Katie Mohan from New Jersey thought she was making a healthy choice by taking turmeric supplements daily. Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric is widely praised by wellness influencers and is believed to ease joint pain. But for Mohan, this popular spice nearly led to liver failure.
She began experiencing nausea, fatigue, and dark urine despite staying hydrated. “I just did not feel well generally,” she told NBC News. “A light bulb went off… I wonder if this is what’s wrong with me.” Her intuition proved right—tests revealed her liver enzymes were 60 times above normal.
Mohan had been consuming 2,250 mg of turmeric daily. However, the World Health Organization advises a maximum of just 200 mg for someone her size. Unlike FDA-approved drugs, turmeric supplements aren’t regulated, meaning dosage warnings are often unclear or missing altogether.
Dr. Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos, a hepatologist at NYU, said she was dangerously close to needing a transplant. “It was very serious,” he explained. Luckily, after nearly a week in the hospital, Mohan recovered without permanent damage.
Her case is a powerful reminder: even natural supplements can be harmful in large doses. Always consult a doctor before starting high-dose regimens—especially with unregulated products.
