Lead in turmeric can cause severe health consequences, say experts

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Amid a report on high lead levels found in turmeric sold in Asia, including India, doctors on Saturday warned that lead exposure through contaminated turmeric can impair kids' cognitive functions, and raise heart disease, and stroke risk in adults.

The study, published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, found that turmeric sold in India's Patna; Pakistan's Karachi and Peshawar; and Nepal had lead levels in turmeric exceeding 1,000 micrograms/gram. This is about 200 times more than the limit set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) -- 10 micrograms/gram.

Researchers led by the University of Stanford in the US, along with those from India, found that turmeric sold in Guwahati and Chennai also exceeded the regulatory limit.

"Turmeric, widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is often consumed in significant quantities, making lead contamination especially dangerous. Lead exposure through contaminated turmeric can cause gastrointestinal toxicity, manifesting as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation," Dr. Mahesh Gupta, Senior Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, told IANS.

"This study serves as a reminder to approach traditional remedies with caution, as overdose or consumption of contaminated turmeric could worsen health rather than improve it," he added.

The study showed that the most likely source of lead in turmeric samples was lead chromate -- a yellow pigment used in paints, rubber, plastics, and ceramic coatings. Polished roots and loose powder were the only forms of turmeric with lead levels above 1,000 micrograms/gram.

"Consumption of lead chromate via turmeric has severe health consequences, which include cognitive impairment, especially irreversible damage to a child's brain development. Children can have learning disabilities, including low IQs, and long-term exposure in adults can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes, and can also lead to certain different neurological disorders," Dr Manisha Arora, Director - Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, told IANS.

Gupta said regular intake can also impact liver function, impair the organ's ability to detoxify the body, and lead to oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal lining, which can aggravate inflammatory conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Given that loose, unregulated turmeric often exceeds safe lead levels, consumers with digestive sensitivities should be especially cautious, opting for packaged and branded turmeric products that meet regulatory standards, the experts noted.

They called on health authorities to focus on eliminating the use of lead chromate in the turmeric supply chain.

Raising awareness about the risks associated with contaminated turmeric, coupled with rigorous testing, is essential to safeguarding gastrointestinal health and preventing long-term toxic exposure.

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