Lead in turmeric can cause severe health consequences, say experts

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 kidsrsquo cognitive functions and raise heart disease and stroke risk in adultsThe study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment found that turmeric sold in Indiarsquos Patna Pakistanrsquos Karachi and Peshawar and Nepal had lead levels in turmeric exceeding 1000 microgramsgram This is about 200 times more than the limit set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI 10 microgramsgramResearchers 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 limitldquoTurmeric widely recognised for its antiinflammatory 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 constipationrdquo Dr Mahesh Gupta Senior Consultant Medical Gastroenterology Dharamshila Narayana Hospital told IANSldquoThis study serves as a reminder to approach traditional remedies with caution as overdose or consumption of contaminated turmeric could worsen health rather than improve itrdquo he addedThe 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 1000 microgramsgramldquoConsumption of lead chromate via turmeric has severe health consequences which include cognitive impairment especially irreversible damage to a childs brain development Children can have learning disabilities including low IQs and longterm exposure in adults can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes and can also lead to certain different neurological disordersrdquo Dr Manisha Arora Director Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital R Delhi told IANSGupta said regular intake can also impact liver function impair the organrsquos 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 IBSGiven 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 notedThey called on health authorities to focus on eliminating the use of lead chromate in the turmeric supply chainRaising awareness about the risks associated with contaminated turmeric coupled with rigorous testing is essential to safeguarding gastrointestinal health and preventing longterm toxic exposureAlso ReadConsuming too much salt Its harming your health say expertsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever