Cinnamon spice alert: Potential risks with medication use
There is a spice that is associated with autumn, holidays, and aromatic oatmeal. Do you often add it to your coffee, cake, or rice? Be cautious. The latest research reveals that this inconspicuous spice can seriously interfere with the action of medications, including those you may take daily.
Cinnamon may sound harmless. A little in your coffee, a bit on oatmeal, a pinch in apple pie – it already feels cozy and aromatic. But before you add another teaspoon of this spice to everything you can, consider that cinnamon interacts with certain medications. And this is not just hearsay from an online forum or a conspiracy theory; it's a concrete, scientifically confirmed fact.
Cinnamon and medications - it can be a dangerous combination
It's not about suddenly removing cinnamon from your kitchen. But it's essential to know when its presence in your diet might harm rather than help. A team of scientists from the University of Mississippi closely examined cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of cinnamon. It turns out that it can affect enzymes in the liver that are responsible for breaking down many medications taken regularly. This means the interaction between cinnamon and medications is not a figment of someone's imagination.
Research published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences specifically identifies two enzymes, CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Do these sound unfamiliar? These two "machines" break down a large portion of medications in the body. If something blocks them, like consuming larger amounts of cinnamon, the medication may accumulate and become too effective. This can be very dangerous for your health, and even life-threatening. So, while cinnamon is natural and tasty, it's not always harmless. Especially if you are taking any medications regularly and consuming cinnamon by the teaspoon. Remember, "natural" does not mean "safe." Cyanide also occurs in nature, but you probably don’t sprinkle it on your food.
Who should be careful with cinnamon?
If the spice appears at your table occasionally, there is really no threat to you. The problem arises when you add it to everything possible: from teas, through oats, to coffee and cakes, or if you take cinnamon supplements because it "lowers blood sugar." And especially if you also:
- Take medications for hypertension, heart issues, depression, or diabetes,
- Use medications with a narrow therapeutic range (even slight fluctuations in blood concentration can be very significant),
- Take supplements indiscriminately because TikTok/advertisements claimed they are the best.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns against the uncontrolled use of supplements, especially in individuals with chronic illnesses. It is very dangerous and also quite irresponsible. Imagine someone taking medication for diabetes and also consuming cinnamon supplements. Such actions can lead to hypoglycemia, an ambulance ride, and hospitalization.
However, if you really enjoy cinnamon, try not to take supplements without your doctor's approval. Limit the amount of this spice (coffee with cinnamon, oatmeal, and a cinnamon bun are not a good idea all at once). Always inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking.
