A 57-year-old woman from New Jersey was hospitalized with severe liver damage after taking turmeric supplements, which contain curcumin. Katie Mohan began taking the pills daily in March, believing they would boost her health and fight inflammation and joint pain. However, she soon suffered from stomach pain, nausea, and fatigue, followed by dark urine, which indicated serious liver damage.
Mohan’s experience led her to realize that the turmeric supplements might be causing her symptoms. She visited the emergency room, where a blood test revealed that her liver enzyme levels were 60 times higher than normal, putting her at risk of liver failure. Doctors warned that taking too much curcumin can trigger an immune reaction in the liver.
The woman’s case highlights the potential risks of turmeric supplements, which have become increasingly popular among Americans, particularly those with arthritis. With millions now taking turmeric regularly, there has been a surge in liver transplants due to supplement-related liver damage. The World Health Organization recommends a daily dose of 1,500mg curcumin for an average woman weighing 150lbs, but Mohan took about 11 times that amount.
Fortunately, Mohan recovered after receiving treatment and was fortunate that the injuries were not more severe. Her case serves as a warning to others taking turmeric supplements, emphasizing the importance of following recommended doses and consulting with healthcare professionals before adding any new supplements to their regimen.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14898139/supplement-millions-americans-woman-hospitalized-liver-damage-tumeric.html