Turmeric is a spice most of us have eaten for years without a second thought. Concentrated supplements are a different story, and it's worth knowing the side effects before you start.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against NIH (NCCIH, LiverTox) guidance, the UK Committee on Toxicity and published case series
What are the side effects of turmeric?
The most common are digestive: nausea, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation[1]. Rarely, turmeric supplements cause liver injury. NIH's LiverTox database calls turmeric a well-documented cause, with many recent cases involving high-bioavailability products such as those with black pepper[2]. It may also raise bleeding risk with blood thinners[3], and a case report linked high doses to iron deficiency[4].
Caveat: Liver injury appears to be rare and linked to individual susceptibility, so most people will never experience it. But it can be serious, so know the warning signs[2].
Sources: NCCIH: Turmeric · NIH LiverTox · MSK: Turmeric · Verified 2026-09-27
IN THIS ARTICLE
What are the common side effects of turmeric?
For most people, turmeric supplements are well tolerated. When side effects happen, they tend to be mild and digestive. NCCIH lists nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation[1]. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) adds abdominal pain, skin rash and hives[3].
Taking turmeric with food may help with stomach upset (see when to take turmeric, ginger and black pepper). If you're taking a turmeric, ginger and black pepper blend, note that ginger can also cause heartburn and abdominal discomfort[5].
Can turmeric cause liver damage?
Rarely, yes, and this is the side effect worth understanding. NIH's LiverTox database gives turmeric its highest likelihood rating, meaning it's a well-documented cause of clinically apparent liver injury[2]. Here's what LiverTox reports:
- Timing: onset usually one to four months after starting, though it has ranged from weeks to eight months.
- Symptoms: fatigue, nausea and poor appetite, followed by dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Products involved: many recent cases involve formulations designed for higher absorption, including those with black pepper (piperine) or lipid nanoparticles, though cases have also followed plain ground turmeric and teas.
- Recovery: most people recover within one to three months of stopping, but severe cases can lead to liver failure. Re-starting turmeric after an injury should be avoided.
A US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) case series described ten turmeric-associated cases. Nine had a hepatocellular pattern of injury, five people were hospitalized, and one died. Three of the tested products also contained piperine[6].
Why do only some people get liver injury from turmeric?
The injury seems to be idiosyncratic, meaning it depends on the person more than the dose. LiverTox notes a strong association with an immune gene variant, HLA-B*35:01, found in over 70% of cases compared with 10% to 15% of controls[2]. In the DILIN series, seven of ten patients carried it[6].
The UK Committee on Toxicity (COT) reached similar conclusions in 2024. It found reasonable evidence linking turmeric to liver toxicity, noted that the effect was not clearly dose-dependent, and identified higher-risk groups: people with that genetic susceptibility, people taking other medicines, and people with altered liver or biliary function[7]. Most people don't know their HLA type, which is why knowing the symptoms matters.
What other turmeric side effects should you know about?
- Bleeding risk. MSK advises talking with your provider about turmeric if you take warfarin or other blood thinners[3].
- Iron deficiency. A case report described iron deficiency anemia in a man taking high-dose turmeric extract, which resolved after stopping[4].
- Kidney stones. MSK suggests caution with turmeric supplements if you have a family history of kidney stones[3].
- Pregnancy. NCCIH says turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe[1].
- Drug interactions. Curcumin and piperine can affect enzymes that process many medications. See what not to mix with turmeric and ginger.
What should you do if you have side effects from turmeric?
For mild stomach upset, try taking it with a meal. If it persists, stop. For anything that looks like liver trouble, such as dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes, loss of appetite or unusual fatigue, stop immediately and contact your doctor. Tell them exactly what product you took.
COT also cautioned that intakes well above the acceptable daily intake of 0–3 mg per kg of body weight could pose a health risk, especially alongside other medicines[7]. Stick to label directions and don't stack multiple turmeric products.
The honest summary
- Most turmeric side effects are mild and digestive[1].
- Liver injury is rare but well documented, and many recent cases involve high-absorption formulas, including those with piperine[2][6].
- People on blood thinners or other medication, and those with liver or gallbladder issues, should talk to a provider first[7].
- Know the warning signs and stop if they appear.
Why do so many formulas include black pepper in the first place? Read why black pepper is paired with turmeric.
Our option
Vita Globe Turmeric, Ginger & Black Pepper Gummies – 60ct
Each two-gummy serving provides 250mg turmeric extract (standardized to 95% curcuminoids), 12mg ginger root extract and 100mcg black pepper extract (95% piperine). It contains black pepper extract, so please read the safety notes above, follow the 2-gummies-a-day suggested use, and talk to your provider if you take medication or have liver concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Who should not take turmeric?
People who are pregnant, take blood thinners or other interacting medications, or have liver or gallbladder problems should check with a provider first[1][3][7].
What are the signs of liver damage from turmeric?
Fatigue, nausea and poor appetite, followed by dark urine and yellowing of the skin or eyes[2]. Stop and call your doctor if you notice them.
Can turmeric cause stomach problems?
Yes. Nausea, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation are the most commonly reported side effects[1].
Is turmeric in food safe?
Turmeric used as a spice in food is widely eaten. Safety concerns center on concentrated supplements, though LiverTox notes rare cases with ground turmeric and teas too[2].
Does turmeric thin your blood?
It may increase bleeding risk, particularly with warfarin or other blood thinners[3]. Talk to your prescriber.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health. Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety. Updated April 2025. nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Turmeric. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; updated June 16, 2025. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548561
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs: Turmeric. Updated June 9, 2026. mskcc.org
- Smith TJ, Ashar BH. Iron deficiency anemia due to high-dose turmeric. Cureus. 2019;11(1):e3858. doi:10.7759/cureus.3858
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health. Ginger: Usefulness and Safety. Updated February 2025. nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger
- Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Navarro V, Ahmad J, et al. Liver injury associated with turmeric—a growing problem: ten cases from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network [DILIN]. Am J Med. 2023;136:200-206. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.09.026
- Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT). Statement on the potential risk to human health of turmeric and curcumin supplements. COT Statement 2024/07. December 2024. cot.food.gov.uk
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
