Can you Overdose Curcumin?

Yes, you can and therefore curcumin should not be taken in an amount more than the recommended values. There is a particular dosage of curcumin in which it can be taken safely without any adverse effects.

Overdosing may result in toxicity and cause damage to the liver.

Let us find out more about the proper dosages of curcumin and the effects of its overdose.

Know the Accepted Curcumin Dosage

Curcumin is the active phenolic compound in turmeric and responsible for most of its health benefits. It is also sometimes taken in the form of supplements.

However, to see any positive results, it should be taken in proper amounts, neither less nor more.

Knowing the proper dose of curcumin will help us in identifying the amount in which we can take turmeric or curcumin supplements.

In recommended amounts, it may assist one in the treatment of diseases, while in very high amounts; the same curcumin may cause toxicity and damage.

What is the General Daily Dose of Curcumin?

It is not necessary to take curcumin only if one is suffering from any illness. One may take curcumin daily for general health, well-being, and prevention of diseases.

In Asian countries, people consume curcumin daily in the form of turmeric in the diet.

They take about 1.5-4g of turmeric daily which contains about 8-20 mg curcumin, without observing any severe adverse effects. [1]

Thus, it is safe to take curcumin daily in these very amounts.

What is the Therapeutic dose of Curcumin?

If one is suffering from any health condition and wants to take curcumin for therapeutic effect and early treatment and recovery, the dose can be increased.

Scientists have used increased doses of curcumin and observed benefits in many diseases like arthritis, cancer, and infections.

Read: Dosage of Curcumin in Cancer

As per research, 1,200-1,800 mg curcumin can be taken daily. For better absorption, it is recommended to divide the doses and take 400-600 mg curcumin thrice daily.  [2] [3]

In studies, even a higher dose of up to 8000 mg curcumin has been found to be safe for consumption. [4] [5]

The higher dose, however, depends greatly on the tolerability of an individual.

If one is not used to taking curcumin or turmeric, one should start with small doses and increase the dose gradually, in the absence of any adverse effects.

What are the Effects of Curcumin Overdose?

Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent and helps in fighting toxic free radicals in the body.

However, the very same curcumin in extreme doses or after long-term use can lead to the generation of toxins in the form of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators.

It could also decrease the levels of many antioxidant enzymes in the body. This further causes the development of oxidative stress, cell and DNA injuries, metabolic disorders and liver damage. [6] [7]

This implies that the effects of curcumin are dose-dependent. In proper levels, it benefits the body and in very high concentrations, it causes toxicity. Moderate curcumin doses are most favorable. [8]

How to Get Curcumin Supplements

It is important to understand the types of curcumin supplements and choose the right brand for best results.

Check out our detailed article on types of supplements in the market and which supplements are best for what disorders. Read here>

3 thoughts on “Can you Overdose Curcumin?”

  1. I have read in a number of research articles that the positive effects of curcumin are 12x more potent when taken with both pepper and some type of fat. That situation would seem to suggest that the three, when cooked together, as in a curry sauce, would be far more effective than merely taking the supplement version alone.

    The use of piperine in supplements has been used in a variety of supplements for decades to enhance nutrient absorption, and it appears that butter (or other fat) stokes the pancreas into secreting the appropriate enzymes to more efficiently metabolize the curcumin, whereas the curcumin, by itself, is very inefficient in stimulating that process. It’s similar for cannabis, where butter in used as a cooking ingredient, not just for flavor, but to trigger the pancreas.

    Reply

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