Turmeric supplement warning after fatality
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (Therapeutic Goods Administration: TGA) has warned about the risk of liver injury from the use of medicines and herbal supplements containing turmeric or its active ingredient, curcumin.
The TGA had received 18 reports of liver problems experienced by consumers taking curcuma longa (turmeric) and/or products containing curcumin.
The TGA concluded that there is a “rare risk” of liver injury from taking curcuma longa, or curcumin, in medicinal forms, especially for individuals with existing or past liver problems.
Turmeric intake:
- The TGA warning states that the risk of liver injury is not associated with curcuma longa consumed in “normal” dietary amounts as a food.
- Several studies over the past five decades have investigated curcumin’s properties and reported that it has antioxidant properties that may help with inflammation.
Safe Consumption Limit:
- The European Food Safety Authority has set an acceptable daily intake of curcumin at 180 mg per day for an adult weighing 60 kg as a safe level of consumption.
- The World Health Organisation/Food and Agriculture Organization advice recommends 3 mg/kg of body weight.
Turmeric:
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant of the ginger family, used as a spice, dye, medicine, and cosmetic, in addition to use in religious ceremonies.
- India is the leading producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. 80% of the world’s turmeric is produced in India.
- Turmeric has been studied for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its role in traditional medicine and cuisine.
Source – The Hindu
