Does Cinnamon Decrease Creatinine? A Scientific Look at Kidney Health

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2024 review in Kidney Research and Clinical Practice noted that cinnamon's effectiveness as a therapeutic for chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unproven in humans, despite promising preclinical studies. This highlights the complexity of answering the question: does cinnamon decrease creatinine? While animal studies show potential, definitive human evidence is lacking and there are important safety considerations, especially concerning the type of cinnamon used.

Quick Summary

This article examines the scientific basis for whether cinnamon can reduce creatinine levels. It addresses supporting animal research, explains how cinnamon's properties might affect underlying conditions like diabetes, and details critical safety warnings about coumarin content in different cinnamon varieties.

Key Points

Limited Human Evidence: The claim that cinnamon decreases creatinine directly in humans lacks sufficient scientific support, despite some promising findings in animal studies.
Cassia Cinnamon is High in Coumarin: The common Cassia variety contains high levels of coumarin, a compound that can cause liver damage in large amounts, making it potentially unsafe for individuals with compromised organ function.
Ceylon Cinnamon is Safer: Known as 'true cinnamon,' Ceylon cinnamon has significantly lower levels of coumarin and is generally safer for regular culinary use.
Indirect Benefits for Kidney Health: Cinnamon's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar-lowering properties may offer indirect support for kidney health by managing underlying conditions like diabetes and inflammation.
Consult a Doctor Before Supplementing: Individuals with kidney disease, or any health condition, should consult their nephrologist before taking cinnamon supplements or using large doses, due to potential risks and drug interactions.

Understanding Creatinine and Kidney Function

Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. High creatinine levels can indicate reduced kidney function, though muscle mass, diet, and hydration also play a role. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is crucial for controlling creatinine levels, as they are major causes of kidney disease. Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should follow a nephrologist-recommended dietary plan.

The Role of Cinnamon in Kidney Health: A Closer Look

Scientific evidence regarding cinnamon's direct impact on kidney health in humans is limited. Potential benefits are often linked to cinnamon's effects on related health issues. For instance, its ability to improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes could indirectly benefit kidney health by mitigating diabetic nephropathy. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, factors in CKD progression.

Some animal studies have shown more direct effects. A study on rats with acute kidney injury found cinnamon extract significantly lowered serum creatinine. Another study in broiler chickens also noted improved kidney function and lower serum creatinine with cinnamon powder. However, animal study results don't always translate to humans, necessitating human trials.

Critical Safety Considerations: Cassia vs. Ceylon

The two main types of cinnamon, Cassia and Ceylon, differ significantly, particularly in coumarin content.

Cassia Cinnamon: This common, inexpensive type contains considerable amounts of coumarin. High doses of coumarin can cause liver damage, posing a risk for those with compromised kidney function. Regulatory bodies have set tolerable daily intake limits for coumarin.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Also known as “true cinnamon,” Ceylon contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it safer for more frequent use. Medicinal doses should be taken under medical supervision.

Potential Indirect Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon's potential benefits for kidney health are often indirect, through its impact on conditions that affect the kidneys.

Blood Sugar Management

Cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Good glycemic control is vital for preventing diabetic nephropathy, a leading cause of CKD.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

CKD involves chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Cinnamon's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties might help mitigate this damage. While this could theoretically support kidney health, human clinical evidence is needed.

Comparison of Cinnamon Types for Kidney Health


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon
Availability	Widely available.	Less common.
Coumarin Content	High; potential for liver damage in large doses.	Negligible; safer for regular use.
Cost	Less expensive.	More expensive.
Flavor	Stronger, spicier.	Milder, subtle, slightly sweeter.
Safety for CKD	Caution advised; avoid medicinal doses.	Safer for culinary use; medicinal doses need supervision.

Conclusion

While some animal studies suggest cinnamon extract might lower creatinine in acute kidney injury, robust human evidence is lacking. Cinnamon is not recommended as a primary treatment for individuals with kidney disease. Its potential kidney benefits are mainly indirect, linked to managing conditions like diabetes. A major concern is Cassia cinnamon's high coumarin content, which can be liver toxic in large amounts and risky for those with compromised organ function. Medical guidelines advise caution with cinnamon supplements in CKD patients due to risks and potential drug interactions. The safest approach for kidney health involves a physician-supervised diet and treatment plan. Always consult a healthcare provider before changing your diet or taking supplements.

Is cinnamon good for kidney patients? A physician's perspective.

Kidney patients must consult their nephrologist before significantly increasing cinnamon intake. Culinary amounts of Ceylon cinnamon are generally safe, but Cassia cinnamon should be limited due to coumarin. High-dose supplements are not advised for kidney patients. The best way to manage kidney health is through a prescribed treatment plan including diet, medication, and monitoring. A narrative review discusses cinnamon's potential in the context of CKD complications, {Link: droracle.ai https://www.droracle.ai/articles/95372/cinnamon-safety-in-ckd-patients-or-preferred-type}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Culinary amounts of cinnamon are generally safe, but large or medicinal doses of Cassia cinnamon are not recommended for individuals with kidney issues due to its high coumarin content, which can cause liver damage.

Cassia cinnamon contains significant amounts of coumarin, which is potentially toxic to the liver in high doses. Ceylon cinnamon has only trace amounts of coumarin and is the safer choice for individuals with kidney concerns.

Yes, cinnamon has shown potential for improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar. This can indirectly benefit kidney health, especially for those with diabetes, by helping to manage a major risk factor for kidney disease progression.

No, individuals with high creatinine should avoid cinnamon supplements unless specifically cleared by a nephrologist. Concentrated extracts can contain high levels of harmful coumarin and may interact with medications.

For those with kidney disease, it is safest to stick to small, culinary amounts of Ceylon cinnamon. Avoid Cassia cinnamon in large doses. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations.

Yes, potential side effects for kidney patients include liver toxicity from high doses of coumarin in Cassia cinnamon, blood sugar fluctuations, and interactions with medications.

Effective ways to manage creatinine include treating the underlying cause (like diabetes or high blood pressure), following a renal diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding high-protein foods and certain supplements.