Cinna Shield: Ceylon cinnamon extract capsules, with the species and coumarin data to check

Order now Read the quick answer
  • DNA-verified Ceylon
  • 30 capsules = 30 days
  • 90-day refund

Not a substitute for medical care. If you take medicine for blood sugar, keep taking it as prescribed and speak with your doctor before adding any supplement.

A white CinnaShield Ceylon cinnamon bottle with a gold label band on a sunny kitchen counter beside a glass of water
Coumarin per capsuleLab-tested · COA on request

Quick answer

What it is

A once-daily dietary supplement: a 12:1 extract of Ceylon cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum) with MCT oil. Ceylon is "true cinnamon" and naturally low in coumarin, unlike common Cassia.

What is unknown

Human trials on cinnamon and blood-sugar markers show small, inconsistent effects, mostly with Cassia. No trial has tested CinnaShield itself, and no one can promise you a result.

Check with a doctor if

  • You take any glucose-lowering medicine
  • You have liver disease
  • You are pregnant or nursing
  • You have surgery planned

Never stop or change a prescribed medicine to take a supplement. CinnaShield is one option for people who want cinnamon in a measured, species-verified form, not a treatment.

The product

What is CinnaShield?

CinnaShield is a Ceylon cinnamon supplement: a single daily capsule made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum verum grown in Sri Lanka, concentrated as a 12:1 extract and suspended in MCT oil. It is sold direct-to-consumer from cinnashield.net.

We chose Ceylon rather than Cassia for one reason: coumarin. Ceylon contains only traces of it, which matters if you plan to take cinnamon every day. Everything in the table matches the bottle label.

Front label of the CinnaShield bottle: white bottle, gold band with a quality seal, 'Ceylon Cinnamon Extract', 'Dietary Supplement, 30 capsules'
CinnaShield product facts
Product type Dietary supplement (capsule)
Cinnamon species Cinnamomum verum (syn. C. zeylanicum), Ceylon or "true" cinnamon
Plant part & origin Inner bark, Sri Lanka
Extract Full-strength 12:1 Ceylon cinnamon bark extract (amount per capsule on the label)
Other ingredients MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides), capsule shell
Allergen note MCT oil is usually made from coconut or palm kernel; check the label if you have a coconut allergy
Coumarin Tested by an independent lab; certificate of analysis on request
Serving / servings 1 capsule daily · 30 per bottle (30 days)
Made by Manufactured for CinnaShield in a cGMP facility
Price From $19.99 per bottle in a 6-bottle package (USD; taxes and duties vary)
What it is not Not a medicine, not approved by the FDA (supplements aren't), not a replacement for prescribed care

A note on "MHCP"

You may see cinnamon products advertise MHCP, short for methylhydroxychalcone polymer. The name comes from early laboratory work around 2000. Later analysis by Anderson and colleagues (2004) characterized these compounds as type-A procyanidin polymers, a family of polyphenols found in cinnamon bark.

Those were cell and lab studies, not proof of an effect in people. A product can only honestly state an MHCP amount if it has measured it with a named, validated assay. CinnaShield's label shows the MHCP figure only where that is the case.

02 · Botany, history, flavor

Ceylon vs Cassia: two cinnamons, one name

In the US, "cinnamon" on a spice jar can legally mean the bark of several different Cinnamomum trees. Most of it is Cassia. Ceylon, sometimes called true cinnamon, is a different species with a different chemistry, and the difference matters most for one compound: coumarin.

Ceylon vs Cassia in 60 seconds
Ceylon Cassia
Species C. verum (C. zeylanicum) C. cassia (Chinese), C. burmannii (Indonesian), C. loureiroi (Saigon)
Main origin Sri Lanka; smaller amounts from Madagascar, Seychelles, India China, Indonesia, Vietnam
Quill Many thin, papery layers rolled like a cigar; light tan; crumbles One thick, hard layer curled from both edges; dark red-brown
Flavor Delicate, sweet, citrus and floral notes Strong, hot, "red-hot candy" spice
Coumarin Trace, ≈0.02 mg/g or less [8] ≈0.3 to 7 mg/g, varies by species and batch [8][9]
Price Several times more per ounce Inexpensive; the supermarket default
Glucose research Few human trials Most trials; small, inconsistent effects [11][13]

Coumarin values are published ranges from retail and botanical samples, not CinnaShield test results. Individual batches vary widely.

Side-by-side comparison on a wooden board: thin, multi-layered light-tan Ceylon cinnamon quills on the left and thick, hard, dark reddish-brown Cassia quills on the right
Left: Ceylon quills, many thin layers. Right: Cassia, a single thick scroll.

Botany

Both are evergreen trees in the laurel family. Ceylon is coppiced: young shoots are cut, the outer bark scraped off and the thin inner bark peeled by hand. Cassia uses thicker bark from older trees, often including outer layers.

History & trade

Sri Lankan cinnamon drove colonial spice trade: the Portuguese in the 1500s, the Dutch East India Company's monopoly in the 1600s, then the British from 1796. Peeling is still skilled handwork, and Sri Lanka supplies most of the world's Ceylon cinnamon.

Grades

Ceylon quills are graded by diameter. Alba is the thinnest and most prized, followed by Continental, Mexican and Hamburg grades. "Ceylon Cinnamon" is also a protected geographical indication.

Flavor

Cassia's punch comes from a higher share of cinnamaldehyde. Ceylon carries more eugenol and lighter aromatics, which is why it suits custards, tea, fruit and savory Sri Lankan and Mexican cooking.

How to tell Ceylon from Cassia

Whole quills are easy. Ground powder is not, which is why species identification and a certificate of analysis matter for any cinnamon supplement.

  • Look at the cross-section. Ceylon shows many thin layers, like a cigar. Cassia is one thick shell.
  • Snap it. Ceylon crumbles in your fingers. Cassia is woody and hard to break.
  • Check the color. Ceylon is pale tan; Cassia is darker red-brown.
  • Read the label. Look for the Latin name Cinnamomum verum or zeylanicum, not just "cinnamon".
  • Price check. Ceylon sold at Cassia prices deserves a second look.
  • Ask for testing. DNA identification or HPLC coumarin results confirm species far better than eyes.

03 · Chemistry and liver safety

Coumarin: what it is, why it matters and how much is in CinnaShield

What coumarin is

Coumarin is a naturally occurring aromatic compound (a benzopyrone) that smells of sweet hay and vanilla. It occurs in tonka beans, sweet clover, woodruff and, in large amounts, Cassia bark.

Coumarin itself is not a blood thinner. Warfarin belongs to a related chemical family, but plain coumarin has no meaningful anticoagulant action. Its concern is the liver.

Why it matters

At high intakes coumarin can harm the liver in a sensitive minority of people. The European Food Safety Authority set a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.1 mg per kg of body weight in 2004 and confirmed it in 2008 [4][5]. Germany's BfR warned that heavy Cassia users, including small children, can exceed it [6].

EU law caps coumarin in foods containing cinnamon, for example 50 mg/kg in traditional cinnamon bakery and 20 mg/kg in breakfast cereals [7]. US labels are not required to state coumarin, so ask for a certificate of analysis.

How much is in CinnaShield

CinnaShield is tested for coumarin by an independent lab, and the certificate of analysis is available on request from support@cinnashield.com. Because extraction can concentrate or remove coumarin, we rely on the measured result rather than Ceylon's reputation.

Coumarin calculator

Body weight × TDI 0.1 mg/kg = daily coumarin limit

Body weight Daily limit Cassia to reach limit* Ceylon to reach limit**
20 kg (44 lb) child 2 mg ≈0.7 g (≈¼ tsp) ≈100 g
50 kg (110 lb) 5 mg ≈1.7 g (≈⅔ tsp) ≈250 g
70 kg (154 lb) 7 mg ≈2.3 g (≈1 tsp) ≈350 g
90 kg (198 lb) 9 mg ≈3.0 g (≈1¼ tsp) ≈450 g
110 kg (243 lb) 11 mg ≈3.7 g (≈1½ tsp) ≈550 g
* Calculated with 3 mg coumarin per gram of Cassia, the mid-range of published retail samples (≈0.3 to 7 mg/g) [8][9]. ** Calculated with 0.02 mg/g for Ceylon [8]. 1 tsp ground cinnamon ≈ 2.6 g. TDI per EFSA [4].

What this means

A daily teaspoon of Cassia on oatmeal can put a lighter adult or a child over the TDI. Ordinary Ceylon use is far below it.

Liver warning signs

Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, upper-right abdominal pain or unusual tiredness: stop cinnamon supplements and see a doctor [3].

04 · Honest evidence review

What the research shows about cinnamon, and what it does not

Cinnamon and blood sugar is one of the most-studied spice questions. After two decades of trials, the honest summary is: small and inconsistent effects on fasting glucose, little or no effect on long-term markers, and almost no data on Ceylon specifically.

How to read this: fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is measured in mg/dL; HbA1c reflects average glucose over about three months. A change that is "statistically significant" may still be too small to matter clinically.

What the trials found

Single RCT · 2003Cassia

Khan et al., Diabetes Care [10]

60 adults in Pakistan took 1, 3 or 6 g/day for 40 days. Fasting glucose fell 18 to 29% from baseline.

Caveat: small, single site; the large effect has not been reproduced in most later trials.

Cochrane review · 2012Mixed

Leach & Kumar [11]

10 RCTs, 577 participants, 4 to 16 weeks. No statistically significant difference vs placebo for HbA1c or fasting glucose.

Conclusion: insufficient evidence to support cinnamon for glycemic control.

Meta-analysis · 2011Mostly Cassia

Davis & Yokoyama, J Med Food [12]

8 trials. Pooled fasting glucose change of about −8 mg/dL with cinnamon.

Caveat: small studies, different doses and preparations.

Meta-analysis · 2013Mostly Cassia

Allen et al., Ann Fam Med [13]

10 RCTs, 543 people. FPG −24.6 mg/dL (95% CI −40.5 to −8.7). HbA1c −0.16%, not statistically significant.

Caveat: very high heterogeneity; doses 120 mg to 6 g; authors call for more research.

Meta-analysis · 2019Mixed

Deyno et al., Diabetes Res Clin Pract [14]

Pooled trials in type 2 and prediabetes reported modest reductions in fasting glucose with smaller, less consistent changes in HbA1c.

Caveat: low-to-moderate certainty; trial quality varied.

RCT · 2020Prediabetes

Romeo et al., J Endocr Soc [15]

51 adults, 500 mg three times daily for 12 weeks. Fasting glucose stayed stable on cinnamon while it rose on placebo; a difference of roughly 5 mg/dL.

Caveat: small and short; clinical meaning unclear.

What it reasonably shows

  • Some pooled analyses find a small average drop in fasting glucose.
  • Cinnamon at studied doses was generally well tolerated over weeks.
  • Effects, where seen, are far smaller than prescribed treatment.

What it does not show

  • A reliable effect on HbA1c or on complications.
  • That Ceylon extract works like the Cassia used in most trials.
  • That any cinnamon product can replace medicine. It cannot.

Expert positions

The American Diabetes Association does not recommend herbal supplements such as cinnamon for glucose management, citing insufficient evidence [17]. NCCIH notes that studies in people do not clearly support cinnamon for any health condition [1].

05 · Ingredients and label literacy

Extract ratios and the Supplement Facts panel, explained

Supplement labels are written to a federal format, but the numbers that tell you the most, such as species, extract amount and contaminant testing, are easy to miss. Here is how to read them, using CinnaShield and a generic example.

Extract ratios explained: 12:1 does not mean 12× stronger

12 kg

dried Ceylon bark

Solvent extraction

bark is steeped in a solvent, filtered, then dried

1 kg

extract powder

It's a manufacturing ratio. It records how much raw bark went in per unit of extract. It says nothing on its own about which compounds came out.

Solvent decides the profile. Water extracts favor polyphenols; alcohol pulls more oils like cinnamaldehyde. The same ratio can mean very different products.

"Equivalent to X g" is marketing math. A capsule of 12:1 extract is not the same as eating 12 times that much bark. Ask for an assay of named compounds instead.

Read a cinnamon label: an annotated example

A generic label, not any specific brand. Numbered points show what to check.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 Capsule 1

Servings Per Container 30

Amount Per Serving
Cinnamon bark extract 12:1 2
(Cinnamomum verum) 3500 mg 4

† Daily Value not established.

Other ingredients: MCT oil (coconut), hypromellose capsule. 5

Lot 0000 · Best by 00/0000 · Distributed by Example Co., City, ST 6

  1. 1 · Serving size. All amounts are per serving, not per bottle. Check how many capsules a serving is.
  2. 2 · Ratio or standardization. A ratio (12:1) or a standardized % of a named compound. The second is more informative.
  3. 3 · Latin name. C. verum/zeylanicum means Ceylon. "Cinnamon" alone usually means Cassia.
  4. 4 · Amount in mg. Watch for "proprietary blends" that hide individual amounts.
  5. 5 · Other ingredients. Oil source, capsule material, allergens and fillers.
  6. 6 · Lot, date, contact. Needed to trace a batch and request its certificate of analysis. Coumarin is not on US labels; ask for it.

What's in each capsule · CinnaShield

Serving Size 1 Capsule

Servings Per Container 30

Ceylon cinnamon bark extract 12:1
(Cinnamomum verum)Active
MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides)Carrier
Capsule shellShell

Coumarin: tested by an independent lab; certificate of analysis on request from support@cinnashield.com.

Exact amounts per capsule are printed on the Supplement Facts panel of every bottle.

A few brown CinnaShield capsules lying beside thin Ceylon cinnamon quills on a light linen surface
Capsules beside Ceylon quills. One capsule a day is the full serving.

06 · Daily use

How to take CinnaShield and how long a bottle lasts

The best way to take cinnamon in capsule form is simple and consistent: once a day, with food, never doubled. One bottle holds 30 capsules, which is exactly 30 days.

  1. 1Adults: 1 capsule daily with a meal and a full glass of water.
  2. 2Do not exceed one capsule a day, and count any other cinnamon supplements you use.
  3. 3Same time each day, for example with breakfast, makes it easy to remember.
  4. 4Store closed, in a cool, dry place, away from children.
How long your order lasts
Package Capsules Days at 1/day
1 bottle 30 30 days
2 bottles 60 ≈2 months
4 bottles 120 ≈4 months
6 bottles 180 ≈6 months

What to expect

No promises about how you will feel or what your numbers will do. This is what a sensible routine looks like.

  1. Before day 1

    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

    Especially if you take any medicine for blood sugar, have liver disease, or are pregnant or nursing.

  2. Week 1

    Build the habit

    Take it with a meal. Note any stomach upset, heartburn or rash; stop if they occur.

  3. Weeks 2 to 8

    Keep everything else the same

    Continue your medicines, diet, activity and any glucose testing exactly as your care team advises.

  4. Weeks 8 to 12

    Review with your doctor

    Trials ran 4 to 16 weeks. Lab results, not feelings, are the only way to know whether anything changed.

  5. Ongoing

    Decide together

    If there is no benefit, stop. Our 90-day refund covers that decision.

Cinnamon in the kitchen

You don't need capsules to enjoy cinnamon. Ceylon powder or quills in food are inexpensive and perfectly reasonable. Capsules vs powder comes down to convenience, taste and knowing exactly what you are getting.

Safe culinary amounts (adults)

  • Ceylon: ½ to 1 tsp a day is well within limits.
  • Cassia: keep regular daily use to about ½ tsp or less.
  • Children: smaller amounts, Ceylon preferred.
  • Don't stack: food Cassia plus a Cassia supplement adds up.

Breakfast

Ceylon cinnamon oats

Simmer rolled oats with milk, ½ tsp Ceylon, grated apple and a pinch of salt. Top with walnuts. Ceylon's softer flavor needs no sugar.

Drink

Sri Lankan quill tea

Steep a 5 cm Ceylon quill with black tea and a slice of ginger for 5 minutes. The quill can be reused once.

Savory

Roasted carrots & cumin

Toss carrots in olive oil, ¼ tsp each cinnamon and cumin, salt. Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes; finish with lemon.

Dinner

Bean chili with a quill

Add one Ceylon quill to a pot of chili or curry while it simmers, then remove. Warmth without sweetness.

Safety first

Safety, interactions and who should not use it

Cinnamon is a food, but a concentrated daily extract deserves the same care as any supplement. Read this section before ordering, and share it with your pharmacist.

Do not use without a doctor's OK

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Under 18 years old
  • Liver disease or raised liver enzymes
  • Taking insulin, sulfonylureas or other glucose-lowering drugs
  • Surgery within the next 2 weeks
  • Allergy to cinnamon or to the MCT oil source (e.g., coconut)

Possible side effects

  • Stomach upset, heartburn, loose stools (MCT oil can contribute)
  • Allergic reactions: rash, itching, mouth sores
  • Low blood sugar when combined with glucose-lowering medicine
  • Rare liver injury, linked mainly to high-coumarin Cassia [3]

Report serious reactions to your doctor and to FDA MedWatch [22].

When to see a doctor about blood sugar

  • Extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision
  • Unexplained weight loss or constant tiredness
  • Shakiness, sweating, confusion or a racing heart (possible low blood sugar)
  • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
  • Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine

Fainting, severe confusion or trouble breathing: call 911.

Cinnamon and medicines: interaction checker

A starting point for a conversation, not medical advice. Your pharmacist can check your full medicine list.

Medicine type Examples Possible concern Level What to do
Insulin & sulfonylureas Insulin, glipizide, glimepiride Added glucose-lowering effect; low blood sugar High Only with your prescriber's approval and monitoring
Other glucose-lowering drugs Metformin, GLP-1 injections, SGLT2 inhibitors Possible additive effect Moderate Ask your doctor or pharmacist first
Liver-stressing drugs High-dose acetaminophen, methotrexate, isoniazid, some statins Added liver load (mainly with coumarin) Moderate Check with pharmacist; ask for coumarin COA
Blood thinners Warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel Limited data; any new supplement may affect INR monitoring Moderate Tell your anticoagulation clinic before starting
Other herbs for glucose Berberine, bitter melon, chromium, fenugreek Stacking effects Moderate Avoid combining without advice
Most other medicines Blood pressure, thyroid, antidepressants No well-documented interaction Low Still list it on your medication record

07 · Fair comparison

Culinary cinnamon, capsules and other approaches

If your goal is healthy blood-sugar levels, cinnamon in any form is a small piece of the picture. This table puts it in proportion, including the options that have far stronger evidence.

Approach Evidence for glucose markers Coumarin / safety Typical cost / month Best role
Ceylon powder in food Few trials; likely small at most Trace coumarin; very safe in food amounts $3 to $8 Flavor and everyday enjoyment
Cassia powder in food Most trial data; small, inconsistent High coumarin; limit daily amounts $1 to $4 Occasional baking
CinnaShield (Ceylon extract) Not tested in its own trial; Ceylon data limited Coumarin lab-tested; see interactions $20 to $45 Measured, species-verified cinnamon for those who want a capsule
Lifestyle changes Strong: diet quality, activity, weight, sleep Safe; adjust with your care team if on medicine Varies; often low Foundation for everyone
Prescribed care Strongest: proven in large outcome trials Monitored by your clinician Depends on insurance Essential when prescribed. Never replace it with a supplement.

CinnaShield vs. other cinnamon brands

Many cinnamon supplements don't name the species or publish any testing. Here's what we commit to, and what to look for whichever brand you buy.

  • Studied ingredient. Cinnamon has been tested in human trials; results are mixed and are summarized above, not overstated.
  • Judged over months. Trials ran 4 to 16 weeks; check results with your doctor rather than expecting quick changes.
  • Made for steady daily use. Low coumarin is what makes long-term daily cinnamon sensible.
  • Clean ingredient list. Extract, MCT oil and a capsule; no fillers or artificial colors.

CinnaShield

  • Research-informed. Evidence summarized honestly, with sources
  • Independently lab tested
  • DNA-verified Ceylon cinnamon
  • 12:1 extract, amount stated in mg
  • In MCT oil, a fat carrier for a fat-soluble extract

Many other brands

  • Marketing claims without sources
  • No published third-party testing
  • Unnamed species, often high-coumarin Cassia
  • Low or undisclosed amounts
  • Plain powder with no stated carrier

General market observations, not claims about any named brand.

Quality

DNA identification, facility and testing

Every test below is run by an independent lab. Copies of the reports and certificates of analysis are available on request from support@cinnashield.com.

FDA registration is not approval. Supplement facilities register with the FDA and must follow current Good Manufacturing Practice (21 CFR Part 111), but the FDA does not approve supplements before sale [18][20][21].

DNA species identification

Confirms the bark is C. verum, not Cassia.

Verified · report on request

Coumarin (HPLC)

Measured by an independent lab.

Tested · COA on request

Heavy metals & microbes

Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury; yeast, mold, pathogens.

Tested · results on request

Facility

Manufactured under 21 CFR Part 111 cGMP.

cGMP facility · details on request

08 · Pricing in USD

Choose your package

Every package is the same product. Larger packages lower the per-bottle price; none is needed to "see results". Taxes and duties vary by location.

Package
Purchase type
  • † Crossed-out prices are the regular single-bottle price of $89.00 × number of bottles.
  • "Free" bottles are included at no extra cost when buying the stated package; the per-bottle price shown already reflects them (16 CFR 251).
  • Prices in USD. Sales tax added at checkout where applicable. International taxes and duties, where we ship, are paid by the recipient.

09 · Shipping & availability

Where we ship

We ship only to countries where we have checked that CinnaShield and this page meet local supplement and advertising rules. More countries will be added as those reviews finish.

Orders ship from the US with tracking emailed to you. Packaging is plain and discreet.

Destination Status Carrier & time Cost Duties
United States Shipping Tracked standard shipping; express upgrade available at checkout Free on 4 & 6 bottles; $19.99 on 2; express +$9.95 None
Canada Compliance review — — NHP licensing required
United Kingdom Compliance review — — VAT & duties paid by recipient
European Union Compliance review — — VAT & duties paid by recipient
Australia Compliance review — — TGA rules apply

Refund policy

90-day money back guarantee

If CinnaShield isn't right for you, for any reason, you can ask for a refund within 90 days of delivery. You don't need to justify it, and you don't need a doctor's note.

  1. 1Email support@cinnashield.com with your order number.
  2. 2Return bottles, opened or unopened, to the return address our support team sends you.
  3. 3Product price refunded to your original payment method once your return is received.

About

Who makes CinnaShield

CinnaShield is a direct-to-consumer brand selling Ceylon cinnamon extract capsules from cinnashield.net. Each bottle is manufactured for CinnaShield in a cGMP facility, and the manufacturer's details are printed on the label.

This page was written to inform, not to sell at any cost. It was reviewed by the CinnaShield editorial team, and every factual claim links to a source you can check.

  • support@cinnashield.com
  • Help with any order by email

10 · FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers, including the ones that don't help us sell. Can't find yours? Email support@cinnashield.com.

Most important answer: CinnaShield does not replace any medicine. Never stop or change a prescription without your doctor.

What is CinnaShield and what is MHCP?

CinnaShield is a once-daily capsule containing a 12:1 extract of Ceylon cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum) with MCT oil, 30 capsules per bottle. MHCP (methylhydroxychalcone polymer) is a name early lab studies gave to cinnamon polyphenols later identified as type-A procyanidin polymers. The Supplement Facts panel lists an MHCP amount only where a named assay has measured it.

Does CinnaShield replace my diabetes medicine?

No. CinnaShield is a dietary supplement, not a medicine, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never stop, reduce or change any prescribed medicine without talking to the doctor who prescribed it.

Do I have to stop my medication to take it?

No. Do not stop any medication to take CinnaShield. If you take medicine for blood sugar or any other condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting so they can decide whether it suits you and how to monitor.

Is it safe with metformin, insulin or injectable GLP-1 drugs?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Cinnamon may add a small glucose-lowering effect on top of these medicines, and with insulin or sulfonylureas in particular that raises the risk of low blood sugar. If they agree you can try it, follow their monitoring plan.

Does cinnamon lower blood sugar?

The evidence is mixed. Some meta-analyses found small drops in fasting glucose, while a Cochrane review found no significant effect on HbA1c or fasting glucose. Most trials used Cassia, not Ceylon, and were short and varied. Cinnamon is not a treatment for any condition.

What is the difference between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon?

Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum) is true cinnamon from Sri Lanka: thin, papery, layered quills with a mild, citrusy flavor and only trace coumarin. Cassia (C. cassia, C. burmannii, C. loureiroi) is the common supermarket type: thick, hard bark, a stronger flavor and much more coumarin.

How can I tell Ceylon from Cassia at home?

Look at whole quills: Ceylon has many thin layers rolled like a cigar and crumbles easily; Cassia is one thick, hard layer curled in from both edges. Ground powder is hard to tell apart, so check the label for the species name and ask the seller for a certificate of analysis.

How much coumarin is in a CinnaShield capsule?

Coumarin is measured by an independent lab, and the certificate of analysis is available on request from support@cinnashield.com. Ceylon cinnamon typically contains only trace coumarin. For reference, EFSA's tolerable daily intake is 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight.

How much cinnamon is safe per day?

It depends mostly on coumarin. Using EFSA's limit of 0.1 mg per kg of body weight, a 70 kg (154 lb) adult can reach the limit with roughly 2 to 3 g (about 1 teaspoon) of typical Cassia a day. Ceylon's trace coumarin allows far more, but ordinary culinary amounts are still sensible.

Are there side effects?

Most people tolerate cinnamon in food amounts. Reported effects of supplements include stomach upset, heartburn, allergic reactions and mouth or skin irritation. High coumarin intake, mainly from Cassia, has been linked to liver problems in sensitive people. Stop and see a doctor if you notice yellowing skin or eyes or dark urine.

What's in CinnaShield and is it safe?

Each capsule contains Ceylon cinnamon bark extract 12:1 and MCT oil in a capsule shell; exact amounts, the MCT oil source and the capsule type are on the Supplement Facts panel. It is made in a facility following FDA cGMP rules. It is not suitable for everyone, so please read the safety section first.

What does 12:1 extract mean?

About 12 kilograms of dried bark were used to make 1 kilogram of extract. It does not mean the capsule is 12 times stronger: what ends up in the extract depends on the solvent and process, and the ratio alone says nothing about which compounds are concentrated.

Are cinnamon capsules better than powder?

Not necessarily. Capsules give a consistent, measured amount, avoid the taste and make it easy to check species and coumarin on a certificate of analysis. Ceylon powder in food is cheaper and perfectly reasonable. Neither has strong evidence for health outcomes.

When will I see results?

We can't promise any result. Trials ran 4 to 16 weeks and found small, inconsistent changes. The only way to know how your blood-sugar markers are doing is regular testing and lab work arranged with your doctor.

How do I use CinnaShield?

Adults take 1 capsule daily with a meal and a full glass of water. Do not exceed one capsule a day. Store the bottle closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

What if I miss a day?

Just take your next capsule at the usual time with a meal. Do not take two capsules to make up for a missed one.

Should I keep testing my blood sugar?

Yes. Keep testing and attending check-ups exactly as your doctor advises. A supplement is no reason to test less often, and your results are the only reliable guide.

Can I take CinnaShield if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is not enough safety information on concentrated cinnamon extracts in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so we recommend against it unless your doctor or midwife specifically approves. It is also not intended for anyone under 18.

How many bottles should I order?

One bottle lasts 30 days. If you have checked with your doctor and want to try it for the 8 to 12 weeks many trials used, the 2-bottle package covers 60 days and the 4-bottle package 120 days. Larger packages cost less per bottle but are never necessary.

If I subscribe, how do I pause or cancel?

Auto-refill is optional and off by default. If you choose it, refills ship every 28 days and you can skip, pause or cancel anytime from your account or by emailing support@cinnashield.com before the next ship date, with no cancellation fee.

What is the CinnaShield Wellness Club and how do I cancel the trial?

It is an optional app with guidance on nutrition and daily habits. If you opt in, it is free for 7 days, then $77 every 28 days plus tax until canceled. Cancel in the app, in your account or by emailing support@cinnashield.com before the trial ends to avoid any charge.

When will my order arrive?

US orders ship with tracking sent by email, and the delivery estimate for your address is shown at checkout. The $9.95 express upgrade gets your order to you faster.

Why isn't CinnaShield on Amazon or in drugstores?

We sell direct so we can control storage, batch traceability and pricing, and so every customer gets the same safety information. Buying only from cinnashield.net also avoids counterfeit or relabeled products.

What is the 90-day refund policy?

If you are not satisfied, contact support@cinnashield.com within 90 days of delivery for a refund of the product price, including opened bottles. Refunds go back to your original payment method.

Try it risk-free

Ceylon cinnamon you can verify, at a pace you choose

Check with your doctor, read the coumarin result for your batch, and take one capsule a day with a meal. If it isn't for you, the 90-day money back guarantee has you covered.

Order now Compare packages
CinnaShield bottle with a bundle of Ceylon cinnamon quills on a warm kitchen counter in soft morning light

11 · Sources

Sources & References

Every factual and legal statement on this page links here.

Government health information

  1. [1] NCCIH (NIH). Cinnamon. nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon
  2. [2] NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. ods.od.nih.gov
  3. [3] LiverTox (NIH/NCBI). Cinnamon entry, in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547852

Coumarin safety & content

  1. [4] EFSA. Opinion on coumarin. EFSA Journal 2004;104:1–36. doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2004.104
  2. [5] EFSA. Coumarin in flavourings and other food ingredients with flavouring properties. EFSA Journal 2008;793. doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2008.793
  3. [6] German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Opinions and FAQ on coumarin in cinnamon. bfr.bund.de
  4. [7] Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings, Annex III (coumarin limits). eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1334/oj
  5. [8] Wang YH, Avula B, et al. Cassia cinnamon as a source of coumarin in cinnamon-flavored food and food supplements in the United States. J Agric Food Chem 2013;61(18):4470–6. doi.org/10.1021/jf4005862
  6. [9] Blahová J, Svobodová Z. Assessment of coumarin levels in ground cinnamon available in the Czech retail market. ScientificWorldJournal 2012:263851. doi.org/10.1100/2012/263851

Clinical evidence

  1. [10] Khan A, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;26(12):3215–8. doi.org/10.2337/diacare.26.12.3215
  2. [11] Leach MJ, Kumar S. Cinnamon for diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;(9):CD007170. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007170.pub2
  3. [12] Davis PA, Yokoyama W. Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis. J Med Food 2011;14(9):884–9. doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2010.0180
  4. [13] Allen RW, et al. Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Fam Med 2013;11(5):452–9. doi.org/10.1370/afm.1517
  5. [14] Deyno S, et al. Efficacy and safety of cinnamon in type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes patients: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2019;156:107815. doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107815
  6. [15] Romeo GR, et al. Influence of cinnamon on glycemic control in individuals with prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial. J Endocr Soc 2020;4(11):bvaa094. doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaa094
  7. [16] Anderson RA, et al. Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52(1):65–70. doi.org/10.1021/jf034723c
  8. [17] American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025, Section 5 (supplements). Diabetes Care 2025;48(Suppl 1). diabetesjournals.org/care/issue/48/Supplement_1

US regulation (FDA)

  1. [18] FDA. Dietary Supplements. fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements
  2. [19] FDA. Structure/Function Claims. fda.gov · structure/function claims
  3. [20] FDA. Registration of Food Facilities and Other Submissions. fda.gov · facility registration
  4. [21] 21 CFR Part 111, cGMP for dietary supplements. ecfr.gov/current/title-21/part-111
  5. [22] FDA MedWatch: Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting. fda.gov/safety/medwatch
  6. [23] FDA. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements. fda.gov · dietary supplement Q&A

US advertising (FTC)

  1. [24] FTC. Health Products Compliance Guidance (2022). ftc.gov · health products guidance
  2. [25] 16 CFR Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials. ecfr.gov/current/title-16/part-255
  3. [26] 16 CFR Part 465, Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials. ecfr.gov/current/title-16/part-465
  4. [27] 16 CFR Part 233, Guides Against Deceptive Pricing (former-price comparisons). ecfr.gov/current/title-16/part-233
  5. [28] 16 CFR Part 251, Guide Concerning Use of the Word "Free". ecfr.gov/current/title-16/part-251
  6. [29] FTC. Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (subscriptions and free trials). ftc.gov · ROSCA

Origin & international

  1. [30] Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Ceylon Cinnamon and its geographical indication. srilankabusiness.com
  2. [31] European Commission. EU Register of nutrition and health claims. ec.europa.eu · EU Register
  3. [32] UK ASA/CAP. The CAP Code (non-broadcast advertising). asa.org.uk · CAP Code
  4. [33] Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products Database. health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh
  5. [34] Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia). Complementary medicines. tga.gov.au