Does Curcumin Cause Side Effects?
Even though it is a "natural" product,
curcumin may cause side effects. As a
dietary supplement, not a drug, curcumin has not been extensively studied. However, small studies seem to suggest that most people tolerate it well, experiencing little or no side effects.
In clinical studies, curcumin side effects included nausea and
diarrhea. When applied to the skin, irritation and allergic reactions may occur.
Serious Curcumin Side Effects
In general, curcumin seems unlikely to cause serious side effects. However, studies on it have been too small to fully evaluate possible side effects, especially rare side effects. Theoretically, curcumin could increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been reported as a possible curcumin side effect. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any signs of bleeding, such as:
- Easy bruising or cuts that are slow to stop bleeding
- Black, tarry stools; bright red blood in the stool; or vomiting of blood (signs of gastrointestinal bleeding)
- Signs of a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain), such as vision or speech changes, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or a severe headache.
Final Thoughts on Curcumin Side Effects
If you think you are experiencing a curcumin side effect, please let your healthcare provider know.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of curcumin, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. Because little is known about the possible side effects of curcumin, any information that individuals provide about possible side effects they experience is valuable to the scientific community.
