Cinnamon
Also known as: Cinnamomum spp., Cinnamon bark
Randomized trials and meta-analyses report that cinnamon supplementation can lower fasting glucose, HbA1c and some insulin-resistance measures in people with type 2 diabetes and can reduce measures of body weight and waist circumference in some trials. Individual trial results vary and heterogeneity between studies is noted.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Cinnamon (bark of Cinnamomum species) is commonly used as a culinary spice and as an oral supplement. Human randomized trials and meta-analyses report modest improvements in glycaemic and some metabolic markers in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, with variable effects on body weight.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Human studies in the provided abstracts suggest cinnamon may reduce fasting and postprandial glucose, lower HbA1c and HOMA-IR, and modestly affect triglycerides and incretin (GIP) responses; proposed actions include modulation of glucose handling and insulin sensitivity and effects on postprandial hormone responses.
Physiological Role
No essential physiological nutrient role; used for potential modulation of glycaemic control and metabolic biomarkers.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Improvements in glycaemic control and modest reductions in weight or waist circumference could be of interest in metabolic health or body-composition management, but evidence is not consistent for direct performance enhancement.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- Around 2 g/day has been associated with effects in meta-analyses; individual trials used doses including 4 g/day.
- Optimal Range
- Approximately 2–4 g/day based on the doses reported in the included trials and meta-analyses.
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established in the provided abstracts.
- Timing
- Taken orally, typically divided doses or once daily as used in trials; timing relative to meals not consistently reported.
- Best Format
- Capsule or powdered spice taken orally as used in trials.
- Bioavailability
- Not addressed in the provided abstracts.
- Absorption Considerations
- Not addressed in the provided abstracts.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •No significant increase in digestive symptoms in trials reported; generally well tolerated in included studies
Contraindications
- Not specified in the provided abstracts
Drug Interactions
- •Not specified in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •Not specified in the provided abstracts
Monitoring
If used to influence glycaemic control, monitor blood glucose and HbA1c as clinically appropriate; consult a clinician before using as adjunct to glucose‑lowering medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Cinnamon typically used or indicated?
Cinnamon is most commonly used for: Support for blood glucose management, Adjunct in metabolic health / weight management, Culinary spice. No essential physiological nutrient role; used for potential modulation of glycaemic control and metabolic biomarkers.
How does Cinnamon work?
Human studies in the provided abstracts suggest cinnamon may reduce fasting and postprandial glucose, lower HbA1c and HOMA-IR, and modestly affect triglycerides and incretin (GIP) responses; proposed actions include modulation of glucose handling and insulin sensitivity and effects on postprandial hormone responses.
What is the recommended dose of Cinnamon?
The optimal range is Approximately 2–4 g/day based on the doses reported in the included trials and meta-analyses.. with a minimum effective dose of Around 2 g/day has been associated with effects in meta-analyses; individual trials used doses including 4 g/day.. Best taken: Taken orally, typically divided doses or once daily as used in trials; timing relative to meals not consistently reported.. Upper / caution level: Not established in the provided abstracts..
What are the side effects of Cinnamon?
Reported side effects include: No significant increase in digestive symptoms in trials reported; generally well tolerated in included studies. Monitoring: If used to influence glycaemic control, monitor blood glucose and HbA1c as clinically appropriate; consult a clinician before using as adjunct to glucose‑lowering medications.
Does Cinnamon interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not specified in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is generally not recommended for: Not specified in the provided abstracts; and Not specified in the provided abstracts.
How strong is the evidence for Cinnamon?
Evidence level: Strong (overall score 75/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing cinnamon supplementation and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Effects of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic biomarkers in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 RCTs on cinnamon supplementation and metabolic biomarkers in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Efficacy of cinnamon in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
Triple-blind, placebo-controlled RCT in 140 patients with type 2 diabetes testing cinnamon bark powder 500 mg twice daily (1 g/day) for 3 months, with subgroup analysis by baseline BMI.
Effect of cinnamon spice on continuously monitored glycemic response in adults with prediabetes: a 4-week randomized controlled crossover trial.
Randomized, double-blind, crossover trial in 18 adults with obesity and prediabetes testing 4 g/day cinnamon versus placebo for 4 weeks with continuous glucose monitoring.
Cinnamon supplementation positively affects obesity: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs assessing cinnamon's effects on body weight, BMI, waist circumference and fat mass.
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Research Overview
Strong EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cinnamon
SuppIndex. (2026). Cinnamon: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cinnamon
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Strong.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Used alongside standard care in trials as an adjunct; any changes in glucose control should be reviewed with a clinician to avoid hypoglycaemia when combined with glucose-lowering drugs.