This common kitchen spice could be sabotaging your medications
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It’s a pantry staple you’ve likely sprinkled on your oatmeal or stirred into your favorite drink.
Its warm aroma brings comfort, and some even swear by its supposed health benefits.
But while it’s beloved in the kitchen, it could be quietly clashing with something far more important.
Researchers are raising new concerns about how it may interfere with medications many people rely on every day.
The ingredient in question is cinnamon, and new findings suggest it might be doing more harm than good—especially when used in high doses or supplement form.
Scientists have zeroed in on cinnamaldehyde, the primary compound in cinnamon, which can activate receptors in the body that break down certain medications faster than intended.
That rapid clearance may reduce a medicine’s effectiveness, which could put patients at risk.
“Overconsumption of supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body,” said Shabana Khan, Principal Scientist behind the research. “That could result in making the medicine less effective.”
The study points out that not all cinnamon products carry the same risk.
Cinnamon oil, often used in cooking or toiletries, showed no harmful effects in the research.
Also read: What your body needs as you age—are you getting enough?
However, cinnamon bark—particularly from Cassia cinnamon, which is the more common and affordable variety sold in stores—raised red flags.
Cassia cinnamon contains a higher concentration of coumarin, a natural compound known for its blood-thinning effects.
This becomes a bigger concern for individuals already on blood thinners, as it could increase the likelihood of bleeding or bruising.
According to the study, true cinnamon—also known as Ceylon cinnamon and typically grown in Sri Lanka—contains lower levels of coumarin and is considered less risky.
Still, researchers stress that people with chronic conditions should be cautious with any cinnamon product, especially if they’re on regular medications.
“People who suffer from chronic diseases—like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV, AIDS or depression—should be cautious when using cinnamon or any other supplements,” Khan explained.
Also read: The ultimate snack mashup: Surprising new Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor!
The concern isn't just about cinnamon in food—it’s particularly about cinnamon supplements, which may contain much higher concentrations.
These are often marketed as natural remedies for blood sugar or heart health, but experts say that label can be misleading.
“By definition, supplements are not meant to treat, cure, or mitigate any disease,” Khan emphasized.
The advice from researchers is simple: Always consult a healthcare provider before mixing supplements with prescription medications.
What seems like a helpful addition to your routine could be quietly interfering with your treatment plan.
Have you ever added a “natural” remedy to your routine and later found out it wasn’t so harmless? What’s your take on supplements and medication interactions? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re listening.
Its warm aroma brings comfort, and some even swear by its supposed health benefits.
But while it’s beloved in the kitchen, it could be quietly clashing with something far more important.
Researchers are raising new concerns about how it may interfere with medications many people rely on every day.
The ingredient in question is cinnamon, and new findings suggest it might be doing more harm than good—especially when used in high doses or supplement form.
Scientists have zeroed in on cinnamaldehyde, the primary compound in cinnamon, which can activate receptors in the body that break down certain medications faster than intended.
That rapid clearance may reduce a medicine’s effectiveness, which could put patients at risk.
Overconsumption of supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine. Image source: Angelo Pantazis / Unsplash
“Overconsumption of supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body,” said Shabana Khan, Principal Scientist behind the research. “That could result in making the medicine less effective.”
The study points out that not all cinnamon products carry the same risk.
Cinnamon oil, often used in cooking or toiletries, showed no harmful effects in the research.
Also read: What your body needs as you age—are you getting enough?
However, cinnamon bark—particularly from Cassia cinnamon, which is the more common and affordable variety sold in stores—raised red flags.
Cassia cinnamon contains a higher concentration of coumarin, a natural compound known for its blood-thinning effects.
This becomes a bigger concern for individuals already on blood thinners, as it could increase the likelihood of bleeding or bruising.
According to the study, true cinnamon—also known as Ceylon cinnamon and typically grown in Sri Lanka—contains lower levels of coumarin and is considered less risky.
Still, researchers stress that people with chronic conditions should be cautious with any cinnamon product, especially if they’re on regular medications.
“People who suffer from chronic diseases—like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV, AIDS or depression—should be cautious when using cinnamon or any other supplements,” Khan explained.
Also read: The ultimate snack mashup: Surprising new Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor!
The concern isn't just about cinnamon in food—it’s particularly about cinnamon supplements, which may contain much higher concentrations.
These are often marketed as natural remedies for blood sugar or heart health, but experts say that label can be misleading.
“By definition, supplements are not meant to treat, cure, or mitigate any disease,” Khan emphasized.
The advice from researchers is simple: Always consult a healthcare provider before mixing supplements with prescription medications.
What seems like a helpful addition to your routine could be quietly interfering with your treatment plan.
