Turmeric-Containing Supplements, What Are the Measures to Take After the Reports?
Dear Claudia,
Following reports during the summer of 2019 of cases of cholestatic hepatitis occurring after the intake of dietary supplements containing extracts and preparations of Curcuma longa, or after consuming turmeric powder itself, the Ministry of Health established an interdisciplinary group of experts to investigate the matter.
The expert group, together with the Dietetics and Nutrition Section of the Technical Committee for Nutrition and Animal Health, conducted specific investigations and concluded that “the causes, to date, are likely related to particular individual susceptibility conditions, pre-existing, even latent, alterations of hepatobiliary function or also to the concomitant intake of drugs.”
In other words, the hepatitis cases occurred in people who already suffered from liver and gallbladder problems or who were taking medicines able to interact with turmeric, or in people who simply did not tolerate it. For more information see the link below.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health decided to adopt a new warning to be indicated on the label of all supplements containing turmeric: “The use of the product is not recommended in case of alterations of liver, biliary function or biliary calculi. If taking medications, it is advisable to consult a doctor.”
It concludes by saying that “The situation will continue to be closely monitored in relation to the emergence of any new elements or scientific data to be considered in order to protect consumer safety.”
Consequently, U.G.A. Nutraceuticals has aligned with the Ministry’s decision by adding the indicated wording on the label for supplements containing turmeric such as Omegor Antiage.
To conclude, in general, supplements containing turmeric are considered safe, but unexpected side effects can occur in some people. The same applies to all products that the average consumer considers “natural” and therefore harmless. Before taking any supplement, you should always ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice to exclude any interaction with medications being taken or any negative correlations between the supplement and any existing health conditions.
Best regards,
Beatrice Iozzino, pharmacist
