How Much Cinnamon Is Safe Per Day?

Abstract Summary

Objective

To determine evidence-based daily intake recommendations for cinnamon that minimize toxicity risk while allowing for metabolic benefits.

Context

Food-safety authorities set the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for coumarin at 0.1 mg/kg body weight. Cassia cinnamon contains high coumarin levels, meaning even small amounts may exceed the TDI in adults and children.

Methods Used

Approach

Risk assessment modeling using coumarin concentration data and body-weight–adjusted safety thresholds.

Data Collection

Data involved coumarin quantification, human clinical trials involving cinnamon supplements, and EFSA/WHO safety guidelines.

Researchers’ Summary of Findings

Impact on Health

  • For a 70-kg adult, the coumarin TDI is 7 mg/day.
  • Just ½–1 teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon can exceed this limit.
  • Ceylon cinnamon contains negligible coumarin and is safe at 1–2 teaspoons per day for most adults.
  • High-dose cinnamon supplements (1–6 g/day) should generally use Ceylon, not Cassia.

Health Implications

Daily use is safest with Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon should be limited to occasional use, particularly in children, people with liver disease, or anyone using medications affecting liver enzymes or blood coagulation.

Sustainability

Ceylon cinnamon cultivation supports small-scale agriculture and long-term soil health. Sustainable sourcing reduces environmental degradation linked to Cassia monocropping systems.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2019.1632258

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