Too much for the liver

Therapeutic effects, such as tumour preventing properties, are sometimes attributed to turmeric preparations. To date, there is a lack of sound scientific evidence from clinical studies as to the health benefits of such products. The supposed positive effects are up against the possible negative effects on health. A daily intake of curcumin of up to three milligrams per kilogram of body weight from all food sources is considered a total intake amount not associated with increased health risks. Curcumin is not considered harmful to health as a flavourant and colourant in food or as an additive in (pro- cessed) foodstuffs because the intake is limited. There are significantly higher curcumin amounts in certain food supplements.

Increased risk

Clinical studies, in which curcumin was in part administered in high doses, have revealed undesirable ef-fects, such as gastrointestinal issues (nausea, bloating or stomach irrita-tion). In addition, the consumption of certain food supplements containing curcumin has been associated with several cases of acute inflammation or damage to the liver – particularly in the case of preparations with “im- proved bioavailability”. The reason being that curcumin is not absorbed well by the organism. Substances such as piperine (from pepper) are meant to improve this. However, the use of such substances means that the negative effects, on the liver for example, might be enhanced. This is even true of smaller doses. 

Due to data gaps, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) sees a need for more research for such products in particular and recommends pregnant women, children and sensitive people not to consume them.