Cinnamon is a popular spice that has been used for thousands of years. In recent years, cinnamon has also gained popularity in supplemental pill form. Cinnamon pills are marketed for various proposed health benefits, including lowering blood sugar, reducing cholesterol, and aiding weight loss. But many wonder, is it safe to take cinnamon pills daily and for how long?
Quick answers on taking cinnamon pills
Here are some quick answers to common questions about taking cinnamon pills:
- Cinnamon pills can be safe for most people when taken in moderation. The recommended daily intake is no more than 6 grams per day.
- Cinnamon pills may be taken daily, but it’s best to start with a low dose and increase slowly. Take cinnamon pills with food to minimize side effects.
- Mild side effects like gas, bloating and diarrhea are possible with cinnamon pills. Reduce dosage if these occur.
- Cinnamon may interact with certain medications including diabetes drugs, blood thinners and antibiotics. Check with your doctor before starting.
- Pregnant women, children and people with liver disease should avoid supplemental cinnamon.
- Cinnamon pills likely provide health benefits when taken short-term (up to 12 weeks). There is little evidence on the safety of long-term daily use.
Cinnamon pill dosage and safety
Most experts consider cinnamon to be safe when consumed in food. The FDA has classified cinnamon as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS).
However, supplemental doses are many times higher than the amounts typically used in food. High doses of cinnamon may have side effects, cause interactions, or become unsafe over time.
Here is some key information on cinnamon pill dosage and safety:
- The recommended maximum daily intake for adults is 6 grams of cinnamon or less.
- Typical supplemental doses range from 500 mg to 2 grams per day.
- Start with a low dose (500 mg) and increase slowly to assess tolerance.
- Divide dosage into 2-3 doses throughout the day with food.
- Drink plenty of water and monitor bowel habits.
- Avoid other cinnamon-containing products to prevent exceeding dosage limits.
- Pregnant women should not exceed food-amount doses of cinnamon (up to 1.5 grams per day).
Possible side effects of cinnamon pills
Cinnamon pills may cause side effects in some people, especially when taken in high doses. Possible side effects include:
- Gas and bloating – Cinnamon may increase gas production during digestion, leading to bloating and flatulence.
- Heartburn – Cinnamon can relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
- Diarrhea – Exceeding dosage recommendations may cause loose stools or diarrhea.
- Lowered blood sugar – Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity, so it may lower blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics.
- Liver damage – High doses may harm the liver over time, especially in those with liver disease.
- Mouth sores – Cinnamon may cause irritation and sores in the mouth, especially with chewing cinnamon tablets.
Reducing the dosage or frequency of cinnamon pill use can help minimize side effects. Stop taking cinnamon pills if adverse reactions occur. Seek medical advice if serious side effects develop.
Medication interactions
Cinnamon may potentially interact with several types of medications. Speak with your doctor before taking cinnamon pills if you take any of the following medicines:
- Diabetes medications – Cinnamon lowers blood sugar. Taking it alongside diabetes drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Anticoagulants – Cinnamon may decrease blood clotting. Combining it with blood thinners like warfarin may increase bleeding risk.
- Antibiotics – Cinnamon may reduce the absorption and efficacy of certain antibiotics like tetracycline and ciprofloxacin.
- Heart medications – Cinnamon may interact with calcium channel blockers and other heart drugs.
- Fertility drugs – Cinnamon may affect hormone levels and fertility medications.
Check with your pharmacist or doctor for specific advice about taking cinnamon with any prescribed medications.
Who should not take cinnamon pills?
Certain groups should exercise caution or avoid supplemental cinnamon due to possible risks:
- Pregnant women – Excess cinnamon may stimulate the uterus and trigger miscarriage. Stick to food amounts only.
- Breastfeeding women – The safety of supplemental cinnamon for nursing mothers is unknown.
- Children – Cinnamon pills and powders may pose a choking hazard for kids. There is limited data on appropriate pediatric dosing.
- Those with liver disease – Cinnamon may cause further liver damage in those with impaired liver function.
- Those with bleeding disorders – Cinnamon may inhibit blood clotting.
Anyone with medical conditions or who take medications should check with a doctor before taking cinnamon supplements.
How long is it safe to take cinnamon pills?
There is limited evidence regarding the long-term safety of cinnamon supplements. Here is what we know:
- Daily use of up to 6 grams of cinnamon appears safe for up to 12 weeks based on clinical studies.
- Studies longer than 12 weeks are lacking. We don’t know if high-dose daily cinnamon remains safe with prolonged use.
- Animal studies suggest potential liver damage with long-term exposure to cassia cinnamon.
- It’s reasonable to take cinnamon pills short-term, such as for seasonal immune support. Long-term daily use is not recommended due to lack of safety data.
Periodically cycling off cinnamon pills and allowing “washout periods” is prudent. This gives the body a break and minimizes any risks from accumulation.
Other ways to take cinnamon
Cinnamon pills provide a concentrated supplemental form of cinnamon. But other options also exist:
- Cinnamon spice – Add to food and beverages to gain health benefits while minimizing risks of high doses.
- Ceylon cinnamon – This variety has lower levels of coumarin, which may improve safety profile.
- Cinnamon tea – Provides hydration and antioxidant benefits without concentrated doses.
- Cinnamon essential oil – Dilute in a carrier oil and use aromatically or topically.
Capsules and powders simply offer convenience, standardized dosing, and higher concentrations compared to other forms.
Pros and cons of taking cinnamon pills
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient dosing | May cause side effects at high doses |
| Provides higher cinnamon intake | Interacts with some medications |
| Standardized concentrations | Long-term safety unknown |
| May help control blood sugar | Not recommended for pregnant women |
| May reduce heart disease risks | Limited evidence for most health claims |
Summary
Cinnamon pills may offer some health benefits, especially when taken short-term. The recommended dosage for most healthy adults is 500-2000 mg daily, split into multiple doses, for no longer than 12 weeks.
Exceeding 6 grams daily may increase the risks of side effects and toxicity. It’s also best to avoid supplemental cinnamon if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications.
While cinnamon pills appear relatively safe when used appropriately, little is known about their long-term safety with continued use. To minimize risk, cycle on and off cinnamon pills and complement them with other cinnamon forms like the spice or tea.
As with any supplement, discuss cinnamon pills with your healthcare provider before adding them to your regimen to ensure appropriateness for you.