While cinnamon may be considered safe when consumed in small doses such as adding it to toast or coffee, large doses contain high concentrations of coumarin that could potentially harm pregnant women and those taking blood-thinning drugs. This especially holds true if taking cinnamon supplements or essential oil.
Cinnamon and Miscarriage: What’s the Connection?
Potential Risks or Effects of Consuming Cinnamon During Pregnancy
Cinnamon can be safely consumed as part of a healthy pregnancy diet in moderate quantities; however, supplements containing cinnamon could potentially lead to overconsumption that leads to miscarriage.
Be wary of taking cinnamon bark powder or extract as a supplement, since these may contain high concentrations of coumarin. Consumption in excess may prove toxic and interfere with essential blood-clotting processes essential to an uninterrupted pregnancy.
Some pregnant women have reported using cinnamon to induce miscarriage; however, there is no scientific proof to back this claim up. Due to such stories and tales of cinnamon’s effectiveness in doing so, pregnant women should consult their healthcare providers and ensure they consume an appropriate dose and aren’t experiencing any side effects or experiencing problems due to consumption.
Coumarin
Coumarin, a chemical found in many plants and with an aromatic and sweet flavor, can be found as both fragrances and anticoagulant medicines; however, too much consumption can have serious health repercussions.
Studies have demonstrated that coumarin and medications derived from it can cause liver damage as well as disrupt normal cognitive development in infants, and increase risks for certain cancers.
Coumarin can be found naturally in food sources like cinnamon. Adults should strive to consume no more than 0.05 milligrams daily of this compound; cassia cinnamon contains the highest levels, providing more than the daily limit in just one teaspoon!
CFIA conducted a targeted survey to measure coumarin levels in cinnamon-containing products and vanilla extracts sold at Canadian retail locations, using previous targeted surveys as well as scientific literature as comparison points. The survey results were then compared with each other for comparative purposes.
Bad Breath
Pregnant women frequently experience bad breath during gestation. This is caused by increased levels of progesterone and estrogen, which cause plaque buildup due to bacteria known as Porphyromonas gingivalis that has been linked with miscarriage studies.
An infection of the uterus, caused by bacteria, can result in heavy bleeding and sepsis – an infection which spreads into the bloodstream and potentially causes organ failure.
Pregnancy can be an exciting and fulfilling time, but it also brings unique challenges. Miscarriage is a fairly common occurrence, though most women who miscarry go on to have healthy pregnancies later on. Knowing what causes miscarriages will allow you to take steps that could prevent miscarriages altogether such as avoiding certain foods and substances.
Can Cinnamon Cause a Miscarriage
Cinnamon, a favored spice in various dishes, stirs up debates on its safety for expectant mothers. Whispers claim that copious amounts of cinnamon may trigger labor or miscarriage. However, scientific proof backing this theory remains absent.
No direct link between cinnamon and miscarriage exists, yet caution is advised for pregnant women who indulge in excessive quantities. Abundant cinnamon intake carries the risk of liver damage and other health complications. It’s prudent for expecting mothers to steer clear of substantial cinnamon consumption, be it through supplements, pills, or oil.
Notably, an overdose of cinnamon might precipitate a miscarriage. Cinnamon harbors properties akin to labor-inducing hormones. Form matters not; surpassing recommended limits imperils by triggering uterine contractions and miscarriage.
To conclude, scientific literature fails to establish definitively that regular, modest cinnamon consumption causes miscarriage. Nevertheless, it remains advisable for pregnant women to avoid significant cinnamon intake, including supplements, pills, and oil. When in doubt, consulting a medical professional is always wise.
What Are the Recommended Limits for Consuming Cinnamon During Pregnancy
The recommended limits for consuming cinnamon during pregnancy vary slightly among sources, but most agree that pregnant women should consume cinnamon in moderation. Here are some of the recommended limits for consuming cinnamon during pregnancy:
- According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eating up to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day is considered safe for pregnant women.
- MomJunction suggests that one to six grams of cinnamon a day is considered safe for adults, but there is no daily recommended quantity given for pregnant women that may impact the pregnancy.
- FirstCry Parenting states that general studies involving normal adults put the dosage around 1 to 1.5 grams of cinnamon bark a day, which healthy adults can tolerate without side effects.
- Talk Leisure recommends that pregnant women consume no more than one-half to one teaspoon of cinnamon per day.
- Healthline suggests that consuming cinnamon in pregnancy in moderation is safe, but the effects of consuming large amounts haven’t been researched.
In conclusion, pregnant women should consume cinnamon in moderation, and it is recommended to avoid taking large amounts of cinnamon while pregnant, including using cinnamon supplements, pills, and cinnamon oil. If you have any concerns or questions, it is always a good idea to seek professional medical advice.
