Potential Risks of Cinnamon
Chinese Cinnamon Hazards
Safety Profile of Chinese Cinnamon
Chinese cinnamon is generally considered safe when consumed in doses ranging from one to six grams for a duration not exceeding six weeks. For longer periods, doses of one to two grams are advisable for up to three months. However, excessive consumption over extended periods may pose safety concerns due to the presence of coumarin, which, when taken in large quantities, can potentially lead to liver damage in some individuals, particularly those with sensitivities. Nonetheless, most people do not experience severe side effects from the coumarin levels typically present in cinnamon.
Precautions When Using Chinese Cinnamon
Individuals should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before consuming Chinese cinnamon if they belong to the following groups:
- Diabetes Patients: Chinese cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels, necessitating careful monitoring for individuals with diabetes, especially if cinnamon is consumed in quantities exceeding those found in food.
- Surgical Patients: It is advisable to refrain from taking medicinal doses of Chinese cinnamon for at least two weeks prior to surgery, as it can lower blood sugar and may interfere with blood sugar control during and after the procedure.
- Pregnant and Nursing Women: There is insufficient reliable information regarding the safety of Chinese cinnamon for pregnant and breastfeeding women, so it is prudent to avoid it to prevent any potential harm.
- Children: Chinese cinnamon may be safe for adolescents aged 13 to 18 when consumed at a dose of one gram per day for no more than three months.
Drug Interactions of Chinese Cinnamon
- Hepatotoxic Drugs: High doses of Chinese cinnamon may exacerbate liver damage, particularly in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. Concurrent use with hepatotoxic medications, such as acetaminophen, amiodarone, and carbamazepine, may elevate the risk of liver injury.
- Diabetic Medications: Given that Chinese cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels, its use alongside diabetes medications might significantly enhance the risk of hypoglycemia, requiring careful dose adjustments under medical supervision for drugs like glimepiride, glyburide, insulin, and metformin.
Ceylon Cinnamon Risks
Safety Profile of Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is largely considered safe when consumed in food quantities and likely remains safe at medicinal doses. It is deemed safe to consume half a gram to three grams daily for up to six months. While Ceylon cinnamon also contains coumarin, its levels are minimal, leading to negligible health risks.
Precautions When Using Ceylon Cinnamon
Certain individuals should be cautious when using Ceylon cinnamon, including:
- Pregnant and Nursing Women: Ceylon cinnamon is generally safe in food amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding but may pose risks when consumed in larger quantities. Thus, it is recommended to stick to food levels.
- Diabetes Patients: Ceylon cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, so careful monitoring is essential.
- Individuals with Hypotension: Ceylon cinnamon could potentially lower blood pressure, warranting caution for those with existing low blood pressure issues to avoid significant drops.
- Surgical Patients: It is advisable to avoid Ceylon cinnamon two weeks prior to surgery due to its effects on blood pressure and blood sugar, which may complicate control during the procedure.
Drug Interactions of Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon may interact with diabetes medications, as it can lower blood sugar levels. Taking Ceylon cinnamon alongside these medications could significantly enhance the risk of hypoglycemia, thus necessitating careful monitoring of blood sugar and potential dosage adjustments under a healthcare provider’s guidance.
Additional Precautions for Cinnamon Usage
Chinese cinnamon contains higher coumarin levels than Ceylon cinnamon, making Ceylon a safer option overall. Large quantities of coumarin may result in adverse effects; a review in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology indicated that excessive coumarin consumption could potentially harm the liver and lungs.
Other general precautions regarding cinnamon consumption include:
- Respiratory Issues: Consuming large amounts of ground cinnamon may lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and potential choking, particularly if inhaled accidentally. Additionally, the presence of cinnamon aldehyde can irritate the throat and may result in respiratory complications, including aspiration pneumonia.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to cinnamon, exhibiting symptoms like rashes around the mouth or contact areas. In severe cases, mouth sores may occur due to sensitivity to cinnamon aldehyde when consumed in excess.
- Potential Cancer Risk: High coumarin intake may increase cancer risk based on animal studies suggesting links to lung, liver, and kidney cancers. Nonetheless, current research regarding coumarin’s carcinogenicity in humans is limited.
Common Questions About Cinnamon Risks
Does cinnamon affect kidney health?
There is no evidence indicating that cinnamon harms the kidneys. A laboratory study published in the Pakistan Journal of Life & Social Sciences in 2016 found no significant differences in blood urea, creatinine, and electrolyte levels in rats given various cinnamon doses, indicating its safety for renal health.
Does cinnamon impact heart health?
Current information does not suggest that cinnamon is harmful to cardiovascular health.
Are there liver concerns with cinnamon?
As previously noted, Chinese cinnamon contains coumarin, with a teaspoon potentially holding between 7 to 18 mg of coumarin. The upper limit of coumarin consumption is 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. An initial case study published in the American Journal of Case Reports in 2015 highlighted a 73-year-old woman developing hepatitis after mixing cinnamon supplements with statin medications, warranting caution.
How does cinnamon affect blood pressure?
As noted earlier, Ceylon cinnamon can lower blood pressure, so individuals with low blood pressure should exercise caution.
What are the risks of cinnamon for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
There is insufficient information regarding the safety of Chinese cinnamon for pregnant and nursing mothers, thus it’s advisable to avoid it. Ceylon cinnamon is generally safe in moderate food amounts during pregnancy and lactation, but it is not advisable to exceed food levels.
Does cinnamon pose any risks to the uterus?
No evidence suggests that cinnamon presents risks to uterine health.
Does cinnamon have any effects on menstrual cycles?
There is no information indicating cinnamon poses any risks to menstrual health.
Overview of Cinnamon
Cinnamon, also known as Cinnamomum, is one of the oldest and most widely used spices, traditionally employed as a medicinal herb. It is derived from the dried inner bark of a small evergreen tree, which typically grows between 10 to 15 meters tall. Various types of cinnamon exist, with Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) being the most prominent.
Cinnamon primarily contains essential oils and other chemical derivatives, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate, along with procyanidins and catechins, which impart its distinctive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, as well as its ability to lower blood sugar levels.
For further information about cinnamon, you can refer to the article on what cinnamon is.
Video on the Risks of Cinnamon
To learn more about the potential risks associated with cinnamon, please watch the video.