ANSES warns of the risks of hepatitis associated with taking turmeric-based food supplements. Reports have been made in Italy and France.
Thanks to its active substance, curcumin, turmeric is a spice renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects and for its digestive benefits. It is thus found in food supplements sold in France. However, it could be dangerous for the liver, warns the National Agency for National Food Safety (handles) on June 27. About twenty hepatitis involving dietary supplements containing turmeric were reported in Italy and 15 in France. ANSES reports in total in France more than 100 adverse reaction reports likely to be linked to the consumption of food supplements containing turmeric or curcumin.
What is the maximum dose of turmeric per day?
To ensure that all food intake, including food supplements, does not exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI), ANSES indicates that the dose provided by food supplements must remain below 153 mg of curcumin per day for an adult weighing 60 kg. On the other hand, this value is only valid for food supplement formulations containing curcumin in the classic form (see below). In his expertise, ANSES has identified a growing use of formulations that increase the bioavailability and so the effects of curcumin in food supplements, for example by thecombination with other ingredients such as piperine.
Which turmeric supplements to avoid?
“The curcumin is very poorly bioavailable, i.e. it difficult to pass into the bloodstream and that she is eliminated very quickly by the organism. Manufacturers have developed various formulations to improve this bioavailability and thus increase the effects of curcumin“explains Fanny Huret, coordinator of expertise at ANSES, in the press release. But if these new formulations do not exceed the ADI, they may induce a risk of adverse effects for health by increasing the bioavailability of curcumin in the body. “To date, the food supplement label rarely specifies whether it is a classic or new formulation.. The consumer can therefore unknowingly consume a potentially toxic product.“ warns ANSES.
| Classic shapes | Novel forms that increase the bioavailability of curcumin |
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What are the contraindications of turmeric in food supplements?
► Turmeric is not recommended for people suffering from bile duct pathologies.
► Turmeric is not recommended for people treated with anticoagulants, anticancer drugs and immunosuppressants, without medical advice.
Source: Adverse effects related to the consumption of food supplements containing turmeric. Handles. June 27, 2022.