What are some of the possible side effects of taking Turmeric supplements?

Curcumin, is the most active compound in turmeric and it has been used as a complementary, and sometimes sole, treatment for many chronic inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. Curcumin has other medicinal properties, including blood-clotting properties, ability to lower LDL and triglycerides, and even neurodegenerative protective effects.

Curcumin has over 30,000 references in the National Institute of Heath’s (NIH) PMC database, which makes it a well researched and establish compound. Many of these studies are centered on turmeric extract supplements, which contain a high concentration of curcumin. This all means we have evidence on the various, research-based benefits of curcumin, but what are some possible side effects of taking a high potency turmeric supplement?

What is a high potency turmeric supplement?

Recently, some studies have explained the prevailing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of turmeric/curcumin extract when it is taken at a dose of 500-2000 mgs daily. This therapeutic dose is higher than what you could get by using turmeric powder, which is why this is mainly treated as a spice for cooking, as it only contains a small fraction of curcumin in comparison to turmeric extract. Turmeric powder contains 3-5% curcuminoids as opposed to a turmeric extract that contains 95% curcuminoids. There are three main curcuminoids—curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin—with curcumin being the most researched one.

If you want to the 500-2000 mgs of turmeric extract daily so that you can expect the therapeutic benefit, you need to take a turmeric supplement with at least 500 mgs of turmeric extract per. You should be aware that many turmeric supplement companies fill their capsules with turmeric powder because it is cheaper than the extract. When a turmeric supplement contains over 500 mgs of turmeric extract per capsule it is considered “high potency.”

What are the main side effects of consuming turmeric?

As with other dietary supplements, turmeric may have side effects. The 2011 book Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, found that while there is known no toxic dose of turmeric or curcumin supplements, there are, however, some regular side effects seen at high doses, which include lower blood pressure, increased digestive motility accompanied by faster transit time, flushing and rash, and possible migraines that are triggered by increased dilation of the blood vessels.

Upset Stomach

One of the side effects of turmeric is associated with digestion. Curcumin has regulatory effects on gastric motility, which could lead to diarrhea, bloating, and changes in stool patterns. If you experience nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea then consider taking a lower dose of turmeric or pause your treatment and talk to a doctor about it.

A 2017 meta-analysis review on curcumin and its effects on human health found that some individuals taking 500–12,000 mgs experienced diarrhea, headache, rash, and change in stool color for about 72 hours after the first dose of the supplement. This same review found that in another study patients who received a 450-3600 mgs dose per day of curcumin for one to four months experienced nausea and diarrhea.

Despite these side effects, curcumin is shown to help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Unusual bruising or bleeding

Curcumin has blood-thinning properties that could lead to excessive bleeding in people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinner medications. If you notice any sort of bruising or uncommon bleeding after you take turmeric supplements then you should stop. If you are prone to bruising, then it’s best to use turmeric with caution.

Who should be cautious or not take Turmeric Extract?

Pregnancy

Even though turmeric has been used without many problems, there are some populations that should exercise a higher level of caution. Pregnant women need to be more aware of what they consume, and what the consequences are. A 2018 study on turmeric acting as a nontoxic and safe substance found that doses of 500 mg twice daily for 30 days were safe, but not without side effects. Expecting women found turmeric to cause mild indigestion, often causing more nausea and vomiting, as well as some diarrhea.1 There are not enough studies to make any conclusive statements on the safety or effectiveness of turmeric for pregnant women.

Children

Children should also exercise caution when consuming turmeric supplements. Because curcumin has the ability to increase blood flow, if your child has a blood-clotting problem, turmeric may exacerbate this issue and it could be dangerous. Consider as well that adults have reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are symptoms that a child could be more prone to because of their lower weight and lean body mass. The dosage for children isn’t set either, and any dose has to be approved by a pediatrician.

Blood Disorders

Due to its blood-thinning properties, curcumin is not safe for people who have blood disorders, such as hemophilia, or who take blood thinners, like Warfarin.

A 2012 study on the anticoagulant properties of curcumin found that it was indeed a strong anticoagulant and antithrombotic. Consuming it daily could then reduce the risk of blood clots in heart disease. It is important to consider as well that when a person is undergoing surgery, blood clotting is key, so there should not be any use of turmeric supplements for several weeks before surgery. You should also tell your surgeon or doctor if you are currently taking a turmeric supplement or if you are thinking of start taking one.

Gallstones and Gallbladder Disorders

Despite curcumin being proved to lower cholesterol levels, especially LDL and triglyceride levels, it has been shown to also reduce the incidence of gallstones in the body. Gallstones are hard deposits formed in the gallbladder, which is the primary organ that produces bile. These very painful stones are made of cholesterol, bile, and calcium. Even if it is true that consumption of curcumin can be used as a good preventive treatment, it could also be harmful to those already experiencing gallbladder blockages.

The results are not conclusive yet, but there are some studies that suggest that curcumin could promote contraction of the gallbladder. This would be very painful for those prone to gallstones. Up to 50% contraction has been reported with just 40mg of curcumin.

Kidney Stones

One article published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that raw turmeric powder contains high levels of oxalates. These compounds can result in the formation of kidney stones. There is another study that found these levels of oxalates in turmeric extract to be lower and actually safe. If you have a history of kidney stones, you should think about not cooking with too much raw turmeric powder and always consult with your doctor before you being taking a turmeric supplement.

Diabetes

Turmeric could be a natural way to manage blood sugar, particularly if you are diabetic. Studies have shown that curcumin lowers blood sugar levels, but there are still mixed results in the current research. A 2013 meta-analysis review found curcumin to have the ability to prevent diabetes complications, such as neuropathy, heart disease, and high blood pressure. This same review, however, also showed that curcumin could increase the risk for some diabetes side effects, including nausea and vomiting.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions

There are some instances to be careful, one of these if you have hormone sensitivity, as it could increase the risks associated with turmeric use. Some of the conditions that cause hormone sensitivity include breast cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cancer, and fibroids. Curcumin can also affect the level of estrogen in certain cancer cells, which makes it beneficial in some cancer treatment. This same effect, though, can be dangerous in hormone replacement therapy and could cause other conditions that are susceptible to a variation of hormone level.

Immunotherapy for cancer

The protective activity of turmeric is one of the greatest benefits of taking a supplement, but there is always a right time to do so. Despite the fact that curcumin has shown to slow the growth and spread of cancer, it is not recommended for those who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation to take a turmeric supplement, that is because curcumin can cause problems with some of these medications. Cancer treatments are all different, so your oncologist could have precautions for you based on what your individual treatment plan is. Always consult with your oncologist on the risks and benefits of taking a turmeric supplement.

Who should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric supplements?

Just as with other dietary supplements, it is advisable that everyone consults a doctor before taking turmeric supplements. As we mentioned before, there is a risk with taking supplements, especially if you have other underlying conditions. Individuals who could have a bigger risk for side effects are those who have diabetes, cancer, gallbladder problems, and/or bleeding disorders. If in doubt, talk to your physician and ask about some of the things that could put you at risk.

Can you take too much turmeric?

The dosage varies depending on what your individual needs are, but many studies have been focused on what amount of curcumin is right for major health benefits. A clinical trial in 2008 on the study of advanced pancreatic cancer and the use of curcumin, provided individuals with 8g (8000 mgs) of turmeric a day, which was considered to be safe.

This dose was proven to help patients manage their symptoms and disease progression as they underwent pancreatic cancer treatment. A 2012 meta-analysis review found that many clinical studies were right in using at least 8g of curcumin a day, and again this dose was also safe and tolerable.

The studies show that there is really no known toxicity for curcumin, and even higher doses could work well in aiding the treatment of many diseases. It’s also relevant to mention that both of the studies above used an extremely high dose of curcumin a day without any toxicity, but there is a need for further research in order to investigate the long-term effects of a high dose curcumin.

You can learn more about the optimal daily dosage of turmeric by reading this article: https://www.activeatoms.com/what-is-the-optimal-turmeric-dosage-for-infl...

What are the side effects of prescription anti-inflammatories?

If you have inflammation or pain, then you may be prescribed some anti-inflammatories, including celecoxib, piroxicam, indomethacin, meloxicam, diclofenac, and flurbiprofen.

These are some of the common side effects of prescription anti-inflammatories:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Gas/Bloating
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth

These are rare, but potentially dangerous side effects:

• Allergic reaction that includes difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Rapid weight gain
• Blood in urine or vomit
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Jaundice

What are the side effects of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories?

There are many people that rely on over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications for pain, muscular tension, and headaches, among some. But these OTC medications include high dose aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, which are part of a group of drugs called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Common side effects of NSAIDs include:

• Upset stomach
• Gas/Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Constipation

These are rare, but potentially dangerous side effects:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Black stool
• Blood in stool
• Allergic reaction, including hives and rashes
• Jaundice
• Rapid heart rate

What are the side effects of opioids?

Opioids have become a topic of conversation because they are highly addictive since they are narcotics. Despite this, they have been used for many years to treat certain conditions that cause severe acute or chronic pain. Some of the common types of opioids are codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine.

Common side effects of opioids are:

• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Slowed heart rate
• Shallow breathing
• Loss of consciousness

And it is worth noting that the most dangerous side effect is addiction. This can result in an overdose, leading to a coma or even death.

How do Turmeric supplement side effects compare to pharmaceutical drug side effects?

Ibuprofen has been a common medication for treating inflammatory and painful conditions. The mechanism of action of this medication is that it acts as a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, which stops prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis and thus results in reduced inflammation. Some side effects of ibuprofen are nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, headache, diarrhea, and constipation. NSAIDs can also increase the risk of ulcers in the stomach, and this can result in a life-threatening condition. Consider too that these medications have been linked to a higher risk for a heart attack and/or a stroke. Some more recent research shows that they also have a damaging effect on tendons, ligaments, and bones.

A 2016 meta-analysis review on the use of curcumin for inflammation found that high doses of curcumin (8-12g a day) didn’t have any toxicity or risk. Nonetheless, curcumin has the capacity to alter iron metabolism as it chelates iron and can suppress the protein hepcidin, all of which can result in anemia. Some people have reported nausea and bloating as well.

The same efficacy and safety of curcumin in comparison to ibuprofen was established in a 2014 multicenter study. This research trial found common side effects between the two, including dyspepsia, abdominal pain/distension, nausea, loose stool, and pitting edema. But the curcumin group experienced significantly less adverse effects than the ibuprofen group. The events in the ibuprofen group were also heightened and tended to last longer.

Another common medication used in inflammation and pain is the prescription anti-inflammatory Diclofenac. As with most prescription drugs, using Diclofenac can cause severe side effects and it should then be used sparingly and not as a long-term treatment option. Using this medication can result in skin rashes, bloating, nausea and vomiting, headache, high blood pressure, and edema in the arms and legs.

One 2019 randomized clinical study focused on the effects of Diclofenac 50 mg as compared to a 500 mg dose of curcumin. In this study, 28 patients were evaluated for 14 days. At this point, the curcumin group had shown signs of weight loss and of an anti-ulcer effect as compared to the Diclofenac group. There were also significantly less adverse reactions in the curcumin group, all of which confirmed better tolerance and tolerability in pain management as compared to this prescription drug.

Is it true the turmeric can be contaminated by lead?

While it may come as a surprise, the answer is yes. One 2019 environmental health study under the guidance of Stanford University found that many turmeric manufacturing plants in Bangladesh had traces of lead-laced chemicals in their turmeric. Because there is high demand for yellow-colored curry, these suppliers turned to lead chromate to increase the vibrancy of this desired yellow color, and this has remained a common practice in the production of turmeric.

The practice of using lead chromate can be dated back to the 1980s in Bangladesh. When massive floods left producers with pale looking turmeric, there was an increased need to add the pigment in order to create a more appealing product. Still, lead can be extremely dangerous. Lead increases the risk for heart and brain disease, and can interfere with cognitive development in children.

The good news though is that turmeric extract is less likely to be contaminated by lead than turmeric powder. In an intricate process to isolate curcumin and other active compounds for turmeric extract a water dispersion technology is used, which allows for the separation of all compounds, and it will also eliminate unwanted substances.

How to pick the best turmeric supplement

There are various turmeric supplements do not contain enough turmeric extract to provide a therapeutic benefit. For example, the top-selling brand of turmeric supplement on Amazon contains only 50 mgs of turmeric extract per capsule. In several studies, the recommended dose of is 1500 mgs of turmeric extract per day. You would then have to at least 30 capsules from this top-selling turmeric supplement on Amazon to get the recommended 1500 mgs of turmeric extract per day.

Check for the amount of turmeric extract

Always look for the amount of turmeric extract per capsule on the label, and remember not to confuse the amount of extract with powder. Keep in mind too that turmeric powder only contains 3-5% of curcuminoids compared to turmeric extract—which has 95% curcuminoids. Your turmeric of choice should have around 500 mgs of turmeric extract per capsule unless you want to take a handful of pills every day to get the recommended dose.

If you do your research, you'll find that Active Atoms Turmeric Extract has the most extract per capsule containing 750 mgs of turmeric extract in one capsule.

Check for lead testing

Not all labs take into account all the safety details when manufacturing turmeric supplements, and this could have health consequences. Instead of putting your health at risk and consuming unknown chemicals, you should be able to trust the brand of supplements you choose.

For example, Active Atoms turmeric extract sends their turmeric to an independent lab to test for lead. You won’t find the lab results from other turmeric companies, but they show their lab results on their website.

Check for BioPerine®

The body poorly absorbs turmeric supplements and turmeric powder if there isn’t a bioenhancer like black pepper extract. BioPerine®, is a clinically proven effective form of black pepper extract, that has been shown to increase the bioavailability and absorption of turmeric by 2000%.

What is the takeaway?

High dose turmeric extract has been proven to reduce pain, inflammation, blood pressure, and oxidation with very minimal side effects, specifically when compared to prescription anti-inflammatories, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and opioids. While pharmaceuticals may be necessary for some, they come with baggage and may end up causing other health issues.

Regardless, never stop taking medications without consulting your doctor, because this can have life-threatening consequences. If you have underlying medical conditions or take routine medications, please consult your doctor prior to taking a turmeric supplement. Also to consider, for turmeric supplements to be beneficial, as well as any other health supplements, you should make lifestyle changes that involve a well-rounded diet, exercise, better sleep, and awareness of your body’s needs.

If you have reviewed all the pros and cons of turmeric, and have now decided that it’s the best choice for you, consider now picking the superior turmeric supplement available as measured by the amount of turmeric extract per capsule, lead testing, and absorption. If you are craving more information, you can learn about all the health benefits of turmeric here: https://www.activeatoms.com/learning-center/

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