Cinnamon is a versatile spice derived from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus. It is widely used in cooking and traditional health practices, leading many mothers to question its safety during nursing. The primary concern is whether cinnamon compounds transfer to breast milk and potentially harm the infant or affect milk production. Understanding the differences between cinnamon types and the risks associated with high consumption is important for informed dietary choices.
General Safety for Culinary Use
Occasional use of cinnamon as a flavoring agent in foods like baked goods, oatmeal, or beverages is generally considered safe while breastfeeding. When used in typical culinary amounts, such as a simple sprinkle or a teaspoon dispersed across a recipe, the exposure to potentially concerning compounds remains low. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized Ceylon cinnamon as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use as a flavoring agent. This low-level exposure aligns with traditional use and poses minimal risk to the nursing parent and the baby.
Understanding Coumarin Risk in Cinnamon Varieties
The safety profile of cinnamon is influenced by the specific variety consumed, primarily due to the presence of coumarin. Coumarin is found in high concentrations in Cassia cinnamon, which is the most common and least expensive variety found in grocery stores. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia or Cinnamomum aromaticum) can contain up to 2% coumarin by weight.
In high, sustained doses, coumarin is known to be hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause liver damage. Regular, substantial intake of Cassia cinnamon can pose a maternal health risk, especially with daily consumption over an extended period. In contrast, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum), often called “true cinnamon,” contains negligible amounts of coumarin, typically less than 0.05%. This makes Ceylon significantly safer for regular consumption than the Cassia variety. The primary safety concern relates to the mother’s liver health from over-consuming high-coumarin Cassia, rather than a direct risk to the infant.
Effects on Milk Supply and Infant Response
A frequent question is whether cinnamon affects the volume of milk produced. Cinnamon has been used in some traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, as a galactagogue—a substance believed to increase milk supply. However, no robust scientific studies confirm that cinnamon, at typical dietary doses, measurably affects a mother’s milk supply. Cinnamon is not actively recommended as a method to boost lactation.
The flavors of a mother’s diet can transfer into breast milk. Aromatic compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, can alter the taste or smell of the milk, which may occasionally lead to a noticeable infant response. While rare, some babies may exhibit signs of digestive discomfort, such as fussiness or colic, after the nursing parent consumes large amounts of cinnamon. Allergic reactions are uncommon, but high maternal intake could potentially increase the likelihood of a mild sensitivity or gastrointestinal upset in the infant.
Safe Consumption Recommendations
To mitigate coumarin risk, nursing parents should prioritize Ceylon cinnamon, especially if consuming it daily or in quantities larger than a simple sprinkle. When using Cassia cinnamon, moderation is advisable to protect maternal liver health. Health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for coumarin at 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
For a 60-kilogram adult, this TDI equates to about 6 mg of coumarin daily. Since a single teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon can contain between 6 and 12 mg of coumarin, consuming more than half a teaspoon of Cassia per day is not recommended for sustained periods. High-dose cinnamon supplements, extracts, or essential oils should be avoided during breastfeeding unless explicitly advised by a healthcare provider. Consulting with a doctor or lactation consultant before introducing any high-concentration supplement is the safest approach.