What are the Side Effects of Taking Too Much Cinnamon Spice?

In this article;

• 7 Major Side Effects of Too Much Cinnamon
• 47 medications that may interact with cinnamon intake.
• Which type of cinnamon is toxic?
• Is too much cinnamon toxic for dogs?
• FAQ
• Conclusion

No doubt! Cinnamon is a powerful spice that has been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years. It is still used daily in many cultures because of the widespread cinnamon benefits, such as its distinctly sweet, warming taste and ease of use in recipes.

Interestingly enough, researchers have found that spice ranks No. 1 out of 26 of the most popular herbs and spices in the world in terms of its protective antioxidant levels. Because it boasts a wide range of health benefits, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-diabetic properties.

However, taking too much cinnamon either the roll, powdered spice, or in the form of a supplement may be toxic to your health.

For instance, A 2015 study reveals that too much intake of cinnamon may be toxic to your liver, lower your blood sugar to a risky level, affect pregnancy, and cause oral or skin irritation to some people.

This blog post reveals to you seven major side effects of taking too much cinnamon.

Follow me closely.

Note! All cinnamon tree is not created equal.   Certain species are more toxic than the other. I will explain this later. Let’s dive into the seven major side effects of excess intake of Cinnamon.

7 Major Side Effects of Taking Too Much of Cinnamon.

1. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to cinnamon and experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Eating too much ground cinnamon in a single sitting may cause breathing problems if you accidentally inhale some of it, especially in children.

Since the “cinnamon challenge” has become wildly popular, many have attempted to eat large amounts of dry cinnamon.

This challenge involves eating a tablespoon of dry, ground cinnamon in under a minute without drinking water. While it may sound harmless, the challenge can be very dangerous.

2. Skin irritation: Applying cinnamon to the skin can cause irritation, redness, or a burning sensation in some people. However, some studies suggested cinnamon oil may not cause any skin irritation

3. Mouth and throat irritation: Consuming cinnamon in large amounts can irritate the mouth and throat, causing discomfort. Some people may experience mouth soreness or gum inflammation when they brush with a product with a cinnamon flavor.

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that may trigger an allergic reaction when consumed in large amounts.

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4. Low blood sugar: Cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes or those taking medications to regulate blood sugar.

5. Liver damage: Consuming large amounts of cinnamon especially cassia cinnamon over a long period may cause liver damage. Cassia cinnamon contains a large amount of coumarin. One 2022 study found that eating too much coumarin may harm your liver. Research suggests the limit should be about 0.1 milligrams (mg) per 1 kilogram (kg) or 2.2 pounds (lb) of body weight.

However, Coumarin is an effective treatment for primary lymphoedema, as well as lymphoedema related to breast cancer radiotherapy or surgery. And, its clinical use is limited in several countries due to the possible occurrence of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).

6. Respiratory problems: Inhaling cinnamon powder or oil can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing or breathing difficulties.

Eating dry cinnamon can irritate your throat and lungs, as well as make you gag or choke. This is because the spice has a fine texture that can make it easy to inhale. The cinnamon challenge has landed some children in the hospital.

One 20215 study suggested inhaling too much cinnamon powder may permanently affect the function of your lungs. This is because the lungs cannot break down the fibers in the spice. It may accumulate in the lungs and cause lung inflammation, known as aspiration pneumonia.

If aspiration pneumonia is left untreated, the lungs may become permanently scarred and possibly collapse.

7. Interactions with medication: There are 47 drugs known to interact with cinnamon. Of the total drug interactions.

Cinnamon supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, leading to potential side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication.

47 medications that may interact with cinnamon intake.

Among these 47 medications include:

Aspire 81 (aspirin)

Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Calcium 600 D (calcium/vitamin D)

CoQ10 (ubiquinone)

Crestor (rosuvastatin)

Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)

Flax Seed Oil (flax)

Flonase (fluticasone nasal)

Ginger Root (ginger)

Ginkgo Biloba (ginkgo)

Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM (chondroitin/glucosamine/methylsulfonylmethane)

Iron Sulfate (ferrous sulfate)

Lipitor (atorvastatin)

Lyrica (pregabalin)

Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)

Omega-3 (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)

Probiotic Formula (bifidobacterium infantis / lactobacillus acidophilus)

Singulair (montelukast)

Super B Complex (multivitamin)

Synthroid (levothyroxine)

Tylenol (acetaminophen)

Vitamin B Complex 100 (multivitamin)

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Zinc (zinc sulfate)

Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Which type of cinnamon is toxic?

When used in moderation, all cinnamon is generally safe and can be consumed with minimal risk of side effects. One 2021 research reviewed meta-analysis and systemic analysis of cinnamon consumption and found no adverse effects when consumed moderately.

However, studies showed that high amounts of cassia cinnamon in particular — can cause several adverse symptoms. This is due to the presence of a compound called coumarin, which has been shown to damage the liver in large amounts.

Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarins, which can prove to be toxic in high doses. A daily intake of more than 0.1 mg/kg body weight can lead to a conspicuous effect on the blood coagulation profile if the patient is simultaneously on drugs such as warfarin.

Is too much cinnamon toxic for dogs?

2021 study showed that Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon are more toxic than cinnamic acid. A mere 1% of cinnamaldehyde can cause mild hepatic cell edema in animals.

(FAQ)Frequently Asked Questions

How much cinnamon a day is OK to eat?

Cinnamon is generally safe to use in small amounts as a spice.

This mostly applies to Cassia cinnamon because it’s a rich source of coumarin. Conversely, Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts of coumarin.

The coumarin content of ground Cassia cinnamon may range between 0.1–3.5 milligrams (mg) per gram (g) of cinnamon, depending on the consistency of the sample.

According to a guideline set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the tolerable daily intake of coumarin is about 1.5 mg for an adult weighing 60 kg or 132 pounds (lb). A 2021 studTrusted Sourcey also recommends not going over 0.1 mg/1 kg or 2.2 lb of body weight

In the United States, the US Department of Agriculture suggests that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day or less is generally safe and may even be beneficial to health.

What does cinnamon do to the body?

As long as you consume it in moderation, cinnamon may help keep you healthy by helping:

• reduce inflammation
• protect against heart disease
• improve insulin sensitivity
• lower blood sugar
• lower cholesterol
• protect against infections

Learn more: 10 Evidence-based health benefits of Cinnamon.

What are the side effects of cinnamon in pregnancy?

There isn’t much known about the effect on a fetus from consuming cinnamon during pregnancy or nursing. However, one 2005 study suggested Consuming small amounts probably won’t cause any harm to the fetus. And stick to the recommended 0.1 mg of coumarin per 1 kg or 2.2lb of body weight or about half a teaspoon a day.

Additionally, research has shown moderate amount of cinnamon has been used to control gestational diabetes.

Can you overdose on cinnamon?

There’s no research to suggest you can overdose on cinnamon. The concern with eating too much cinnamon relates to its coumarin content, which in excessive amounts, could increase your chance of liver damage.

Sticking to no more than half a teaspoon daily is also a good idea because different types and brands of cinnamon might have different quantities of coumarin in them

Conclusion

Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree that is packed with nutrients, including fiber, manganese, and calcium.

Adding it to your routine can come with a long list of benefits, including better blood sugar control, improved oral hygiene, enhanced heart health, and reduced inflammation among others.

There are many varieties available, but it’s primarily found in two main types: cassia and Ceylon. Ceylon is thought to be more potent and contain more extensive health benefits, while cassia is cheaper to produce and more widely available.

High doses of this spice may cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, mouth sores, low blood sugar, and liver damage, especially the cassia cinnamon which has been found to contain certain toxic compounds called coumarin. Cassia cinnamon has a more bitter taste than Ceylon cinnamon.

So, it’s best to keep intake in moderation and pair it with a healthy diet and active lifestyle to maximize the potential health benefits.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using cinnamon supplements or consuming certain amounts of cinnamon especially when you’re taking a particular medication.

I hope you get the value worth your time, I appreciate the time you spend with me. Leave a comment below if you find this article helpful and don’t forget to drop your question, opinion, or criticism if any. Cheers!

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