News Summary
A 57-year-old woman in New Jersey is recovering in the hospital following severe liver toxicity linked to high doses of turmeric supplements. After taking a daily regimen promoted for their anti-inflammatory benefits, she developed serious symptoms, including extreme fatigue and dark urine. Medical tests indicated her liver enzyme levels were alarmingly high, raising concerns about potential liver failure and the need for a transplant. Experts warn of the risks associated with high turmeric doses, particularly for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
New Jersey – A 57-year-old woman from the United States is recovering in the hospital after experiencing severe liver toxicity attributed to high dosages of turmeric supplements. After beginning a daily regimen of turmeric pills in March, promoted online for their supposed benefits in reducing inflammation and joint pain, she soon developed alarming symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, extreme fatigue, and dark urine.
Medical tests revealed that her liver enzyme levels had escalated to a staggering 70 times above normal, putting her on the brink of complete liver failure. Physicians indicated that her condition might necessitate a liver transplant due to the significant damage caused by the overconsumption of turmeric-related products.
Experts, including Dr. Punit Singla, caution against the high concentrated amounts of turmeric found in supplements, as individuals’ digestive systems can handle varying levels of the substance. The recommended daily intake of curcumin, the active component of turmeric, typically ranges between 500 to 2000 mg for most adults. However, the woman’s supplement regimen reportedly consisted of 2,250 mg daily, which far exceeds the suggested safe limits.
Turmeric, derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, is widely recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its popularity in natural health circles, the World Health Organization recommends an acceptable daily dose of turmeric between 0 to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight. Turmeric supplements often contain up to 95% curcumin, compared to merely 3% in standard culinary turmeric.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Health authorities have advised individuals, particularly those with pre-existing liver conditions such as fatty liver disease or alcoholic liver disease, to forgo turmeric supplements to mitigate the risk of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Common signs of liver toxicity associated with dietary supplements include yellowish urine, abdominal heaviness, persistent fatigue, and overall weakness.
Growing Concerns
The incident highlights a troubling trend, with the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network having reported an increase in liver damage cases linked to herbal supplements, noting that 19% of such cases involve these products. Turmeric has frequently been associated with instances of toxic hepatitis in the United States. Notably, herbal and dietary supplements account for 20% of reported liver toxicity incidents.
The rise in liver failures requiring transplants due to herbal supplements has escalated dramatically, increasing eightfold from 1995 to 2020. This underscores the crucial reminder that “natural” does not inherently equate to “safe,” particularly concerning herbal supplements.
Further complicating matters, consumption of turmeric alongside black pepper, which enhances its absorption, poses an additional risk for liver injury. Reports indicate that the woman has decided to avoid all herbal supplements in the future due to the severe health impact she endured.
After six days of hospitalization and treatment, her liver showed signs of recovery. While the woman’s case is singular, it serves as a stark warning about the potential dangers of assuming that natural supplements are always safe, emphasizing the need for cautious consumption and medical consultation before starting any new health regimen.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- New York Post
- Wikipedia: Turmeric
- Indian Express
- Google Search: liver damage turmeric supplement
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: liver toxicity
- Times of India
- Google Scholar: turmeric supplements liver toxicity
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
