Turmeric, in the form ofcurcuminsupplements, is used widely around the world.
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1.
Allergic Reactions
Curcuminmay be helpful for people with certain allergies.
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It can inhibit the release of substances involved in the allergic response, including histamine and antibodies.
Powdered curcumin may cause an allergic reaction when people come into contact with it.
For that reason, it’s recommended that people take care when coming into contact with turmeric powder.
Kidney Problems
Turmeric may not pose any issues for thekidneys.
Oxalate nephropathyis a rare condition that can cause the kidneys to fail.
It happens when high levels of oxalate are consumed in food and drink.
Oxalate is naturally found in foods and supplements, including turmeric and turmeric supplements.
Too much oxalate can cause crystals to form in the kidneys.
People on a low-oxalate diet aim for less than 50 milligrams (mg) per day.
The authors caution that people who live with complex medical conditions take precautions with all supplements.
Gallbladder Issues
Curcumin supplements have been shown to affect the gallbladder.
However, if gallstones are already present, supplements that contain curcumin may cause additional problems.
The contractions may increase the pressure inside the gallbladder.
This would make it more difficult to clear any gallstones.
Some study authors describe the digestive symptoms as being mild or manageable.
An imbalance can lead tooxidative stress, a process that can damage DNA.
DNA damage is associated with negative health effects, including cancer.
Curcumin is known to have antioxidant effects, which are generally beneficial and help in preventing DNA damage.
However, it may first cause oxidative stress before it works as an antioxidant.
It’s thought that this could affect people who already have cancer (malignant tumors).
The authors of one review article recommend caution in curcumin supplements for those at high risk of cancer.
Anemia
Iron is needed for the body to make healthy red blood cells.
The authors of a review paper recommend that curcumin supplements be carefully considered in people who don’tget enough iron.
Liver Injury
For healthy people, turmeric or curcumin supplements may be beneficial to the liver in some ways.
Studies on how curcumin affects the liver have mainly used mice and rats.
There are case reports of people who developed drug-induced liver injury from curcumin supplements.
Once curcumin was stopped, AST and ALT went back to normal levels.
Not much is known about how curcumin supplements affect people with existing liver disease.
Bleeding
There is little evidence that curcumin supplements may lead to a risk of bleeding.
However, curcumin is known to have an antiplatelet effect.
Platelets are blood cells that are needed in the clotting process.
This could lead to a lessened ability of the blood to clot.
For healthy people, taking moderate amounts of curcumin supplements may not pose an issue.
Before surgery, it is important to let your healthcare team know you take curcumin supplements.
They may advise stopping curcumin days or weeks before surgery.
Low Blood Sugar
Curcumin is known to lowerblood glucose(sugar) levels.
This couldbenefitpeople who live with or are at risk ofdiabetes.
Some studies have shown that using curcumin supplements long-term could benefit people withtype 2 diabetes.
Balancing blood glucose levels can be tricky.
However, it’s usually recommended that they avoid most types of supplements, including curcumin supplements.
It is still not considered to be enough to recommend curcumin for pregnancy.
Pregnant people should talk with their healthcare providers regarding the use of curcumin supplements.
A Word From Verywell
Read the label of a supplement before purchasing.
Look for supplement brands that elect to undergo safety and quality regulation voluntarily.
A good tip is to stay away from supplements that claim to cure or treat a medical condition.
Summary
The evidence for using curcumin to treat any disease or condition is not clear-cut.
Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods.
2017;6:92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092.
2022;27:4400. doi:10.3390/molecules27144400
University of Chicago Kidney Stone Program.How to eat a low oxalate diet.
