The “superfood” turmeric can damage the liver

 Turmeric is said to offer many health benefits. According to a new study, however, the hot spice could damage the liver.

We already know that hot spices in particular have many health benefits in our food. One of these spices is turmeric: the tasty pungent spice is mainly found in curries, soups and chilies and, for example, is said to be able to help against inflammation and have an antioxidant effect, according to Chinese medical teachings. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), turmeric is also considered a generally safe food, but a new study now provides evidence that the yellow spice could damage the liver in the long term.

Ten years of data analyzed

Researchers have established a link between consumption of turmeric and the potential for liver injury through data from individuals who are part of the so-called U. S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN). This data was analyzed between the years 2011 and 2022. In total, the scientists found ten cases of liver damage associated with the consumption of turmeric. The severity of the cases ranged from moderate to severe – five people had to be treated in hospital and one died due to acute liver failure.

Significant research results – but no reason to panic

Chemical analyses also showed that three of the people affected had taken turmeric primarily in combination with black pepper. The scientists describe their findings as significant, but also point out that more research is needed in this direction, since comparatively few cases of liver damage have occurred in the ten years. One question will be why turmeric appears to have an effect on liver health.

What do other studies say?

In fact, previous research has suggested a link between turmeric and liver damage. For example, one study showed that taking a dietary supplement with turmeric can lead to impaired liver function. However, these cases cannot be attributed to the particular dietary supplement itself, but to interactions triggered by the simultaneous intake of certain medications.

The study’s authors note that this may be problematic, particularly for elderly persons who frequently take many drugs at once. Therefore, before taking turmeric-containing dietary supplements, people who are already known to have abnormal liver readings should speak with their doctor.