Is Cinnamon Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Cinnamon is not banned in pregnancy, but FDA has warned about lead-contaminated products. Avoid recalled or flagged cinnamon.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit — consult your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy

Contaminated cinnamon can be a pregnancy safety concern.

Mother

May expose the mother to lead or other contaminants.

Baby

May increase lead exposure if the product is contaminated.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Use caution in all trimesters. Avoid products with FDA lead alerts.

2nd Trimester

Use caution in all trimesters. Avoid products with FDA lead alerts.

3rd Trimester

Use caution in all trimesters. Avoid products with FDA lead alerts.

Conditions & Warnings

• Use only products from trusted brands.
• Avoid ground cinnamon products recalled or warned on by FDA.
• If using cinnamon in food, choose small amounts.
• Do not use cinnamon supplements unless your clinician advises it.

Alternatives

• Use other spices with no contamination alert from FDA.
• Use cinnamon only from products you trust and in small food amounts.

References

• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/lead-food-and-foodwares
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/conversations-experts-food-topics/conversation-fda-steps-agency-taking-address-unsafe-levels-lead-found-cinnamon