Turmeric (curcumin): what it is and how much people take
Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family; curcumin is the compound that gives it its yellow colour. Studies have looked at osteoarthritis, fatty liver and mouth sores; not enough is known to draw conclusions. European food-safety bodies set an acceptable intake of 3 milligrams of curcumin per kilogram of body weight a day, about 210 milligrams for a 70 kilogram adult. Liver damage has been reported, especially with high-absorption forms.
General information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take any medicine, or are under 18.
How much people take
| What studies looked at | Studies have looked at osteoarthritis, fatty liver and mouth sores; not enough is known to draw conclusions. |
|---|---|
| Other guidance | European food-safety bodies set an acceptable intake of 3 milligrams of curcumin per kilogram of body weight a day, about 210 milligrams for a 70 kilogram adult. |
| Official upper limit | None set |
Cautions and interactions
- Liver damage has been reported, especially with high-absorption forms.
- It can cause nausea, reflux or diarrhoea. Many products add black pepper extract (piperine) to raise absorption.
Dose questions
Quick answers
- What is turmeric (curcumin)?
- Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family; curcumin is the compound that gives it its yellow colour.
- What has turmeric (curcumin) been studied for?
- Studies have looked at osteoarthritis, fatty liver and mouth sores; not enough is known to draw conclusions.
- Is there a limit for turmeric (curcumin)?
- There is no official upper limit. European food-safety bodies set an acceptable intake of 3 milligrams of curcumin per kilogram of body weight a day, about 210 milligrams for a 70 kilogram adult.
- Is turmeric (curcumin) safe?
- Liver damage has been reported, especially with high-absorption forms. It can cause nausea, reflux or diarrhoea. Many products add black pepper extract (piperine) to raise absorption.
Sources
- NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health)
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric
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