Cinnamon and PCOS
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome should be aware of the possible value of cinnamon, a spice that has traditionally been used for type 2 diabetes, lack of menstruation and a number of other health problems.
Cinnamon, Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Cinnamon and PCOS - New Evidence
Cinnamon, Diabetes and Blood Sugar
As you know, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Since blood sugar problems and insulin resistance are common in both PCOS and diabetes, we might assume that if cinnamon is helpful for diabetes, it may also be helpful for PCOS.
In one study of 60 diabetics, taking cinnamon 1, 3, or 6 grams/day for 40 days lowered
- fasting serum glucose by 18% to 29%
- triglycerides by 23% to 30%
- LDL "bad" cholesterol by 7% to 27%
- total cholesterol by 12% to 26%.
The researchers suggest "…that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases."(1)
Another more recent study of 79 diabetics (average age 63) found that a cinnamon extract moderately reduced blood sugar levels over the course of 4 months.(2) Subjects were divided into either a treatment group, which was given 3 capsules of a cinnamon extract (112 milligrams per capsule) daily (equivalent to approximately 3 grams of cinnamon powder per day), or a placebo group, which was given placebo capsules.
Individuals who consumed the cinnamon extract experienced a 10.3% decrease in blood sugar levels. Those whose fasting glucose levels were higher at the start of the study experienced greater benefit from supplementation with cinnamon.
The results of this study suggest that diabetic subjects, especially those with poor glycemic control, may benefit from supplementation with cinnamon.
The authors point out that using an extract of cinnamon rather than the powder may be safer since the aqueous extract does not contain the volatile oils to which some people may be allergic.
Cinnamon and PCOS - New Evidence
There is new evidence that cinnamon may be directly helpful for polycystic ovary syndrome.
In a pilot study released in February 2007, researchers at Columbia University showed that consumption of cinnamon reduced insulin resistance in fifteen PCOS women.
The women were divided into two groups: one group took cinnamon extract while the other group took a placebo. After 8 weeks, the cinnamon group showed significant reductions in insulin resistance while the placebo group did not.
The authors say that "a larger trial is needed to confirm the findings of this pilot study and to evaluate the effect of cinnamon extract on menstrual cyclicity." However, so far, this is encouraging news.
Safety and Drug Interactions
Cinnamon is considered safe when used at recommended dosages. As a precaution, do not take cinnamon if pregnant or lactating; there is insufficient information to judge its safety in pregnancy and breast feeding. Avoid cinnamon if you are allergic to it.
Since cinnamon can lower your blood sugar, first check with your doctor before starting supplemental cinnamon if you are taking medications for controlling blood sugar and insulin levels.
You may need to modify or reduce your dosage of these medications: glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia) or similar medications.
Dosage Levels
There is no "correct" dose for everyone. The possible dose will also depend on the form of cinnamon used.
For type 2 diabetes, 1 to 6 grams (1 teaspoon = 4.75 grams) of powdered cinnamon daily for 40 days have been used.(1,4)
If the product is a cinnamon extract, a dose of 200 - 300 milligrams can be considered.
Where Can You Get It?
A high quality patented cinnamon extract in 125 milligram capsules is available from our online PCOS Supplements Store.
Return to PCOS Supplements Page
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