Kauno Clinics clinical pharmacologist Simona Stankevičiūtė told 15min that these are not isolated cases – similar patients have been admitted to the hospital since winter. According to her, the problem is not related to one specific product or manufacturer. People used various preparations, and some combined supplements with larger quantities of turmeric powder.
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Patients admitted since winter
As LRT wrote, one patient had already undergone a liver transplant, while another was waiting for it at the time. S. Stankevičiūtė did not disclose the latest information about the condition of specific patients.
„I cannot say how many patients there are currently, but in recent months, since winter, we have consistently had patients who develop liver damage due to the use of food supplements, especially when they contain turmeric. We have had at least four such patients,“ the specialist told 15min.
The treatment applied to patients depended on the severity of the liver damage.
„Supplements are always discontinued, and supportive treatment is administered according to symptoms. As we have already reported, one patient required a liver transplant,“ the doctor said.
Used various preparations
The products used by patients varied, so it was not possible to single out one manufacturer or preparation.
„The problem is not a specific preparation, but turmeric itself as an active ingredient. Our patients and patients described in medical literature often used a mixture – both a food supplement and the spice itself,“ the doctor explained.
Even when taking a supplement according to the dose indicated on the package, a person can unknowingly consume too much turmeric if they additionally sprinkle it into food or drinks. In such a case, the total amount consumed becomes greater than the person estimates.
Turmeric is sold in the form of capsules, extracts, powders, and mixtures of several active ingredients. These products can differ not only in the amount of turmeric but also in how easily its active ingredients enter the body.
Supplements may be better absorbed
According to the specialist, not only the amount consumed but also the form of the chosen product is important.
The spice has limited bioavailability, while food supplements can have enhanced bioavailability.
„Often, in capsules and other preparations, turmeric is mixed with other substances that improve the absorption of the active ingredient from the intestines into the bloodstream. A simple spice has limited bioavailability, while food supplements can have enhanced bioavailability,“ said the clinical pharmacologist.
A small amount of turmeric used to flavor food is not the same as a concentrated food supplement. On supplement packaging, better absorption of the active ingredient can be referred to as enhanced bioavailability.
According to S. Stankevičiūtė, if the supplement is used as directed and no additional turmeric is obtained from other sources, according to her, – „everything will most likely be fine“.
However, it is important not to exceed the recommended dose and to evaluate all products being used. A person may take several different supplements at once, without noticing that turmeric is repeated in their composition.
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Cause determined by ruling out other diseases
There is no single test that would immediately confirm that a food supplement specifically damaged the liver. The possible cause is determined after a thorough examination of the patient.
„This is determined by exclusion. There is a clear algorithm for how to examine a patient with liver failure. Blood tests are performed, it is assessed whether there are viruses or other diseases, and imaging tests are performed – computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging. A liver biopsy may also be required,“ listed S. Stankevičiūtė.
Only after ruling out other possible causes and determining that the patient used certain supplements, it is concluded that they could have caused the liver damage.
It seems there’s some kind of trend, someone might be promoting it as a very good remedy.
Therefore, it is important for doctors to hear from the patient not only about the medications they are taking but also about all food supplements, herbal preparations, or powders. When examining patients for liver failure, doctors ask about this specifically.
Sees a new wellness trend
The specialist also links the increased number of cases to changed consumption habits. „Previously, the use of this food supplement was less popular. Now it seems there’s some kind of trend, someone might be promoting it as a very good remedy,“ she pondered.
People often choose turmeric supplements independently, hoping to improve their well-being or strengthen their body. However, the herbal origin of the product and the ability to purchase it without a prescription do not mean that the supplement can be consumed in unlimited quantities.
What symptoms should raise concern?
In the early stages of liver damage, a person may experience non-specific symptoms that are easy to confuse with digestive disorders or other illnesses.
According to S. Stankevičiūtė, attention should be paid to nausea, vomiting, poor general well-being, abdominal pain, and tenderness in the right hypochondrium. Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes is also a warning sign.
If such symptoms are experienced, supplements should be discontinued and medical attention sought. It is essential to tell the doctor exactly what preparations, in what doses, and for how long they were used.
Even for those experiencing no symptoms, the clinical pharmacologist advises evaluating whether turmeric or curcumin supplements are truly necessary. According to her, their use should be discontinued, a doctor consulted, and liver tests performed.
It is also important to check whether the manufacturer’s recommended daily dose is not exceeded and whether turmeric is not being consumed in several different forms simultaneously.
