Turmeric Curcumin. Is it safe? Tips to help decide (2024)

FAQs

Turmeric Curcumin. Is it safe? Tips to help decide? ›

“Curcumin supplements are considered safe and no adverse side effects have been reported at low doses.”

Taking turmeric by mouth seems to reduce hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion. Indigestion (dyspepsia). Taking turmeric may improve indigestion in some patients. Taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, by mouth may work as well as another drug, called omeprazole.

Turmeric and curcumin are generally safe. They're more likely to have side effects if you take lots of it at doses found in pills, capsules, or gummies. It can cause nausea, diarrhea, or stomach ulcers, especially in high doses or after long-term use.

Research suggests 500–2,000 mg of turmeric per day may have potential benefits, particularly in extract form. The exact dose may depend on the medical condition you're trying to treat, though official dosing recommendations are unavailable.

Turmeric can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Tell your doctor if you are taking an iron supplement. Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting.

Available evidence shows that there is a rare risk of liver injury from taking Curcuma longa (turmeric) and/or curcumin in medicinal dosage forms. The risk may be higher for products with enhanced absorption or bioavailability and/or higher doses.

In other words, it doesn't matter what time of day turmeric is taken. Although the trial revealed no measurable difference in the time turmeric was taken, mealtimes are sometimes better for curcumin absorption. According to Dr. Khoshaba, turmeric can be consumed at any time of the day.

Early studies suggest that turmeric can relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Turmeric might help prevent plaque buildup, too. Animal studies show that a turmeric extract lowered cholesterol and kept bad cholesterol from building up.

The antioxidant effect of turmeric appears to be so powerful that it may stop your liver from being damaged by toxins. This could be good news for people who take strong drugs for diabetes or other health conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.

Is turmeric curcumin hard on kidneys? ›

Curcumin, which is the main bioactive component in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. However, while turmeric and curcumin are generally safe to consume, too much of a good thing can be dangerous. One of the risks is that large doses can be bad for your kidneys.

Turmeric may reduce the fat deposit in the body. It could help reduce body fat and body weight as per animal studies. You can mix some turmeric in a glass of warm water and take it every morning to reduce belly fat.

Mild side effects include upset stomach, acid reflux, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches. Consuming large doses of turmeric supplements can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation.

Taking turmeric supplements may put you at a higher risk of getting kidney stones. Don't take turmeric supplements if: You're taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil , Motrin ), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol ). Turmeric may lessen the effects of these medications.

When taken by mouth or applied to the skin, turmeric — and the curcumin it contains — appears to be generally safe when limited to less than 8 grams a day. That said, different amounts often are recommended depending on the health condition being addressed, and higher doses have been used for limited periods of time.

People who should not take turmeric include those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, and arrhythmia. Pregnant women and those who are going to undergo surgery should not use turmeric.

Turmeric is known to interact with blood-thinning medications, diabetes medications, and antacids. Turmeric is a staple in many cuisines in eastern parts of the world.

High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production. Cooking with turmeric shouldn't cause problems.

Yes, yes, indeed! Turmeric and vitamin D are safe to take together and may even have synergistic effects. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. It's important to choose high-quality supplements that are free from contaminants.