Cinnamon
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 |
Q: "I read an article about spices. One of the items they mentioned was that cinnamon can improve blood sugar. Is that true? Can I use cinnamon to decrease the amount of insulin injected? How can I calculate what amount reduces what amount of glucose?"
A: The effect of cinnamon on lower blood glucose has been debated for quite a few years now. Early research referred to a study reported in July, 2000, from the U.S. Agricultural Research Service, in which a compound in cinnamon, called methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP) helped fat cells recognize and respond to insulin, increasing their glucose metabolism. The amount used in the study was 1/8 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon each day. However, this was only preliminary research and the results were not conclusive.
Then, the December, 2003 issue of Diabetes Care reported that those who added one gram-equivalent to less than ΒΌ teaspoon-of cinnamon daily for 40 days into their normal diets experienced a decrease in blood glucose, cholesterol and blood fats. Dr. Alam Khan and colleagues of the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland asked 60 people in Peshawar, Pakistan with type 2 diabetes (not taking insulin) to consume 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon each day for 40 days, or the equivalent amount of wheat flour, as a placebo. Both the cinnamon and wheat flour were administered in capsule form.
Research Findings At That Time:
- The cinnamon-takers experienced a drop in blood glucose by 18-29% while no change was seen in the placebo-takers.
- After the cinnamon was stopped for 20 days, glucose levels were significantly lower only in the group consuming the lowest level of cinnamon. The authors interpreted this to mean that there are sustained effects of cinnamon, indicating that cinnamon would not need to be consumed every day.
- Triglyceride values dropped significantly in the groups for all amounts of cinnamon tested.
- Cholesterol and LDL values dropped as well.
- The authors concluded that because cinnamon would not contribute to caloric intake, that those with type 2 diabetes or those with elevated triglyceride, LDL, or total cholesterol levels may benefit from regular inclusion of cinnamon in their daily diet. They added that cinnamon may be beneficial for the remainder of the population to prevent and control elevated blood glucose and lipid levels.
Don't rush out to buy cinnamon. Read on:
- At that time, the conclusion was that just because a certain amount was beneficial does not mean that more is better. According to an interview with Dr. Richard A. Anderson (the study author of the December 2003 report), reported by Reuters Health, "Cinnamon contains some substances that can be toxic in high amounts, so people should be sure not to get too much of a good thing."
More recent articles contradict earlier findings:
- An April, 2007 article in Diabetes Care reported that cinnamon was NOT effective in improving glucose control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
- A September, 2007 article in Diabetes Care reported on the first U.S. study examining the effects of cinnamon on glucose and lipid levels in those with type 2 diabetes, and found that the there was NO significant change in glucose, lipids, or A1C levels. The conclusion was that the effects of cinnamon differ by population, and that further studies are needed to determine how such variables as diet, weight, ethnicity, glucose levels, cinnamon levels, and other medications affect the body's response to cinnamon.
- Finally, a January, 2008 article in Diabetes Care reported an analysis of all randomized controlled trials (5 studies) of cinnamon and the effect on glucose and lipid control of people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Again, there were no significant differences in A1C, fasting glucose, or lipid levels in those taking cinnamon compared to those taking a placebo.
Current Conclusions:
- The authors could not determine why there were differences between the 2003 study and the current reports. Suggested causes included: ethnicity or cultural dietary differences, cinnamon dose, lack of verification of a controlled study (i.e. it was not possible to have half the subjects blinded to the medication since the subjects being given the cinnamon could detect the aroma of the cinnamon),or perhaps just a chance result occurred from having a small sample size in the 2003 study.
- Final conclusion at this time is that cinnamon does not appear to improve A1C, fasting glucose, or lipids in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Neither is it known if cinnamon has any ability to prevent diabetes in people with pre-diabetes.
Related Links
WebMD Inc.
http://www.webmd.com
Diabetes In Control, Inc.
http://www.diabetesincontrol.com
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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