Turmeric and its harmful effects in sight from ANSES

In the world of nutritional supplements, turmeric has a very special reputation. This substance is supposed to have several biological and clinical effects: ReduceignitionI’oxidationJoint pain, prevent some cancer, etc. However, there is still a problem for those who are convinced that the mentioned effects are real: curcumin It does not have good bioavailability.

In other words, after swallow Turmeric or turmeric capsules curcumin Without a material that allows to protect it from various enzymes Or certain conditions such as a slightly alkaline pH, cannot be detected in the blood because it is metabolized too quickly and gives way to other compounds. Over the past few years, the nutritional supplement market has been working hard to find ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. potentially dangerous innovations.

What is the acceptable daily intake of curcumin?

All products in contact with humans must undergo toxicity tests to determine safe doses and thus avoid side effects. For curcumin, foods and supplements should provide no more than 153 mg of curcumin per day. A rate that is difficult to achieve even when taking a lot of turmeric and traditional supplements. But improving bioavailability rearranges the cards. Without exceeding the ADA in absolute terms, these formulas can exceed it issue of bioavailability.

Cases of hepatitis in France and Italy

The feeding network ANSES has identified more than 100 reports Adverse effects are likely related to the consumption of dietary supplements containing turmeric or curcumin, including .15 Lever Inflammation. Last May, ANSES Publish a report in more than 170 pages This reflects her opinion on evaluating the risks associated with consuming dietary supplements containing turmeric. Regarding hepatotoxicity, the report cites several studies that indicate that at higher doses — doses that, for example, can lead to increased bioavailability — the effect of curcumin can be rival Commonly observed effects in the laboratory, in certain animal models and sometimes in humans, that is, it is pro-oxidant and promotes degradation of hepatocytes. The mechanistic studies cited by ANSES confirm these hypotheses.

What behavior should be adopted?

In light of curcumin’s controversial clinical efficacy and heterogeneity of supply from the dietary supplement market, caution should be exercised. If you are consuming supplements containing turmeric, avoid formulas that increase its bioavailability active ingredient (conjugation with piperine, coated with a lipid matrix, etc.). Finally, ANSES recommends people undergoing medical treatment and infected persons diseases bile ducts to avoid consuming supplements containing curcumin as much as possible.