We present a report of cinnamon bark powder 1000 mg daily associated with edema that resolved after stopping the supplement in an adult male. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) cause fluid retention in those with diabetes or prediabetes. Some medications in this class have been implicated in increased cardiac deaths from this side effect. While medications are effective for diabetes, many people have turned to natural remedies to treat their diabetes instead of conventional pharmaceuticals. Cinnamon is a common agent used, and it has received extensive lay press attention. Chemically, cinnamon bark powder activates peroxisome proliferated activated receptors similar to TZDs. It is reasonable to hypothesize that cinnamon bark powder can cause edema. This case demonstrates that cinnamon bark powder may have a similar side effect profile. Physicians should be aware that consumption of cinnamon bark powder could cause fluid retention and possibly worsen congestive heart failure.
Keywords: Cinnamon; Edema; Heart Failure; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; Thiazolidinediones.
© Copyright 2018 by the American Board of Family Medicine.