Health experts have advised Nigerians to exercise caution in the use of turmeric, warning that while the spice offers several health benefits, consuming it excessively could have harmful effects on the kidneys, particularly among individuals who are already vulnerable to kidney-related conditions.
The warning was issued by the immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, Prof. Jacob Awobusuyi, who said excessive turmeric intake may increase the risk of developing kidney stones due to the spice's oxalate content. In severe cases, he noted, the condition could contribute to kidney damage or even kidney failure.
Turmeric, a yellow-orange spice native to southern Asia, is widely used in cooking and traditional medicine because of its perceived health-promoting properties. In recent years, turmeric and curcumin—the spice's main active ingredient—have also become increasingly popular in supplement form, leading to concerns about overconsumption.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, Awobusuyi explained that moderation remains essential despite turmeric's reputation as a healthy dietary ingredient.
“Turmeric contains oxalates, which can predispose some individuals to kidney stones.
“Excessive intake can increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate stones, which may cause significant kidney damage and, in some cases, contribute to kidney failure.”
He urged Nigerians to avoid excessive consumption and seek professional guidance on appropriate quantities, especially when taking turmeric in concentrated supplement form.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the burden of kidney disease in Nigeria. According to data from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, more than 20 million Nigerians are living with kidney disease, while about 20,000 patients progress to end-stage kidney disease every year, requiring either dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Awobusuyi also expressed concern over the increasing use of herbal supplements and locally prepared herbal mixtures, many of which do not clearly disclose their ingredients or dosage.
According to him, the uncertainty surrounding the composition of these products makes it difficult to determine their safety and potential effects on kidney health.
“We also have various herbal supplements and spice mixtures whose exact composition is often unknown. Some of these products may contain substances that are nephrotoxic, meaning they can injure the kidneys.”
Although scientific research has yet to conclusively establish a direct link between many herbal products and kidney injury, the nephrologist said there are enough observations from clinical practice to warrant caution.
“Although we do not yet have direct scientific evidence linking many of these products to kidney injury, circumstantial evidence suggests that some may contribute to the acute kidney injury cases we see.”
Also speaking on the issue, a Senior Registrar at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Nephrology Unit, Dr. Harriet Yepwi, echoed the call for moderation, noting that excessive consumption of turmeric may not be harmless.
“A little (turmeric) is good, but too much is bad.”
She, however, pointed out that the extent of damage turmeric may cause to the kidneys has not been definitively established.
“The level to which it causes damage is yet to be established.”
The experts advised Nigerians to rely on balanced diets, avoid self-medication with herbal supplements, and seek medical advice before consuming large quantities of spices or alternative health products marketed for their perceived medicinal benefits.