What are the dangers and precautions of using turmeric?

A set of studies has suggested that the curcumin is not found specifically in a preferential organ. It is metabolized in the liver, that is to say it is transformed to be assimilated and used by different organs, then is eliminated through the urine. However, it is a molecule which is hydrophobic, that is to say insoluble in water, and which takes time to be absorbed by the body. Therefore, several complements food were placed on the market, containing curcumin « optimized ", that is to say whose bioavailability has been improved for better assimilation. It is :

• phytosomal complex: a complex between curcumin + phospholipids to improve absorption.
  

• micellar form: formulation that wraps curcumin in tiny lipid molecules (called micelles) to improve absorption up to 185 times better than a natural turmeric extract.
  

• colloidal nanoparticles: formulation where curcumin particles are reduced to significantly increase its solubility and bioavailability.
  

• encapsulation by cyclodextrins : formulation which helps protect fragile molecules (here curcumin) to then ensure slow release, and thus better absorption in the body.

However, these new formulations have been developed without the producers necessarily providing details of the bioavailability data of their products, or even rarely specifying whether it is a classic or new formulation. THE turmeric has then been in the spotlight for several months. Indeed, the nutrivigilance system of the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) recently recorded more than 100 adverse effects linked to the consumption of food supplements containing turmeric or curcumin. ANSES therefore published the pharmacokinetic data of subjects who used these supplements, and identified 15 hepatitis with severity levels ranging from 1 to 3, including one with a life-threatening condition. In twelve cases, consumers presented medical background, notably of a hepatic nature in three cases. For eight cases, the food supplements consumed had a bioavailability improved for curcumin. Therefore, it is necessary to be vigilant regarding the ingested dosages of optimized food supplements.

That said, let's not demonize this spice. You should know that curcumin has long proven itself thanks to its therapeutic virtues. Studies are being carried out today on mice which show that administered at a reasonable dose, curcumin would have a hepatoprotective effect in a model of liver cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide, a compound known to cause liver damage. Curcumin would therefore improve certain biochemical parameters thanks to its effect antioxidant. Although these experiments were carried out on mice, it should be noted that the metabolism of the latter is similar to that of humans, which suggests the effectiveness of curcumin on hepatoprotective activity.

Therefore, for consumption of curcumin without risk to health, particularly for the liver, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) at 180 mg/d of curcumin, for a adult of 60kg. ANSES, for its part, has determined that the dose provided by food supplements based on optimized curcumin must not exceed 153 mg/day of curcumin, for a adult of 60kg. Note that: 1 g of turmeric equals 30 à 50 mg of curcumin; 1 teaspoon coffee is equivalent to approximately 5 g of turmeric.

The Expert Group on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources reassessed the safety of curcumin (E100) after the Joint FAO/WHO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization) Committee ) of food additive experts (JECFA). The expert group therefore agreed with JECFA that the curcumin was not carcinogenic. They also concluded that it was not genotoxic.

However, curcumin may have negative effects on cancer treatments. Indeed, the combination of curcumin with certain chemotherapies does not go well together. It seems that the latter, due to its antioxidant effects, could slow down the action of certain anticancer treatments, namely:

• Cyclophosphamides
• Epipodophyllotoxins
• Camptothecins

It is also recommended not to use turmeric in combination with hormonal therapy for breast cancer. Additionally, in some cases, curcumin may not interact with certain cancer treatments. Therefore, it would be preferable to have the opinion of your treating physician regarding the type of treatment used.

Furthermore, curcumin is known to be a strong antioxidant because it contains polyphenols and vitamin E. Thus, it is considered to have a anti-cancer effect. Indeed, several studies have shown that curcumin inhibits tumor growth as well as the ability of transformed cells to induce tumor formation. In addition, it acts on the bothersome effects that anticancer treatments can induce, particularly skin reactions.

The virtues of turmeric are no longer a secret for researchers. Indeed, this golden spice has established a solid reputation in the scientific world thanks to its numerous virtues. It has been the subject of several scientific studies which have revealed very interesting therapeutic properties, namely: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer effects, and is considered a gastric protector. However, curcumin, present in the rhizome, can interact with certain medications, and therefore increase the action of active subtances and lead to side effects.

Thus, as in the case of the anticancer treatments cited above, it is strongly recommended not to consume turmeric or curcumin with:

• of the drugs anti coagulants/ antiplatelets : Indeed, curcumin has been described as having an antiplatelet effect with a strong intensity of interaction with anticoagulant drugs, it can destabilize the level of coagulation, thus being able to cause hemorrhage in individuals taking these drugs.

• of the drugs anti-inflammatories : Given its anti-inflammatory properties on the body, it is not recommended to interact curcumin with anti-inflammatory medications so as not to increase the effect of the active ingredients and cause unwanted effects, even overdose.

• of the anti-diabetic drugs : Curcumin has virtues against diabetes, however, it is recommended not to consume it at the same time as anti-diabetic medications so as not to increase their actions and thus risk hypoglycemia.

• of the drugs choleretics and hepatotropes : curcumin has choleretic properties, that is to say it stimulates the secretion of bile, and can therefore have a strong interaction with choleretic and hepatotropic drugs. Also, it is strongly not recommended for people with gallstones.

It is recommended to seek advice from your doctor.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, turmeric can be used in kitchen to give a pleasant taste and a beautiful color to the dishes. The recommended doses are between one to two teaspoons maximum per day. Used at a reasonable dose, turmeric does not present any risks in healthy pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, regarding those affected by pathologies particular, namely gestational diabetes, a pathology linked to blood coagulation problems, etc., it is preferable to seek advice from your doctor. Given that turmeric has anti-diabetes properties, anti-platelet aggregation effects, strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power, it is possible that there is a risk interaction with certain medications. Furthermore, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends not consuming food supplements based on turmeric, neither during pregnancy nor during breastfeeding.

Anyone can be affected by plant allergies. INSERM estimates that 25 to 30% of the population is affected by an allergic disease. According to the EFSA, it is quite rare to develop an allergic reaction to turmeric or curcumin. However, it is not impossible. Indeed, the prevalence of allergies to food colorings, here curcumin (E100), is low, between 0.03% and 0.15%. In atopic children, it could reach 2%. Individuals with allergic conditions must absolutely avoid consuming turmeric, in all its forms, namely: fresh or dried turmeric roots, turmeric powder, turmeric essential oil and herbs.food supplements based on turmeric/curcumin.

Of the products industrial may also contain turmeric or curcumin. Most often they are indicated under the name of (E100) Or curcumin. We find them in:

• Spices containing turmeric (e.g. curry: mixture of several spices containing turmeric)

• Industrialized prepared meals and breaded/smoked fish

• Vegetable/poultry/beef/fish sauces, seasonings and broths

• Mustards (normal, grain, curry, sweet)

• Aperitif biscuits/chips

• Industrial cheeses, flavored yogurts, butters and margarines

• Industrial soups and purees

• Ice creams, jams and confectionery (e.g. candies and chewing gum)

• Drinks (sodas, smoothies, juices, etc.)

It can also be found in products pharmaceuticals or beauty, indexed under the name of THIS 75 300, including certain shampoos, soaps, shower gels, moisturizers, bath bombs, cleansing foams, mouthwashes and oils (for hair/massage/face). Note that these lists are not exhaustive. You just need to read the ingredients of the products to spot them.

THE symptoms Allergy to turmeric can manifest itself in different forms. The main ones are skin lesions such as hives or eczema, or respiratory forms, particularly rhinitis or asthma, or even, in rarer cases, anaphylactic shock. Sometimes, they can manifest at the gastrointestinal level, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. In the event of an allergy to turmeric or curcumin or the appearance of the beginnings of symptoms, it is advisable to consult a allergist in order to carry out a skin screening test and/or a blood test to detect immunoglobulin E (IgE) (antibodies involved in the immune reaction). Also, it will be very important to consult a dietitian in order to have a balanced exclusion diet with replacement foods, and a list of foods at risk of containing them.

ANSES warns consumers of turmeric to falsifications of Turmeric Longa. Indeed, several publications have mentioned the presence of lower-cost substitutes, namely: Curcuma Zedoaria or curcuma aromatica Salisb. after carrying out a genetic analysis (DNA) of the Curcuma Longa powder. In 2018, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) also reported adulteration with Turmeric xanthorrhiza Roxb. These substitutions have no impact on safety at the doses used in food or in food supplements. However, by studying the samples by chromatography, a method for separating the different substances present in a mixture, it was observed that the substitutes had the power to dilute the curcumin, and thus not have the expected effects. In more dangerous cases, it has been found that turmeric powder is likely to be mixed with less expensive products, such as talc and the cassava flour.

Analyzes were carried out on samples of bulk turmeric, chili or curry from Indian markets. The results noted the presence of synthetic dyes unauthorized which may harm the health of consumers, namely: metanil yellow (1.5 to 4.6 mg/g), Sudan red I (4.8 to 12.1 mg/g) and Sudan red IV (0.9 to 2 mg/g) . Studies have been carried out in rats and have demonstrated that in the long term, the consumption of metanile yellow may cause neurotoxicity, hepatic carcinomas, lymphoid leukemia and deleterious effects on gastric mucin. Additionally, this food coloring has never been approved by the FAO/WHO Committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Therefore, note that it is very important to find out about the origin purchased dietary supplements or turmeric powders. It is equally important to have an idea of ​​the microbiological criteria and to know whether the presence of heavy metals and of pesticides are controlled and compliant.