Does Cinnamon Increase Creatinine Levels? What You Need to Know

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

While some animal studies suggest cinnamon extract may help lower creatinine levels and support kidney function, excessive intake of certain types, particularly Cassia cinnamon, raises concerns due to its high coumarin content. This distinction is crucial for understanding its overall effect on renal health.

Quick Summary

The effect of cinnamon on creatinine depends on its type and amount consumed. Moderate intake of Ceylon cinnamon is safe and may offer benefits, while high doses of coumarin-rich Cassia cinnamon can pose risks to liver and kidney function.

Key Points

Type Matters: The impact of cinnamon on creatinine depends on the variety; Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, while Ceylon cinnamon has only trace amounts.
Coumarin Risk: Excessive, long-term intake of high-coumarin Cassia cinnamon can cause liver toxicity, which can indirectly affect kidney function.
Moderate Intake is Safe: For healthy individuals, moderate consumption of Cassia cinnamon as a spice is generally considered safe and unlikely to increase creatinine levels.
Potential Benefits: Some animal studies suggest cinnamon extracts may have renoprotective effects, helping to lower creatinine and combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
Caution for CKD Patients: Individuals with pre-existing chronic kidney disease should consult a doctor before using cinnamon supplements, as evidence for therapeutic benefit is limited and risks exist.
Choose Ceylon: To minimize coumarin exposure, especially if you consume cinnamon frequently or in large amounts, opt for Ceylon, or "true" cinnamon.

The Coumarin Factor: Cassia vs. Ceylon

The primary concern regarding cinnamon's effect on kidney and liver health revolves around a natural compound called coumarin. Cassia cinnamon, the most common type, contains significantly higher levels of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver in large amounts. Excessive, prolonged consumption of high-coumarin Cassia may cause liver damage, potentially impacting kidney function. Ceylon cinnamon, or "true cinnamon," contains only trace amounts of coumarin and is generally safe for regular, moderate consumption. Health authorities recommend a tolerable daily intake for coumarin at 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight, which can easily be exceeded with high consumption of Cassia cinnamon.

Cinnamon's Potential Nephroprotective Effects

Research, mainly in animal studies, has also shown potential positive effects of cinnamon compounds on kidney health. These benefits are often linked to cinnamon's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help mitigate the effects of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contributing to kidney diseases. Cinnamon may also indirectly support kidney health in individuals with diabetic kidney disease by helping regulate blood sugar. Animal studies have indicated that cinnamon extracts can lower serum creatinine levels and improve renal function in models of kidney injury or diabetes.

Clinical Evidence and Safety Precautions

Despite promising animal studies, clinical evidence on cinnamon's therapeutic use for kidney disease in humans is limited. Experts recommend caution for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Individuals with kidney conditions should monitor their renal function, especially if taking cinnamon supplements. Patients with CKD should discuss all supplements with their healthcare provider and prioritize a balanced, kidney-friendly diet.

Comparison of Cinnamon Types and Risks


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon	Health Relevance
Coumarin Content	High	Trace amounts	High coumarin intake from Cassia poses a risk of liver and potential kidney damage over time.
Taste	Strong, spicy	Mild, slightly sweet	Ceylon's milder flavor is a good alternative for those who consume cinnamon regularly in large quantities.
Cost	Generally inexpensive	More expensive	The higher cost of Ceylon reflects its safety profile for regular consumption, particularly in higher amounts.
Common Availability	Most commonly found in supermarkets	Often found in specialty spice shops or online stores	The ready availability of Cassia means that most consumers are unknowingly consuming the higher-coumarin variety.
Risk for Kidneys (High Intake)	Potential risk due to coumarin toxicity impacting the liver and, by extension, kidneys.	Negligible risk due to minimal coumarin content.

How to Consume Cinnamon Safely

To enjoy cinnamon safely, choose Ceylon cinnamon when possible, especially for frequent or large quantities, due to its low coumarin content. Moderate your intake of Cassia cinnamon; the amount used for general cooking is typically safe, but the risk increases with heavy, daily use or supplements. If you have kidney or liver issues, consult a doctor or registered dietitian before using cinnamon supplements. Always read supplement labels to determine the type of cinnamon, as supplements often contain high-coumarin Cassia.

Conclusion: Does Cinnamon Increase Creatinine Levels?

No direct evidence suggests that moderate consumption of cinnamon increases creatinine in healthy individuals. Some studies even suggest potential protective effects. The primary risk to kidney and liver health stems from the high coumarin in Cassia cinnamon, but only with excessive, prolonged use. Choosing Ceylon cinnamon and consuming it in moderation allows most people to safely enjoy its benefits. However, those with existing kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding any health concerns. For further information on cinnamon's potential applications, see this review: Cinnamon: an aromatic condiment applicable to chronic kidney disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Excessive and prolonged consumption of Cassia cinnamon, which contains high levels of coumarin, can potentially cause liver damage. Since the liver and kidneys are interconnected, significant liver issues can indirectly affect kidney function.

Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon," is the safer option because it contains very little coumarin. In contrast, Cassia cinnamon, the most common type, has high coumarin levels and should be consumed in moderation.

Yes, for healthy individuals, the small amount of Cassia cinnamon typically used for flavoring food is generally safe and well below the tolerable daily intake for coumarin.

Some animal studies, particularly those involving rats with acute kidney injury or diabetes, have shown that cinnamon extract can help lower serum creatinine levels due to its antioxidant properties. However, human evidence is limited.

The tolerable daily intake for coumarin is 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. For Cassia cinnamon, this limit can be exceeded with heavy, regular consumption, especially from supplements. It's best to moderate intake and choose Ceylon if using it frequently.

If you have CKD, you should exercise caution, especially with supplements, and discuss your cinnamon intake with your healthcare provider. The risks associated with high coumarin content may outweigh the unproven benefits for CKD patients.

Coumarin is a natural flavoring compound found in many plants, including cinnamon. In high concentrations, particularly from Cassia cinnamon, it has been linked to potential liver toxicity in animal studies.