Is cinnamon preferred in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

From the Guidelines

Cinnamon is not recommended for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the potential risks and lack of strong evidence supporting its benefits in this population. The use of dietary supplements, including cinnamon, can influence the assessment of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk profile in CKD patients, and may interact with medications or have adverse effects on kidney function 1. While some studies suggest that cinnamon may have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and inflammation, the evidence is limited and of poor quality, and the potential risks and interactions must be carefully considered 1.

Key Considerations

• The 2020 KDIGO clinical practice guideline recommends maintaining a protein intake of 0.8 g/kg/day for CKD patients not treated with dialysis, and limiting sodium intake to less than 2 g/day 1.
• A balanced, healthy diet that is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber, legumes, plant-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and nuts, and lower in processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages is recommended for CKD patients 1.
• Patients with CKD should consult their healthcare provider before adding any dietary supplements, including cinnamon, to their regimen, especially if they are taking medications for diabetes or blood thinners 1.

Recommendation

CKD patients should avoid using cinnamon supplements and instead focus on maintaining a balanced, healthy diet and following the recommended lifestyle interventions, under the guidance of their healthcare provider. This approach prioritizes the patient's safety and well-being, and minimizes the potential risks and interactions associated with dietary supplements 1.

From the Research

Cinnamon Preference in CKD

• Cinnamon has been shown to have beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, which are common complications in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) 2.
• The bioactive compounds within cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate, can mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperglycemia, gut dysbiosis, and dyslipidemia, which are common complications in patients with CKD 2.
• A study found positive associations between overall diet quality scores and certain spices, including cinnamon, in adults with CKD 3.
• Trans-cinnamic acid, a key active monomer found in cinnamon bark, has been shown to alleviate high-fat diet-induced renal injury via the JNK/ERK/P38 MAPK pathway 4.

Potential Benefits of Cinnamon in CKD

• Cinnamon may alleviate complications observed in CKD, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperglycemia 2.
• Cinnamon may be used as an additional nutritional strategy for patients with CKD 2.
• The incorporation of cinnamon into evidence-based therapeutic strategies could offer an innovative approach in the management of CKD 5.

Associations between Cinnamon and CKD

• A study found that participants with CKD who consumed cinnamon had higher diet quality scores and a lower risk of CKD progression 3.
• Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial in reducing the risk of CKD progression 2, 4.