Ceylon cinnamon
There are two very different types of cinnamon: cassia (common and cheap) and Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum).
Cinnamomum verum J.Presl
500 mg–1 g a day.
What it is
This profile only recommends Ceylon, for safety: cassia contains a lot of coumarin, which at high doses can damage the liver. Ceylon has hardly any, so it is the only kind suitable for daily use. Its active compound partly mimics insulin.
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Early data in people or, mostly, from the laboratory. It only appears at the advanced level, and we say so.
Meta-analyses show modest, inconsistent effects on blood sugar. Weak evidence for cravings.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Ceylon-specific study | 12-week RCT in 150 adults with slightly high LDL cholesterol: its main goal, lowering LDL, was not met. Fasting glucose did fall, especially in those with type 2 diabetes. (Funded by a cinnamon producer.) | Muthukuda et al.PLoS ONE |
| 2024 | The dose-response meta-analysis | 24 RCTs: it reduced fasting glucose, insulin resistance and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes. | Moridpour et al.Phytotherapy Research |
What to look for on the label
- That it specifies Cinnamomum verum or zeylanicum: cassia cinnamon contains a lot of coumarin, which is toxic to the liver.
Precautions
- If you take anticoagulants or medication for diabetes, or have liver disease, ask first.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT includedNutricost
Organic Ceylon cinnamon
600 mg of Ceylon cinnamon bark per capsule
For the reference dose1 capsule (the label suggests 2)View at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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HSNShips from SpainFood Series
Ground Ceylon cinnamon
Ground Ceylon cinnamon, for cooking
For the reference dose¼ teaspoon ≈ 0.6 gView at HSN (opens in a new tab)With caveats. Cooking cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon covers the reference dose.
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VegaveroShips from GermanyVegavero
Ceylon cinnamon extract
250 mg of Ceylon cinnamon extract per capsule, low in coumarin
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at Vegavero (opens in a new tab)With caveats. Concentrated extract: one capsule is equivalent to 2.5 g of Ceylon cinnamon.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Nearby in the library
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies. Image: Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum). Coloured lithograph, 19th century. Wellcome Collection, public domain.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.