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For breastfeeding, excretion data and controlled studies are lacking [1]. The EMA does not recommend turmeric preparations then [3]. LactMed cites one small study without adverse effects in infants; no data exist on excretion into breast milk [1].

Turmeric and golden milk while breastfeeding
  • Excretion into breast milk: no data according to LactMed
  • One small study found no adverse effects in infants
  • Amounts above usual spice amounts: LactMed says probably avoid
  • Capsules and extracts: no breastfeeding studies, the EMA does not recommend them
  • With medication or biliary disease: consult a doctor, midwife or lactation consultant

What's behind it

Two things are often mixed up here: turmeric as a spice (also in golden milk) and curcumin supplements. For both, there are no controlled studies during breastfeeding. The NIH database LactMed states that no data exist on the excretion of turmeric components into breast milk [1]. Curcumin is poorly soluble, barely absorbed and rapidly metabolised [2]. Whether this limits transfer into milk has not been measured.

What the sources show

Breastfeeding. LactMed cites one small study in which infants exposed to turmeric via milk showed no adverse effects. The US FDA classifies turmeric as a food ingredient “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS); according to LactMed there are no data on curcumin extracts during breastfeeding, and in cell studies curcumin suppressed milk production [1]. The EMA states that safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established and does not recommend use of the products covered by its monograph (turmeric preparations as medicines) then; it does not address spice amounts [3].

Tolerability in adults. A review describes turmeric and curcumin as non-toxic in humans; statements on pregnancy come from animal data, and human studies are lacking [4]. A review on pregnancy likewise relies mostly on animal and in vitro models [5]. A review cites a phase 1 trial of 25 people in which up to 8 g of curcumin daily for 3 months showed no toxicity [6]. After single doses of 0.5–12 g, 24 healthy volunteers had only minimal toxicity not related to dose, and no curcumin was detected in serum up to 8 g [7]. No breastfeeding women took part. LactMed lists nausea, diarrhoea and allergic reactions, and a higher bleeding risk with warfarin and antiplatelet drugs [1]. The EMA advises against turmeric in biliary disease and gallstones [3].

Golden milk. In the laboratory, warm dairy and soy milk extracted 11.7–14.9 mg of curcuminoids per gram of turmeric powder, 6.8–9.8 mg/g at ambient temperature; water alone extracted only 0.55 and 2.42 mg/g [8]. With about 2–3 g of powder per teaspoon, that works out to roughly 25–45 mg of curcuminoids per cup (our own calculation). The powder itself contained on average 3.14% curcumin [9], i.e. about 60–95 mg per teaspoon by calculation.

Milk production. According to LactMed, turmeric is traditionally used as a galactagogue in India and Indonesia; no scientific data support this. In laboratory experiments with mammary cells, curcumin even suppressed milk production [1].

What this means in practice

Turmeric as a spice in usual amounts is the range for which LactMed cites a small finding in infants [1]. A cup of golden milk with one teaspoon of powder corresponds by calculation to such a spice amount; there are no studies on it. For capsules and extracts, breastfeeding data are lacking and the EMA does not recommend them [3]. Anyone taking supplements or anticoagulants, or with biliary disease, should discuss this with a doctor, midwife or lactation consultant.

Limits of the statement

There are no studies in breastfeeding women and no measurements in breast milk. Results from healthy adults or animals cannot be transferred to infants. The EMA monograph concerns medicines, not spices. In 2017 EFSA found no cause-and-effect relationship between curcumin and joint function established [10]. This answer does not replace medical advice.

Common follow-up questions

There are no data on this: according to LactMed, no data exist on the excretion of turmeric components into breastmilk; a small study found no adverse effects in infants exposed to turmeric in milk (LactMed, 2025) PMID 30000906. In healthy volunteers, no curcumin was detected in serum after single doses of up to 8 g (Lao et al., 2006) DOI; this does not allow conclusions about breastmilk.

Caution is advised. The EU herbal monograph (HMPC) on turmeric rhizome (traditional use) states that safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established and that use is not recommended in the absence of data (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, EMA, 2018). According to LactMed, supplements can differ from their label in actual amounts, and results for one product do not automatically apply to others (LactMed, 2025) PMID 30000906. Talk to your doctor first.

As a worked example: if a drink contains 2 g of powder (an assumption, roughly one teaspoon), pure turmeric powder averaging 3.14% curcumin gives roughly 63 mg (Tayyem et al., 2006) DOI. Studies used much more, e.g. 500 mg twice daily (Soleimani et al., 2018) DOI. LactMed lists turmeric as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food ingredient, but notes that no data exist on excretion into breastmilk (LactMed, 2025) PMID 30000906. In the breastfeeding period it is best to talk to your midwife or doctor.

As a worked example: if a cup contains 0.5 to 1 g of turmeric powder (an assumption), pure turmeric powder averaging 3.14% curcumin gives roughly 16 to 31 mg (Tayyem et al., 2006) DOI. Curry powders contained much less and varied widely (same study). This is far below the 500 mg twice daily mentioned for human studies in a safety review (Soleimani et al., 2018) DOI.

Human data for breastfeeding are lacking. LactMed lists turmeric as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food ingredient; a small study found no adverse effects in exposed infants, while nausea, diarrhea and allergic reactions have been reported (LactMed, 2025) PMID 30000906. A review found no toxic effects in human studies, with possible gastrointestinal upset, and calls for more human studies for pregnancy (Soleimani et al., 2018) DOI.

For breastfeeding, human safety data are lacking: LactMed lists no data on excretion into breastmilk and notes that curcumin suppressed milk production in mammary cells in vitro (LactMed, 2025) PMID 30000906. For pregnancy too, most data come from animal and cell studies (Filardi et al., 2020) DOI. Extracts contain more curcumin per serving than the spice, which averages 3.14% (Tayyem et al., 2006) DOI. Talk to your doctor beforehand.

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References

  • [1] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Turmeric. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000906; NBK501846
  • [2] Jäger, R. et al. (2014). Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations. Nutrition Journal 13:11. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-11
  • [3] European Medicines Agency (EMA), Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). (2018). European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017), adopted 25 September 2018. ema.europa.eu
  • [4] Soleimani, V. et al. (2018). Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review. Phytotherapy Research 32(6):985–995. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6054
  • [5] Filardi, T. et al. (2020). Curcumin: Could This Compound Be Useful in Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Complications? Nutrients 12(10):3179. DOI: 10.3390/nu12103179
  • [6] Chainani-Wu, N. (2003). Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: A Component of Tumeric (Curcuma longa). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 9(1):161–168. DOI: 10.1089/107555303321223035
  • [7] Lao, C. D. et al. (2006). Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 6:10. DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-6-10
  • [8] Kotha, R. R. et al. (2022). Extractability of Curcuminoids Is Enhanced with Milk and Aqueous-Alcohol Mixtures. Molecules 27(15):4883. DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154883
  • [9] Tayyem, R. F. et al. (2006). Curcumin content of turmeric and curry powders. Nutrition and Cancer 55(2):126–131. DOI: 10.1207/s15327914nc5502_2; PMID: 17044766
  • [10] EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). (2017). Curcumin and normal functioning of joints: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal 15(5):4774. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4774

In culinary amounts, the LactMed entries reviewed list no spice as prohibited. Caution applies to sage, traditionally used for weaning [1], very large amounts of peppermint [2], and extracts and capsules, such as turmeric [3].

Spices while breastfeeding – assessment according to LactMed
  • Turmeric: no excretion data, one small study without adverse effects in infants, amounts above spice amounts probably best avoided
  • Ginger: “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food flavouring, including during lactation
  • Sage: traditionally used to reduce milk, safety data lacking
  • Peppermint: GRAS as a food; high doses suppressed milk production in laboratory and animal studies
  • Black pepper: piperine passes into breast milk, far below the taste threshold at typical amounts

What's behind it

The amount is decisive. The NIH database LactMed distinguishes between food amounts and dietary supplements, which do not require extensive pre-marketing approval and whose content may differ from the label [3]. A blanket ban on individual spices cannot be derived from the entries reviewed. Turmeric while breastfeeding has its own answer.

What the sources show

Turmeric. LactMed lists no data on excretion into breast milk and one small study without adverse effects in infants; amounts above usual spice amounts should probably be avoided [3]. The EMA does not recommend turmeric preparations as medicines during lactation [4].

Ginger. Data in nursing mothers are very limited; ginger is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food flavouring, including during lactation [5].

Sage. Sage purportedly reduces lactation and is used to aid weaning or with an overabundant milk supply. According to LactMed, no studies on its effect on milk supply were found and no safety data exist for nursing mothers or infants; thujone and camphor are neurotoxic in high doses [1].

Peppermint. Peppermint is GRAS as a food. Suppression of milk production was shown in vitro and in animals at high doses; menthol and 1,8-cineole are excreted into breast milk in small quantities. Large doses can cause heartburn and nausea [2].

Black pepper. Piperine can be found in breast milk, but at typical dietary amounts it is far below the taste threshold; studies with piperine-containing pharmaceutical products are lacking [6].

Cinnamon and coriander. Ceylon cinnamon is GRAS as a flavouring, and safety data in nursing mothers are lacking [7]. Coriander is GRAS as a food; one case report describes symptoms after drinking 200 mL of a coriander extract daily for 7 days [8].

Milk flavour. After a curry dish, linalool passed into the milk of 18 nursing mothers and can alter the milk aroma [9].

What this means in practice

Spices in usual amounts in food are not listed as prohibited in the entries reviewed. Restraint concerns extracts, capsules, shots and large amounts of herbal teas, such as sage or peppermint. If your child reacts noticeably after certain foods, talk to a midwife, paediatrician or lactation consultant; a connection is not proven.

Limits of the statement

The answer rests on the LactMed evaluations, not on controlled studies in breastfeeding women, and is not a complete list of all spices. Individual reactions and allergies are possible. This answer does not replace medical advice.

Common follow-up questions

There are no safety data for cinnamon as a spice in breastfeeding women or infants. According to LactMed (NIH, 2025), cinnamon is generally well tolerated, with occasional bloating, dyspepsia, heartburn and nausea. Ceylon cinnamon is generally recognized as safe as a flavouring in the US, whereas cassia cinnamon contains high amounts of coumarin. No studies on its effect on milk supply were located PMID 40986675.

Sage is purported to reduce lactation and is traditionally used for weaning, but according to LactMed (NIH, 2025) no scientific studies on its effect on milk supply exist. No safety data in nursing mothers or infants exist either. Sage is generally well tolerated, with occasional nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or dizziness; thujone and camphor are neurotoxic in high doses PMID 30000875. A figure such as more than three cups daily is not proven.

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Here's where to go next:

  • Safety check: Learn more about the general safety, potential side effects and interactions of curcumin.
  • Effects overview: Useful information on what curcumin does in the body and how it can support health.
  • Bioavailability guide: Everything on optimal intake, bioavailability and the safest forms of use of turmeric.

References

  • [1] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Sage. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000875; NBK501816
  • [2] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Peppermint. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000911; NBK501851
  • [3] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Turmeric. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000906; NBK501846
  • [4] European Medicines Agency (EMA), Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). (2018). European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017), adopted 25 September 2018. ema.europa.eu
  • [5] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2026). Ginger. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000845; NBK501786
  • [6] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Black Pepper. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 35349239; NBK579035
  • [7] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Cinnamon. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 40986675; NBK618284
  • [8] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2024). Coriander. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000851; NBK501792
  • [9] Debong, M. W. et al. (2021). Dietary Linalool is Transferred into the Milk of Nursing Mothers. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 65(23):e2100507. DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100507

No safety studies on curcumin in children were found; the EMA does not recommend turmeric medicinal preparations under 18 years [1]. According to EFSA, the normal diet supplies less than 7% of the ADI [2]. Discuss capsules and extracts with a paediatrician first.

Turmeric for children – what the sources say
  • Children and adolescents under 18: the EMA does not recommend turmeric preparations as medicines (too little data)
  • From the normal diet: under 7% of the ADI according to EFSA
  • Capsules, shots and extracts: no studies in children found
  • Infants via breast milk: no excretion data according to LactMed
  • Existing conditions, medication, allergies: consult a paediatrician

What's behind it

The question covers two different things: turmeric as a spice in family meals and curcumin capsules or extracts. Children are not small adults; body weight and metabolism differ, so adult data cannot simply be transferred. The safety data on high curcumin amounts found here come from adults. For general safety, see the safety check.

What the sources show

The EMA monograph on turmeric rhizome (a medicinal product) states that use in children and adolescents under 18 has not been established because adequate data are lacking, and does not recommend it. Because of possible stimulation of bile secretion, it advises against turmeric in biliary disease and gallstones [1].

EFSA re-evaluated curcumin (E 100) as a food additive and confirmed an ADI of 3 mg/kg body weight per day. It is based on a no-effect level of 250–320 mg/kg from a reproductive toxicity study, in which F2-generation offspring gained less weight at the highest dose. For 1- to 10-year-old children, estimated intake from the additive at maximum levels of use exceeded the ADI in some European countries; intake from the normal diet was below 7% of the ADI [2]. For a 20 kg child, the ADI works out to 60 mg of curcumin per day.

The dose-escalation study by Lao et al. (2006) tested single doses of 0.5–12 g of curcuminoids in 24 healthy adults; no children took part [3]. In one analysis, turmeric powder contained on average 3.14% curcumin [4]. By calculation, a teaspoon of powder (about 2–3 g) therefore holds roughly 60–95 mg of curcumin, and 500 mg of powder about 16 mg (our own calculation). A teaspoon in a dish for several people is spread accordingly.

For breastfed infants, LactMed lists no data on excretion of turmeric components into breast milk; one small study found no adverse effects. Allergic reactions and contact dermatitis have been reported [5].

What this means in practice

Turmeric as a spice in family meals sits, in EFSA's assessment of the normal diet, far below the ADI [2]. Capsules, shots or concentrated turmeric drinks for children were not studied in the sources reviewed; the EMA does not recommend turmeric preparations under 18 [1]. Discuss such products with a paediatrician beforehand, especially with existing conditions, medication or known allergies.

Limits of the statement

No studies on curcumin supplements in healthy children were found. The ADI applies to lifelong daily intake and includes a safety factor of 100; it is not a dosing recommendation. The calculations of curcumin in spices are approximations. This answer does not replace medical advice.

Common follow-up questions

There is no study defining an age limit for seasoning with turmeric; small, ordinary food amounts are what matters. For turmeric medicinal products the EMA states: use under 18 years is not recommended because data are lacking (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, 2018). For introducing it with complementary foods, talk to your paediatrician.

For curcumin as a food additive (E 100), EFSA derived an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3 mg/kg body weight (EFSA, 2010) DOI. By calculation, for a 20 kg child this is 60 mg curcumin per day; with an average 3.14% curcumin in turmeric powder (Tayyem et al., 2006) DOI that corresponds to about 1.9 g powder. A capsule with 500 mg curcumin would clearly exceed this value (calculation). The ADI applies to the food additive and is not a dosing recommendation for children.

No, this is not advisable without medical advice. According to the EMA, use of turmeric medicinal products under 18 years is not recommended because adequate data are lacking (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, 2018). Paediatric research is sparse: in a small tolerability study in children with inflammatory bowel disease who took curcumin on top of standard therapy up to 2 g twice daily, it was well tolerated (Suskind et al., 2012) DOI. This does not replace medical advice.

Read more

Want to dive deeper into the subject? Continue here:

  • Safety check: Learn more about the general safety, potential side effects and interactions of curcumin in humans.
  • Effects overview: Worth knowing about what curcumin does in the body and how it can support health.
  • Bioavailability guide: Everything on optimal intake, bioavailability and the difference between powder and extract.

References

  • [1] European Medicines Agency (EMA), Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). (2018). European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017), adopted 25 September 2018. ema.europa.eu
  • [2] EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). (2010). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of curcumin (E 100) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 8(9):1679. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1679
  • [3] Lao, C. D. et al. (2006). Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 6:10. DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-6-10
  • [4] Tayyem, R. F. et al. (2006). Curcumin content of turmeric and curry powders. Nutrition and Cancer 55(2):126–131. DOI: 10.1207/s15327914nc5502_2; PMID: 17044766
  • [5] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Turmeric. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000906; NBK501846

According to LactMed, ginger as a food flavouring is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), including during lactation [1]. Data on safety in nursing mothers and infants are very limited [1]. Discuss capsules or extracts, and warfarin use, with a doctor first.

Ginger while breastfeeding
  • As a spice and food: “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) according to LactMed, including during lactation
  • Data on safety in nursing mothers and infants: very limited
  • With warfarin, ginger can increase bleeding risk
  • Traditionally used as a galactagogue, but in some cultures thought to reduce milk; the evidence is weak
  • Not to be confused with turmeric: ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a different plant

What's behind it

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are often named together but are different plants with different constituents. In ginger rhizome, the pungent gingerols, such as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, are considered responsible for its pharmacological activity [1]. 6-Gingerol is the primary pungent ingredient [2]. Turmeric, by contrast, contains curcuminoids such as curcumin [3]. Turmeric while breastfeeding has its own answer.

What the sources show

The NIH database LactMed states that very limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of ginger in nursing mothers or infants. However, ginger has a long history of use as a food and medicine and is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food flavouring by the US FDA, explicitly including during lactation [1].

Used as a medicinal, ginger is generally well tolerated in adults. Mild side effects such as bad taste, heartburn, abdominal discomfort, weight gain, headache, dry mouth and nausea are occasionally reported. Ginger can increase bleeding risk when taken with warfarin [1].

On milk production: according to LactMed, ginger is used as a galactagogue in Türkiye, Indonesia and parts of Asia, but in some cultures is thought to decrease milk supply. A systematic review of 5 studies found weak evidence that ginger may increase milk supply in mothers who had a natural delivery, but not after cesarean section; two later studies reported a higher milk flow rate with steamed ginger extract than with placebo at 36 and 48 hours postpartum [1]. LactMed stresses that galactagogues should never replace counselling on the modifiable factors affecting milk production. No effect can be derived from these small studies.

A pharmacology review calls ginger generally considered safe, but advises caution in therapeutic use because its mechanisms of action are not fully understood [2].

What this means in practice

Ginger as a spice or ingredient in food and tea is the range for which LactMed cites the GRAS status including lactation [1]. For ginger shots, concentrates and capsules, breastfeeding data are lacking; the source gives no amount limit. Discuss them before use with a doctor, midwife or lactation consultant, especially with blood thinners such as warfarin [1].

Limits of the statement

This answer concerns ginger, not turmeric. No controlled studies on the safety of ginger supplements in breastfeeding women were found; the assessment rests on the LactMed evaluation and a general review. Individual conditions and medication can change the assessment. This answer does not replace medical advice.

Common follow-up questions

Probably yes in usual kitchen amounts, but the data are thin. LactMed states that very limited data exist on ginger in nursing mothers and infants; as a food flavouring (including during lactation), ginger is “generally recognized as safe” by the US FDA (LactMed/NIH) PMID 30000845. Used medicinally it can increase bleeding risk with warfarin. If you take medication, talk to your doctor.

This is not established. LactMed reports that ginger is traditionally used as a milk-promoting remedy in some regions. A systematic review of 5 studies found weak evidence for more milk in mothers after vaginal delivery, not after caesarean; later studies found a higher milk flow rate with steamed ginger extract than placebo at 36 and 48 hours postpartum (LactMed/NIH) PMID 30000845.

In the NIH drug and lactation database LactMed, both are “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) in the US as food: ginger as a food flavoring, including during lactation (LactMed/NIH, 2026) PMID 30000845, and turmeric as a food ingredient (LactMed/NIH, 2025) PMID 30000906. Both may increase bleeding risk with warfarin. For turmeric there are no data on transfer into breast milk (LactMed/NIH, 2025) PMID 30000906; for ginger only very limited safety data exist in nursing mothers (LactMed/NIH, 2026) PMID 30000845. In combination supplements, ingredients and amounts may differ from the label (LactMed/NIH, 2025) PMID 30000906. Talk to your doctor or midwife before taking a high-dose product.

Read more

Want to dive deeper into the subject? Continue here:

  • Safety check: Learn more about the general safety, potential side effects and interactions of curcumin.
  • Ingredient guide: Worth knowing about the differences between turmeric and ginger and their specific ingredients.
  • Bioavailability guide: Everything on optimal intake, bioavailability and the difference between powder and extract.

References

  • [1] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2026). Ginger. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000845; NBK501786
  • [2] Bode, A. M. & Dong, Z. (2011). The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd ed. CRC Press. PMID: 22593941; NBK92775
  • [3] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2025). Turmeric. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). PMID: 30000906; NBK501846

Studies on golden milk in pregnancy are lacking [1]. By calculation, a teaspoon of powder in warm milk yields about 25–45 mg of curcuminoids [2], below the EFSA ADI of 195 mg for 65 kg [3]. The EMA advises against turmeric medicines [4].

Golden milk during pregnancy
  • Studies on golden milk in pregnancy: none found
  • By calculation: 1 tsp of powder in warm milk yields about 25–45 mg of curcuminoids
  • EFSA ADI: 195 mg of curcumin per day at 65 kg (general population)
  • EMA: turmeric preparations as medicines are not recommended in pregnancy
  • Capsules and extracts: no pregnancy data, discuss with a doctor

What's behind it

Golden milk is a drink made with turmeric powder, so it is closer to a spice amount than a supplement. There are no studies on it in pregnancy. Studies on curcumin in pregnancy were performed only in animals, according to a review [1]. The assessment therefore rests on regulatory statements and an amount calculation.

What the sources show

The EMA monograph on turmeric rhizome states that safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established and does not recommend use then; it concerns medicines, not spice amounts [4]. A tolerability review calls curcumin safe in pregnancy in animals and calls for more human studies [5]. Another review relies mostly on animal and in vitro models and describes possible beneficial and/or adverse effects [6]. Statements about “anti-implantation” effects at very high animal doses could not be substantiated.

How much curcumin is in a cup? In a laboratory study, warm dairy and soy milk extracted 11.7–14.9 mg of curcuminoids per gram of turmeric powder, 6.8–9.8 mg/g at ambient temperature [2]. With about 2–3 g of powder per teaspoon, that is roughly 25–45 mg per cup by calculation (our own calculation). Plant-based milks extracted far less (0.08–0.37 mg/g warm for almond, coconut and milkadamia milk) [2].

EFSA set an ADI of 3 mg/kg body weight per day for curcumin (E 100) as a food additive, derived from a reproductive toxicity study in which F2-generation offspring gained less weight at the highest dose [3]. For 65 kg that is 195 mg per day by calculation. The ADI is a value for the general population, not specifically for pregnant women. For comparison, pure turmeric powder contained on average 3.14% curcumin [7], so a teaspoon holds roughly 60–95 mg by calculation.

What this means in practice

A cup of golden milk with one teaspoon of powder lies, by calculation, in the range of a spice amount and below the ADI; its safety in pregnancy is not proven, because studies are lacking. If you drink it regularly or use turmeric shots, capsules or extracts, discuss this with your gynaecologist or midwife, especially in the first trimester or in a high-risk pregnancy.

Limits of the statement

The amounts are calculated values from laboratory extraction and powder analysis, not measurements in the drink or in the body. The answer applies to a household drink, not to concentrated products. This answer does not replace medical advice.

Common follow-up questions

It depends on the recipe; there is no measurement per cup. By calculation (own estimate): 1 g of turmeric powder, as used per 100 mL of milk in one study (Talukdar et al., 2025) DOI, delivers about 31 mg at an average of 3.14% curcumin (Tayyem et al., 2006) PMID 17044766. Capsule studies often used far more, e.g. 0.45–3.6 g curcumin daily in patients (Sharma et al., 2004) DOI. Curcumin is practically insoluble in water (Naik et al., 2017) DOI.

Read further

Want to go deeper into the subject? Here's where to continue:

  • Safety check: Learn more about the general safety, potential side effects and interactions of curcumin.
  • Effects overview: Worth knowing about what curcumin does in the body and how it can support health.
  • Bioavailability guide: Everything on optimal intake, bioavailability and the question: why is curcumin barely absorbed in water?

References

  • [1] Tossetta, G. et al. (2021). The Multifaced Actions of Curcumin in Pregnancy Outcome. Antioxidants 10(1):126. DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010126
  • [2] Kotha, R. R. et al. (2022). Extractability of Curcuminoids Is Enhanced with Milk and Aqueous-Alcohol Mixtures. Molecules 27(15):4883. DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154883
  • [3] EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). (2010). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of curcumin (E 100) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 8(9):1679. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1679
  • [4] European Medicines Agency (EMA), Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). (2018). European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017), adopted 25 September 2018. ema.europa.eu
  • [5] Soleimani, V. et al. (2018). Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review. Phytotherapy Research 32(6):985–995. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6054
  • [6] Filardi, T. et al. (2020). Curcumin: Could This Compound Be Useful in Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Complications? Nutrients 12(10):3179. DOI: 10.3390/nu12103179
  • [7] Tayyem, R. F. et al. (2006). Curcumin content of turmeric and curry powders. Nutrition and Cancer 55(2):126–131. DOI: 10.1207/s15327914nc5502_2; PMID: 17044766

A safe amount for the first trimester cannot be substantiated: human studies are lacking, and the EMA does not recommend turmeric medicinal preparations in pregnancy [1]. By calculation, 1–3 g of spice powder (about 30–95 mg curcumin) is below the EFSA ADI of 195 mg for 65 kg [2, 3].

Turmeric in the first trimester
  • Human studies of curcumin in pregnancy: none found, data only from animal and cell models
  • EMA: use of turmeric preparations as medicines in pregnancy is not recommended
  • By calculation: 1–3 g of spice powder contains about 30–95 mg curcumin; the ADI is 195 mg (65 kg)
  • Capsules and extracts: no pregnancy data, discuss with a doctor first

What's behind it

In the first trimester the organs are formed. Whether a substance affects the embryo depends on the embryonic age and on the duration and dose of exposure [4]. For curcumin, studies on pregnancy were performed only in animals, according to a review [5]. No specific “safe amount” can be derived from this.

What the sources show

The EMA monograph on turmeric rhizome states that safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established and does not recommend use then. No fertility data exist, and tests on reproductive toxicity have not been performed [1]. A tolerability review calls turmeric and curcumin safe in pregnancy in animals and calls for more human studies [6]. Another review relies mostly on animal and in vitro models and describes possible beneficial and/or adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes [7].

EFSA set an ADI of 3 mg/kg body weight per day for curcumin (E 100) as a food additive. It is based on a no-effect level of 250–320 mg/kg from a reproductive toxicity study, in which F2-generation offspring gained less weight at the highest dose [2]. For 65 kg that works out to 195 mg per day. The ADI is a value for the general population and was not derived specifically for pregnant women. Pure turmeric powder contained on average 3.14% curcumin in one analysis [3]; 1–3 g of powder therefore corresponds by calculation to about 30–95 mg of curcumin (our own calculation).

In a dose-escalation study with 24 healthy adults, single doses of 0.5–12 g of curcuminoids caused only minimal toxicity not related to dose; no curcumin was detected in serum up to 8 g [8]. Pregnant women were not included, so the study says nothing about the first trimester. That curcumin is poorly soluble and poorly absorbed is also shown by a formulation comparison [9].

What this means in practice

Turmeric as a spice in usual amounts lies far below the ADI by calculation; there are no studies in pregnant women on this. Capsules and extracts have not been studied in pregnancy, and the EMA does not recommend turmeric preparations then [1]. Discuss such products beforehand with your gynaecologist or midwife, for example at the next antenatal appointment.

Limits of the statement

The answer rests on a regulatory monograph, an opinion on a food additive, reviews and animal data, not on studies in pregnant women. The calculations are approximations. Existing conditions, high-risk pregnancy and medication can change the assessment. This answer does not replace medical advice.

Common follow-up questions

We found no study on turmeric tea during pregnancy. A review describes only limited, fragmentary data on curcumin in pregnancy, mostly from animal and cell models (Filardi et al., 2020) DOI. By calculation, 1 tsp of powder (assumed 2–3 g) at 3.14% content (Tayyem et al., 2006) DOI holds about 60–95 mg of curcumin. Discuss use during pregnancy with your doctor.

No, there is no evidence for this. Only limited data on curcumin in pregnancy exist, mostly from animal and cell models (Filardi et al., 2020) DOI. For ginger, a meta-analysis of 12 trials with 1,278 pregnant women found that it significantly improved nausea compared with placebo (Viljoen et al., 2014) DOI. If you have pregnancy nausea, talk to your doctor.

Assuming 2–3 g per teaspoon and an average content of 3.14% curcumin (Tayyem et al., 2006) DOI, 1 tsp of turmeric powder contains about 60–95 mg of curcumin by calculation (a calculation, not a measurement). That is below the EFSA ADI of 0–3 mg/kg, i.e. 195 mg for 65 kg (EFSA, 2010) DOI.

Read more

Want to dive deeper into the subject? Continue here:

  • Safety check: Learn more about the general safety, potential side effects and interactions of curcumin.
  • Effects overview: Worth knowing about what curcumin does in the body and how it can support health.
  • Bioavailability guide: Everything on optimal intake, bioavailability and the difference between powder and extract.

References

  • [1] European Medicines Agency (EMA), Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). (2018). European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017), adopted 25 September 2018. ema.europa.eu
  • [2] EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). (2010). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of curcumin (E 100) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 8(9):1679. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1679
  • [3] Tayyem, R. F. et al. (2006). Curcumin content of turmeric and curry powders. Nutrition and Cancer 55(2):126–131. DOI: 10.1207/s15327914nc5502_2; PMID: 17044766
  • [4] van Gelder, M. M. H. J. et al. (2010). Teratogenic mechanisms of medical drugs. Human Reproduction Update 16(4):378–394. DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp052
  • [5] Tossetta, G. et al. (2021). The Multifaced Actions of Curcumin in Pregnancy Outcome. Antioxidants 10(1):126. DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010126
  • [6] Soleimani, V. et al. (2018). Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review. Phytotherapy Research 32(6):985–995. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6054
  • [7] Filardi, T. et al. (2020). Curcumin: Could This Compound Be Useful in Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Complications? Nutrients 12(10):3179. DOI: 10.3390/nu12103179
  • [8] Lao, C. D. et al. (2006). Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 6:10. DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-6-10
  • [9] Jäger, R. et al. (2014). Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations. Nutrition Journal 13:11. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-11