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Our Members Asked:
Is it true that taking turmeric/curcumin with food can reduce iron absorption from food?
Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Answer:
First, it's important to know that you're usually better off taking turmeric and curcumin with food because the fats and oils in foods significantly enhance the absorption of key compounds — curcuminoids. However, these same compounds can bind to iron and may reduce its availability — which should be of concern to people who are anemic or have low iron stores. The concern is greater with curcumin than with turmeric spice as discussed in the "Cautions and Concerns" section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review >>Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.
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Related CL Answers (10)
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Phyllis16320
December 27, 2017Was hospitalized and found to have severe iron deficiency anemia (count = 9) without any evidence of GI bleeding. (I have never been anemic in my life!) Physicians could not find a cause. I had been taking curcumin daily. My iron and folate levels returned to normal after I discontinued the supplement.
patrick14048
May 21, 2017that's interesting I have hemochromatosis and take 28000mg turmeric daily with piperine for a while now my iron levels have reduced to a safe level in light of the iron findings I'm gonna keep taking turmeric
susan13974
May 1, 2017I've been taking 750mg curcumin everyday for the past 6 months & just found out today I'm slightly anemic. Have never been anemic before and I'm 66.
Sharon13936
April 21, 2017I have been taking curcumin for several years and am a regular blood donor. I have not had an issue with iron that a 45 mg once a day iron supplement (taken at a different time from my curcumin) hasn't corrected. Even without the iron supplement, my iron was only one point below donation level on one single occasion. If iron levels are very low, unless you are taking a huge amount of curcumin, I would look to other causes. I take 1000 mg/day standardized extract curcumin (Puritan's Pride brand).
patrick13935
April 21, 2017I DISAGREE I TAKE 28000MG CURCUMIN DAILY AND IT DOES REDUCE IRON AS I HAVE HEMACHROMATOSIS MY IRON LEVELS REMAIN HIGH AGAIN SUPPLEMENTS AND DRUGS CAN AFFECT PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT WAYS ITS NOT THAT EVERYONE IS EFFECTED THE SAME WAY
ConsumerLab.com
May 4, 2017Thank you for sharing your experience with this, Patrick. As hemochromatosis is often a genetic condition, you may have a different experience than someone without this condition.
Clare16851
May 20, 2018Patrick - I'm really interested to hear this. My husband and daughter have hemachromatosis and they do take curcumin. From now on with their meals. Bioavailablity of this product is definitely an issue but I understand that its more bioavailable if taken with fat and with bioperine. Perhaps it makes sense to take extra B vitamins with such high doses of curcumin.
My husband's latest blood tests show low B12 and Folate.
Davis13931
April 21, 2017Wow!!! I have been anemic for months!! I've had iron infusions (3) and 2 blood transfusion s. I have asked the hematologist and the digestive disease people if any of my meds could be causing this. I guess I will quit taking it.
ConsumerLab.com
April 21, 2017There could be other causes of anemia, but it would certainly seem worth stopping the curcumin to see if your anemia improves. How much curcumin (curcuminoids) were taking daily? Please post how things go. Thank you.
Davis14010
May 9, 2017I have asked my Dr. To look into the research about curcumin and anemia. When I get any info I will post it. I take 800mg a day of curcumin. When I got off of it when I saw this thread my aches and pains came back. I will deal with the anemia...I can't give up the curcumin .
Carol16360
January 21, 2018David, I think you are very wise with your risk-benefit analysis. It is now well-known that long term use of NSAIDS, as well as acetaminophen, can damage the liver and kidneys. Opioids are obviously problematic in their own way. It's great to hear that curcumin can be effective at relieving pain; I wish more people knew it! All the best to you.
Joan13929
April 21, 2017I can verify that Curcumin makes you anemic. I was taking large doses to get rid of inflammation and my iron level went down to 9. I had to take huge doses of iron to get back to normal and was advised not to take it any longer.
Judi13941
April 22, 2017I just found out that I am anemic. I started taking turmeric last year. Now my doctor wants me taking pre natal vitamins. I am going to stop the turmeric and see if it helps.
Judi Friedman Baker
Davis14011
May 9, 2017May I ask whom suggested that you get off of the curcumin?