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Is turmeric safe while breastfeeding?

Written by the Full Measure editorial team, which sells supplements. Approved for publication by the Full Measure owners. Updated .

Drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed below. How we write these

Quick answer

NIH's LactMed database says no data exist on whether turmeric passes into breast milk, though one small study found no adverse effects in infants exposed through milk. NCCIH says little is known about amounts above those in food while breastfeeding. Anyone who is nursing should ask their doctor before using a turmeric supplement.1,2

Key facts

  • LactMed reports that no data exist on the excretion of any component of turmeric into breast milk.1
  • LactMed says a small study found no adverse effects in infants exposed to turmeric in milk.1
  • NCCIH says little is known about using turmeric in amounts greater than those commonly found in food while breastfeeding.2
  • LactMed lists nausea, diarrhea and allergic reactions among reported effects of turmeric, and says it may raise bleeding risk with warfarin and antiplatelet drugs.1
  • LactMed notes that turmeric products often contain piperine and refers readers to its separate record on black pepper.1

What does NIH's breastfeeding database say about turmeric?

LactMed is the National Institutes of Health's Drugs and Lactation Database. Its turmeric record, updated July 15, 2025, says turmeric rhizome contains curcuminoids such as curcumin, and that no data exist on whether any of its components pass into breast milk.1

The record also says a small study found no adverse effects in infants exposed to turmeric in milk. The summary we read does not give the amounts involved, and one small study cannot rule out effects in other infants.1

Is a turmeric supplement different from turmeric in food?

LactMed describes turmeric as a food ingredient that FDA lists as generally recognized as safe. NCCIH draws the line at amount: it says little is known about using turmeric in amounts greater than those commonly found in food while breastfeeding. Neither source defines how much counts as a food amount, and neither mentions turmeric tea, so the label of a product and the amount you drink or cook with are the place to start with your doctor.1,2

Does the black pepper in turmeric products matter while nursing?

Curcumin products vary in how much curcumin they actually contain, and many add substances from other plants, such as piperine from black pepper.2

LactMed says information on piperine in breastfeeding is in its separate record on black pepper. We did not open that record, so this page says nothing about piperine itself.1

What effects and medicine cautions does LactMed list?

LactMed says turmeric is generally well tolerated, but that nausea, diarrhea and allergic reactions have been reported, and that contact dermatitis has followed skin contact with curcumin-containing products. It adds that turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking warfarin and antiplatelet drugs.1

Liver injury has been reported with turmeric and curcumin products, mostly highly bioavailable formulations. NIH's LiverTox database counts several dozen cases of acute liver injury, along with a low rate of short-lived rises in liver enzymes.2,3,4

The record also notes that turmeric has traditionally been used to try to raise milk supply, that no scientific data back this use, and that a laboratory study found curcumin reduced milk production in cultured cells. That was a cell study, not a finding in nursing mothers.1

Who should ask a doctor before using turmeric while nursing?

  • Anyone who is breastfeeding, before using a turmeric or curcumin supplement. NCCIH says little is known about amounts above those in food, and NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements urges caution with supplements while nursing.2,5
  • Anyone who takes warfarin or an antiplatelet medicine, because of the bleeding caution in LactMed.1
  • Anyone with liver problems, or who has had a liver reaction to any supplement.2

NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements says anyone who thinks they have had a bad reaction to a supplement should let their health care provider know.5

Questions people ask

Is turmeric supplement safe while breastfeeding?

NCCIH says little is known about amounts greater than those in food while breastfeeding, and LactMed found no data on turmeric in breast milk. Ask your doctor before using a supplement while nursing.1,2

Is turmeric tea safe while breastfeeding?

Neither LactMed nor NCCIH mentions turmeric tea, so the sources checked give no finding about it either way. Ask your doctor about how much you drink.1,2

Is curcumin safe while breastfeeding?

LactMed's record is for turmeric and its curcuminoids, including curcumin, and reports no data on passage into milk. NCCIH likewise says little is known about higher amounts, so ask your doctor before using a curcumin product.1,2

Does turmeric pass into breast milk?

LactMed says no data exist on whether any component of turmeric passes into breast milk. A small study found no adverse effects in infants exposed through milk.1

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Sources

  1. Turmeric. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006 onward. Updated July 15, 2025. Chapter summary read through PubMed (PMID 30000906); the Bookshelf page showed a browser check and was not opened. Opened 2026-10-11.
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Turmeric. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health. Last updated April 2025. Opened 2026-10-07.
  3. Turmeric. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012 onward. Updated June 16, 2025. Summary read through PubMed. Opened 2026-10-07.
  4. Lombardi N, Crescioli G, Maggini V, et al. Acute liver injury following turmeric use in Tuscany: An analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance database and systematic review of case reports. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2021;87(3):741-753. Opened 2026-10-07.
  5. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know. Fact sheet for consumers. Updated January 4, 2023. Opened 2026-10-07.

This page is information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.