Federal Institute warns of coumarin in cinnamon

Cinnamon rolls: Federal Institute warns of coumarin in cinnamon spices

10/01/2012

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warns against the excessive consumption of cinnamon. Especially at Christmas time the spice for Christmas biscuits, cakes and cookies is used. Cinnamon naturally contains the vegetable substance coumarin. This can lead to damage to the liver during regular and high consumption. The recent studies have revealed, as the Federal Institute announced.

If taken in large quantities coumarin can cause severe headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness. These are the first clear warnings consumers should take seriously. Even small doses can lead to liver damage in susceptible people, as stated in an updated statement based on new study findings of the BfR.

Not more than six cinnamon stars a day
Since 2011, according to the European Directive, a tolerable maximum of 0.1 milligrams of coumarin per one kilogram of body weight per day of an adult is considered not yet harmful to health. For infants weighing 15 kilograms on average, the tolerance dose is about six biscuits with cinnamon (e.g., 30 grams of cinnamon stars) or 100 grams of gingerbread seasoned with cinnamon. „This amount should not be exceeded regularly“, so the experts.

If during the Christmas season for a manageable time frame (one to two weeks) the maximum amount slightly exceeded, according to the experts of the BfR is no cause for concern. However, small children weighing less than 15 kilos should never consume more than 0.5 grams of cinnamon cassia per day for a longer period of time. Weighing in adults about 60 pounds, the recommended maximum amount is 2 grams of cinnamon per day.

„The consumption of cassia cinnamon should be moderate“, so the recommendation of the BfR. Alternatively, it is more likely to use low-coumarin Ceylon cinnamon. Due to the health hazards, coumarin in Germany may no longer be added as a flavoring in foods. Some animal studies also suggest that high intake is carcinogenic. A high single dose can even lead to paralysis, respiratory arrest and coma. (Sb)

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Picture: Joujou