From the Guidelines
Cinnamon is generally safe for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients when consumed in normal culinary amounts, but medicinal doses should be approached with caution, as evidenced by a study showing that prolonged use at doses > 1 g/d may be implicated in acute nephrotoxicity 1. For CKD patients interested in using cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) is preferred over Cassia cinnamon because it contains significantly lower amounts of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful to the liver when consumed in large amounts. This is particularly important for CKD patients who may already have compromised organ function. The typical safe culinary amount would be up to 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of Ceylon cinnamon daily. CKD patients should avoid cinnamon supplements or high-dose regimens unless specifically approved by their nephrologist, as concentrated forms could potentially interact with medications commonly prescribed for kidney disease, such as certain blood pressure medications or immunosuppressants, as highlighted in the KDIGO 2024 clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease 1. Additionally, while some research suggests cinnamon may have benefits for blood sugar control, which could indirectly benefit kidney health in diabetic nephropathy, these effects should not replace conventional medical treatment for CKD. Always consult with your nephrologist before adding any supplement to your regimen, even natural ones like cinnamon. Some key points to consider when using cinnamon or any other dietary supplement in CKD patients include:
- Monitoring eGFR, electrolytes, and therapeutic medication levels when indicated
- Reviewing and limiting the use of over-the-counter medicines and dietary or herbal remedies that may be harmful for people with CKD
- Considering the benefits versus potential harms of any medication or supplement
- Providing regular reproductive and contraceptive counseling in accordance with the values and preferences of the person with CKD, when applicable.
From the Research
Cinnamon Safety in CKD Patients
- The safety of cinnamon in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a topic of interest, with some studies suggesting potential benefits 2.
- Cinnamon has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, which may be beneficial for CKD patients 3.
- However, the effectiveness of cinnamon as a therapeutic intervention for CKD remains unproven, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks 2.
Preferred Type of Cinnamon
- There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) 4.
- Ceylon cinnamon is considered to be safer and more beneficial for health, as it contains less coumarin, a compound that may be toxic to the liver in large amounts 4.
- Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, contains higher levels of coumarin and may be more likely to cause adverse effects 4.
Potential Benefits and Risks
- Cinnamon may have potential benefits for CKD patients, including reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperglycemia 2.
- However, CKD patients should be cautious when consuming cinnamon, as it may interact with certain medications or exacerbate underlying health conditions 5.
- More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of cinnamon in CKD patients, and to determine the optimal dosage and type of cinnamon for therapeutic use 2, 3.