Turmeric Supplements Linked to Liver Injury Cases
Researchers have identified a rare risk of liver damage among adults who use turmeric-based dietary supplements.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Nutrition
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Recent findings presented by the American College of Gastroenterology have linked turmeric supplement use to 15 rare cases of drug-induced liver injury in the United States. One patient in the studied group died after developing symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and jaundice.
Why it matters
As turmeric has grown into the fourth-highest-selling herbal supplement, these findings highlight a potential safety concern for the aging population most frequently using these products. The research serves as a reminder to monitor for unexplained digestive or systemic symptoms after starting new supplements.
A clinical study of 10 turmeric-linked liver injuries identified seven patients who carried the HLA-B*35:01 gene. Researchers are evaluating whether this genetic marker or the addition of piperine to supplements increases the risk of liver damage.
The players
American College of Gastroenterology
A professional medical society that promotes the scientific study and clinical practice of gastrointestinal health.
US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network
A research network funded by the NIH to study the causes and outcomes of liver damage caused by prescription and herbal products.
The details
Researchers suspect that piperine, an additive found in three of the implicated products, increases the systemic bioavailability of turmeric, potentially leading to higher liver exposure. Symptoms of injury typically emerged within 84 days of starting usage, and human leukocyte antigen sequencing suggests a potential link between the HLA-B*35:01 gene and susceptibility to these reactions.
Timeline
The first turmeric-linked liver injury cases occurred in 2011.
The majority of identified liver injury cases began in 2017.
Turmeric became the fourth-highest-selling herbal supplement in 2020.
Clinical research on liver injury was published in October 2022.
New research was presented at a gastroenterology meeting on September 18, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study integrates herbal supplement safety into the broader research scope of the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. It marks a shift toward more rigorous documentation of how popular botanical products interact with liver health across different genetic profiles.
If you take turmeric supplements, be mindful of signs like jaundice, nausea, or persistent fatigue that appear within three months of starting the product. These symptoms are worth discussing with your doctor to determine if a supplement, rather than an underlying condition, may be the cause.
The takeaway
While turmeric is a common supplement, it carries a rare risk of liver injury that may be influenced by your specific genetic makeup. If you decide to use supplements, track any new symptoms and prioritize a conversation with your physician about the potential risks relative to your health history.
Further reading
For more on the regulation and safety of dietary components, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Health.
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