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A New Jersey man’s quest for better liver health took a frightening turn when a turmeric supplement landed him in the hospital with drug-induced liver injury. Robert Grafton, 54, began experiencing nausea, itching, appetite loss, and dark urine just a week after adding a liquid turmeric supplement to his daily routine.
Fearing liver or pancreatic cancer, the former radiology technologist and father of five rushed to the hospital. Tests revealed the damage, and Grafton’s doctors linked it to his excessive turmeric intake.
Grafton admitted to NBC News that he was shocked by the diagnosis, saying he thought he had done enough research and believed the supplement was safe. While the specific brand remains undisclosed, it’s known Grafton was consuming approximately 2,250mg of curcumin, a key ingredient in turmeric, daily – significantly higher than the recommended 2,000mg limit for supplements and far exceeding the average 500mg dose found in most over-the-counter options.
Dr. Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, the hepatologist who treated Grafton, stressed the misconception surrounding supplement safety.
“People assume these things are safe,” she told NBC News. “They take them for good health, not realizing the real risk involved.”
Fortunately, Grafton’s liver has recovered since he stopped taking the supplement. Recent bloodwork indicates his levels have returned to normal, and thankfully, no permanent damage was found.
However, his case highlights a serious issue. A 2010 study revealed over 40,000 Americans report liver damage annually due to medications and supplements, with over 2,000 deaths attributed to the severity of the condition.
Grafton’s story serves as a stark reminder to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.