite their possible benefits, turmeric and curcumin supplements are not without risk.
• There have been at least 70 reports of liver damage linked to turmeric or curcumin supplements, including cases of non-infectious liver inflammation (hepatitis) and cholestasis.
• Most people recovered after stopping the supplement, but some required hospitalization and at least one person died from turmeric-related liver failure.
• The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) reported that of 2,392 suspected cases of liver injury studied from 2004 to 2022, 10 were linked to turmeric supplements.
• In these cases, people used turmeric for an average of 86 days before symptoms of liver damage appeared.
• The most common side effects were jaundice, abdominal pain and nausea.
• Notably, most of these cases involved high-dose curcumin supplements, some of which contained additional components that significantly improved curcumin absorption.
• Better absorption may seem like a good thing, but it can also increase the risk of liver damage by increasing the amount that reaches your bloodstream.
• There are also cases of turmeric or curcumin supplements contaminated with heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic), which can harm your health.
• It is essential to choose your products wisely, follow the directions provided by the product manufacturer, and consult your healthcare professional before using any supplement.

Signs that your liver may be in trouble

If you are taking turmeric supplements and notice any of the following symptoms of liver toxicity, contact your healthcare professional immediately:

These could be signs of liver damage and should not be ignored, especially if they develop after starting a new supplement.

Consult your healthcare professional immediately if you have any questions about your liver health.

How much turmeric is too much?

Be sure to follow the label directions, especially if you are switching from one brand or formulation to another, as the quality and content of ingredients can vary significantly between products:

• Safe dosage of the supplement: Most clinical studies have used turmeric doses of 500 mg to 2,000 mg per day safely. Conventional formulations of turmeric are generally considered safe at doses of 1.5 grams (1,500 mg) per day for up to 3 months. Turmeric products with higher curcumin content have been used safely in the short term.
• Maximum amount: Doses of more than 8 grams of curcumin per day are generally not recommended due to intolerable side effects.
• Lower doses: Lower doses may provide benefits for liver health. In one study, for example, curcumin doses less than 500 mg per day were found to be safe and effective in improving liver enzyme levels in people with NAFLD.
• Turmeric in foods: Turmeric can generally be consumed daily in typical dietary amounts. Up to 2 grams (g) per day in meals or drinks is considered safe and unlikely to affect the liver. Turmeric supplements, however, contain significantly higher doses and should be used with caution.

How Turmeric Can Really Support Your Liver Health

• Curcumin is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• These properties may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in many liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
• Curcumin appears to reduce inflammatory markers and may help regulate liver enzymes involved in the body’s detoxification processes.
• In animal models, turmeric components have shown potential in reducing liver scarring (fibrosis) and improve liver repair.
• A research analysis of more than 1,000 people found that curcumin supplementation improved liver enzyme levels and resolved fat accumulation in the liver (steatosis), and reduced total cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) in people with MASLD.

Is turmeric safe for me?

Some people may be more vulnerable to liver damage related to turmeric. It’s a good idea to avoid turmeric or curcumin supplements or consult a healthcare professional first if:

• You have liver problems, such as hepatitis or blocked bile ducts.
• You have been told that you have a genetic variant (for example, HLAB*35:0), which may increase the liver’s sensitivity to turmeric.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
• You are taking other herbs or medications that tax the liver or have known risks to the liver (for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), especially in high doses).

It is also worth mentioning that turmeric or curcumin can interact with many medications. Certain combinations could increase your exposure to a drug, increasing your risk of side effects.

Always check with a healthcare professional to make sure you can safely take prescription medications if you are currently taking prescription medications for an ongoing health problem.