Canela, the Spanish word for cinnamon, is a popular spice often consumed as a warm beverage. While cinnamon used as a food flavoring is generally safe, its concentrated use as a tea during pregnancy requires careful consideration. The safety of drinking canela tea depends entirely on the type of cinnamon used and the frequency of consumption. Expectant mothers should understand that naturally occurring chemical components in the spice are the source of caution regarding regular intake.
Understanding the Types of Cinnamon
The term “cinnamon” refers to the dried inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus, but two primary varieties dominate the global market: Cassia and Ceylon. Cassia cinnamon is the most common type in North America, often labeled simply as “cinnamon” in grocery stores. Sourced primarily from China and Indonesia, its sticks are thick, hard, and formed from a single layer of rolled bark. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true cinnamon,” originates mainly from Sri Lanka and parts of India. This variety is generally more expensive and is distinguished by its physical appearance; its sticks are composed of multiple thin, fragile layers of bark that are rolled together, giving them a soft, cigar-like texture that is easy to break. Cassia offers a stronger, spicier flavor, while Ceylon is known for a milder, sweeter taste.
Why Coumarin is the Primary Concern
Caution regarding canela tea stems from coumarin, a naturally occurring substance found in significant concentrations in one cinnamon variety. When consumed in large amounts over time, coumarin has been associated with hepatotoxicity, meaning it can cause liver damage. Regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority, have established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for coumarin at 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
The coumarin content varies between the two main types of cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon contains a high amount of coumarin, with levels ranging from 2,650 to over 7,000 milligrams per kilogram of the spice. In contrast, Ceylon cinnamon contains negligible or trace amounts of coumarin, typically up to 350 times less than Cassia. This chemical difference is why the type of canela used to brew tea is paramount to safety during pregnancy.
Consuming concentrated amounts of high-coumarin Cassia cinnamon tea regularly could potentially cause an expectant mother to exceed the established TDI, placing stress on the liver. Beyond the liver concerns, concentrated cinnamon preparations, including teas, carry a theoretical risk of stimulating uterine contractions. While clinical evidence from standardized trials on herbal teas in pregnant women is limited, this potential risk is often cited in safety guides, contributing to the recommendation for moderation.
It is important to note that coumarin is chemically related to the drug class of vitamin K antagonists, which are known to cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Though the coumarin found in cinnamon is a different compound than the drug, this relationship underscores the need for a cautious approach to high-dose intake of coumarin-rich products. A single teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon powder can contain enough coumarin to exceed the daily safety limit for a small adult.
Practical Guidance for Pregnant Consumers
The most practical guidance for pregnant women who wish to enjoy canela tea is to ensure they are using Ceylon cinnamon exclusively. When purchasing cinnamon sticks or tea bags, look for labels that specifically state “Ceylon” or “true cinnamon” to avoid the high coumarin content of the Cassia variety. If the label simply says “cinnamon,” it is safest to assume it is the higher-risk Cassia and should be avoided or consumed very sparingly.
Even when using Ceylon cinnamon, moderation is a sensible approach to ensure safety. Health professionals generally advise that moderate culinary use, such as a single cup of tea made by steeping a stick occasionally, presents minimal risk.
For daily consumption, some guidelines suggest limiting intake to no more than one to two teaspoons of Ceylon cinnamon powder or its equivalent in tea form. Concentrated products, such as cinnamon supplements, extracts, or essential oils, should be completely avoided unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.
Pregnant consumers should also consider that tea made by steeping a whole cinnamon stick may result in lower coumarin absorption than tea made from a highly concentrated powder. Before incorporating any herbal tea, including canela tea, into a regular diet during pregnancy, consult with an obstetrician or a registered dietitian. These professionals can provide personalized advice based on individual health status and total dietary intake. If a warm beverage alternative is desired, warm water with lemon or a mild ginger tea are considered safer choices.