Turmeric has become widely recognized for its impressive health benefits, supported by a growing body of scientific research. From promoting overall wellness to potentially alleviating various health conditions, turmeric seems to be a “cure-all” spice. However, as with any supplement, it’s important to understand how it works and what side effects might be involved.
One of the most discussed topics surrounding turmeric is its relationship with kidney stones. If you suffer from kidney stones, you may have heard conflicting information about whether or not turmeric is safe for you. So, what’s the connection? And is turmeric really a concern for those prone to kidney stones?
Fortunately, turmeric is known to have few side effects and contraindications, which is part of the reason it is so popular in the wellness community. Despite this, it’s still important to examine the potential link between turmeric and kidney stones, especially if you have a history of kidney issues or are at risk for developing stones.
As with any supplement, everyone’s body responds differently to new substances, especially if you’re on other medications or have pre-existing health conditions. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before adding anything new to your routine, including turmeric.
The Risk of Oxalates in Turmeric
A common concern related to turmeric and kidney stones stems from the oxalates naturally present in turmeric root. Oxalates, or oxalic acid, are compounds found in many plants. While most people can easily process oxalates without issue, they can pose a problem for individuals who are prone to kidney stones.

When oxalates bind with calcium in the kidneys, they can form calcium oxalate crystals, which may develop into kidney stones—an incredibly painful condition. In fact, 80% of kidney stones in adults in the U.S. are calcium oxalate stones. For this reason, those who are prone to kidney stones are advised to limit their oxalate intake to 40-50mg per day.
Oxalates can also interfere with the absorption of essential minerals, like iron, leading to other health complications such as anemia. Unfortunately, turmeric root, if not properly processed, can contain significant amounts of oxalates, which has caused concern for people with a history of kidney stones.
Why Does This Matter?
For many people, avoiding turmeric due to its potential oxalate content seems like a reasonable precaution. After all, kidney stones are painful and can require costly treatments. This has led to some frustration among those who want to enjoy the health benefits of turmeric but are wary of its potential impact on their kidneys.
The concern arises because mainstream turmeric root powder often contains higher levels of oxalates, especially if it’s not properly tested or filtered. These products typically have little to no independent testing for their oxalate content, leaving consumers unsure of what they’re really ingesting.
What Makes Turmeric Supplements Different?
While the raw turmeric root found in stores may have oxalates, turmeric extract supplements offer a different approach. Many reputable turmeric supplements, such as those using standardized curcumin extract, contain a significantly lower concentration of oxalates compared to turmeric root powder. Standardized turmeric extract is also far more concentrated, offering higher levels of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which is responsible for its health benefits, including reducing inflammation and alleviating joint pain.

One key advantage of using high-quality turmeric extract is that these supplements are often filtered to reduce or eliminate oxalates, making them safer for individuals concerned about kidney stones. However, not all turmeric supplements are created equal. Always look for products that have been third-party tested to ensure quality, safety, and consistency.
How Me First Living Handles Turmeric and Oxalates
At Me First Living, we take the concerns about turmeric and kidney stones seriously. Our turmeric extract is standardized to 95% curcuminoids—the highest concentration of active compounds. Most importantly, our turmeric extract is specially processed to ensure it contains very low levels of oxalates. Unlike turmeric root powders, which can vary in quality and oxalate content, our supplement undergoes rigorous testing and filtration to remove as much oxalate as possible.
We are confident that our Me First Living Premium Curcumin is one of the safest turmeric supplements available. Through our independent third-party lab tests, we were able to confirm that our product’s oxalate content is below detectable limits. The test results showed that our curcumin supplement contains less than 0.014% oxalic acid—so low that it falls below the reporting threshold.
This means you can enjoy the many health benefits of turmeric without worrying about the risk of kidney stones. No more avoiding turmeric for fear of side effects!
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about the link between turmeric and kidney stones, it’s essential to select a high-quality, standardized turmeric extract with minimal oxalates. By choosing a trusted supplement that has undergone proper testing, you can enjoy the full benefits of turmeric without the worry of kidney stone formation.
For those who’ve avoided turmeric in the past due to concerns about kidney stones, it’s time to rethink your approach. With the right turmeric supplement, you can safely experience the anti-inflammatory and health benefits of turmeric without putting your kidneys at risk.