Is Cinnamon (dalchini) safe during pregnancy?

Spices & herbs

Food amounts appear safe; larger amounts of Ceylon cinnamon are not

NIH NCCIH says studies suggest Ceylon and cassia cinnamon are safe in amounts commonly found in foods, but Ceylon cinnamon in larger amounts during pregnancy is considered unsafe.[1]

What official sources say

NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: cinnamon

  • Some studies of the use of Ceylon and cassia cinnamon during pregnancy suggest it is safe in amounts commonly found in foods, but Ceylon cinnamon in larger amounts during pregnancy is considered unsafe.[1]

Related general rules

ICMR-NIN: Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024

  • Spices such as turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, pepper and cloves are rich in antioxidants and can be part of a balanced diet. (p. 5) (general-population advice, not specific to pregnancy)[2]

Nutrition per 100 g (USDA)

Energy247 kcal
Protein3.99 g
Fibre53.1 g
Sugars2.17 g
Iron8.32 mg
Calcium1002 mg
Folate (DFE)6 µg
Folate, total6 µg
Vitamin A (RAE)15 µg
Vitamin C3.8 mg
Vitamin D0 µg
Vitamin B120 µg
Choline11 mg
DHA (omega-3)0 g
EPA (omega-3)0 g
Caffeine0 mg
Sodium10 mg

USDA FoodData Central: Spices, cinnamon, ground (FDC ID 171320), per 100 g. Public domain. Values describe that USDA record; composition varies with variety and preparation.

Sources

  1. NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: cinnamon · nccih.nih.gov. US government work, public domain; quoted. No endorsement implied.
  2. ICMR-NIN: Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 · nin.res.in. Printed page 5. Paraphrased and cited by printed page; the text is not reproduced.

Sources checked 26 September 2026.

Quotes are checked word for word against each source page, and paraphrases against the original text. Official bodies are named as sources only: none of them reviewed or endorses this page.

Educational information, not medical advice. Your own doctor or midwife may advise differently for you — follow their advice.