A woman in New Jersey narrowly escaped liver failure and the need for a transplant after consuming dangerously high doses of turmeric supplements.
Katie Mohan's daily intake of 2,250 mg of the popular spice supplement far exceeded the World Health Organisation's recommended limit of 200 mg for someone of her body weight, causing her liver enzyme levels to surge to 60 times the normal limit.
Medical professionals warned that Mohan was merely one step away from complete liver failure, which would have necessitated an organ transplant. Her case highlights the potential dangers of unregulated dietary supplements.
Mohan began experiencing troubling symptoms several weeks after starting the supplement regimen.
Mohan's troubling symptoms appeared several weeks after starting the supplement regimen
NBC NEWS
She felt nauseous and exhausted, and despite staying well-hydrated, noticed her urine had become considerably darker.
"I just did not feel well generally. A light bulb went off in my head, and I said, Oh, my gosh! I wonder if this is what's wrong with me," she told NBC News.
The WHO recommends a daily turmeric intake of 0 to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight.
For Mohan, this translated to approximately 200 mg daily - yet she was consuming more than eleven times that amount at 2,250 mg per day.
When Mohan sought urgent medical care, doctors discovered the severity of her condition. Dr Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos, a hepatologist at NYU, explained the gravity of the situation.
"It was very serious. Katie actually was one step before full liver damage, liver failure, requiring liver transplant," Dr Pyrsopoulos said.
Fortunately, Mohan's liver began to recover after spending just under a week in hospital. Dr Pyrsopoulos attributed her recovery to the liver being a "forgiving organ" capable of regeneration.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with excessive supplement consumption, even with substances generally considered beneficial.
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Turmeric is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties
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Turmeric, derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to alleviate joint pain.
The spice has gained popularity through social media influencers who frequently promote its health benefits.
However, turmeric supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, leaving consumers without official guidelines on safe consumption levels. The WHO's established acceptable daily intake of 0 to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight serves as the primary reference point for safe usage.
Mohan's experience underscores the importance of moderation when taking any supplement, regardless of its perceived benefits.