Turmeric is often seen as a natural and harmless remedy — praised for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting properties. Found in kitchens around the world and stocked in the supplement aisles of most grocery stores, it’s become a staple in many people’s wellness routines. But for Katie Mohan, a 57-year-old woman from Morristown, New Jersey, this popular spice nearly cost her life.
For months, Katie Mohan took turmeric supplements daily, believing she was doing something beneficial for her health. The pills, produced by YouTheory and bought from Costco, contained high doses of turmeric — three pills per day totaling 2,250 milligrams.
That dosage, Katie Mohan later learned, was significantly higher than what health experts typically recommend. The World Health Organization advises a maximum of about 3 milligrams of curcumin per kilogram of body weight per day, meaning Mohan was far exceeding that limit.
At first, she began experiencing minor symptoms. It started with fatigue and stomach discomfort, which she brushed off as nothing serious. However, her health began to decline rapidly. She felt increasingly nauseous, her abdominal pain worsened, and her eyes took on a yellow tint — a telltale sign of jaundice. These symptoms were the body’s way of signaling something was seriously wrong with her liver.
Ignored Warnings and Growing Symptoms
Despite visiting her doctor in April, Katie Mohan’s initial tests and scans came back normal. No clear diagnosis could be made, and the underlying cause of her symptoms remained elusive. But Mohan’s condition continued to deteriorate. By June, she was weak, scared, and still without answers. It was around this time that she stumbled upon a news story published by NBC, detailing the experience of a man with similar symptoms who had suffered a turmeric-induced liver injury.
That article became a turning point. Realizing the parallels between her condition and the man’s story, Mohan immediately threw out the turmeric supplements she had been taking religiously. She began to suspect that the pills — the very product she believed was enhancing her health — were in fact slowly poisoning her liver.
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After this realization, she rushed to an urgent care facility. Her situation was serious enough that she was admitted to Morristown Medical Center. There, doctors confirmed her worst fears: her liver had sustained severe damage. Despite receiving treatment, including antiviral IV drips, her condition didn’t improve quickly. Her skin remained jaundiced, and the lab tests painted a grim picture — her liver enzymes were alarmingly elevated, a clear sign of acute hepatitis and liver dysfunction.
A Close Call with Liver Failure
Fearing for her life, Katie Mohan was transferred to NYU Langone Health in New York City. There, she was seen by Dr. Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos, an expert in liver disease. Upon evaluating her condition, Dr. Pyrsopoulos found signs of acute hepatitis and possible impending liver failure.
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He confirmed that Mohan’s liver numbers were 60 to 70 times higher than the normal range — an extreme indication that her liver was under toxic stress. “She was really very sick,” Dr. Pyrsopoulos told NJ.com. At that stage, it wasn’t clear whether she would require a liver transplant.
The uncertainty was terrifying. Katie Mohan recounted the emotional turmoil she experienced, admitting she feared she might die. “I was very, very, very scared,” she said. Her condition had escalated from general malaise to a life-threatening medical emergency — all from a supplement she thought was safe.
What shocked Mohan and her doctors alike was not only the sheer damage caused by the turmeric but also the presence of another ingredient: black pepper. Many turmeric supplements include black pepper extract, also known as piperine, which enhances the body’s absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000 percent.
While this combination may make the supplement more effective, it also increases the risk of toxicity in some people, especially at high doses. In Mohan’s case, the combination seemed to overwhelm her liver’s capacity to metabolize the compound safely.
Raising Awareness and Seeking Accountability
Katie Mohan has since been discharged from the hospital. Her liver enzyme levels, though still elevated, are gradually returning to normal. Her symptoms have disappeared, and she continues to recover physically and emotionally. But the experience left a lasting impact. Mohan has since reported the supplement to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hoping to prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Dr. Pyrsopoulos mentioned that NYU Langone sees around three to four cases each year of liver transplants directly linked to turmeric poisoning. While rare, these cases are a stark reminder that “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Supplements are not as strictly regulated as pharmaceutical drugs in the United States, and consumers often assume they’re harmless — a dangerous misconception.
Mohan’s case underscores the importance of reading labels carefully, understanding dosages, and being cautious about the long-term use of high-concentration supplements. Her story also brings attention to the need for better public education about the risks associated with supplements, especially those that include absorption enhancers like black pepper extract.
It also highlights the gaps in the medical system when it comes to diagnosing supplement-induced liver injuries. Despite repeated visits to doctors and normal test results, Katie Mohan’s serious condition went undiagnosed for months. Only after taking matters into her own hands — reading a news article and making the connection herself — was she able to get the right medical intervention. Her survival depended as much on her own initiative as it did on professional care.
Mohan hopes her story will serve as a warning to others. While turmeric may offer genuine benefits when used appropriately, overusing it — especially in potent pill form combined with piperine — can lead to dangerous outcomes. As supplements become more popular and more potent, it’s essential for both consumers and medical professionals to stay informed.
She now encourages people to consult with healthcare providers before starting any supplement regimen, especially those involving daily high doses. It’s also critical to report adverse effects to the FDA so patterns can be recognized, and dangerous products can be more closely monitored or even recalled.
In a world where health trends are often driven by social media and celebrity endorsements, stories like Mohan’s remind us of the real risks behind the marketing. Supplements, though over-the-counter, can still carry serious health consequences if used irresponsibly or in ignorance of recommended guidelines.
Katie Mohan’s brush with liver failure is not just a personal tragedy averted — it’s a public health warning. Her willingness to speak out may help protect others from unknowingly doing harm to their bodies in the name of health.